Some Interesting Civil Helicopters Also Pass Through CQ Airports

As well as the recent military chopper action, some interesting civil helicopter have also been noted passing through Central Queensland Airports heading to various parts seemingly on ferry flights.

On Saturday 2 December, Babcock Mission Critical Services Australasia (formerly Australian Helicopter) Bell 412EP VH-PXY looked to ferry from Coffs Harbour in New South Wales to Mackay Airport at the completion of planned maintenance.  It flew North via fuel stops at Bundaberg and Rockhampton Airports before finishing the day at Mackay.  On Sunday 3 December, VH-PXY continued to ferry North, this time departing Mackay Airport for Townsville, Cairns, Coen and Horn Island.

As previously mentioned, VH-PXY has been operating out of Horn Island in Far North Queensland as “Rescue 700” - as pictured below.  VH-PXY had ferried South from Horn Island to Coffs Harbour via Mackay, Gladstone and Gold Coast Airports in late August.

https://www.instagram.com/callumlgood/

Of interest, fellow Babcock Mission Critical Services Australasia Bell 412EP VH-VAU replaced VH-PXY operating out of Horn Island as "Rescue 700" for a period of time but has since returned to Rockhampton Airport to operate for the locally-based Capricorn Helicopter Rescue Service (CHRS).

I've since discovered that fellow Babcock Mission Critical Services Australasia Agusta AB412 (Bell 412) VH-LSV has also been operating out of Horn Island in more recent weeks also as "Rescue 700".

Meanwhile, spotted on the ground at Mackay Airport early on Saturday 2 December was Eurocopter BO105 DBS-4 helicopter VH-JKX of Flying Wombats Australia / Skyline Aviation of New South Wales.  It had flown into Mackay Airport from the South via Rockhampton Airport the previous day and was later noted flying into Cairns from Townsville on Saturday 2 December.

Also on Saturday 2 December, Airlie Beach-based Robinson R-66 helicopter VH-VRK was also noted passing through Rockhampton Airport heading South.  While on Sunday 3 December, recently registered Townsville-based Aerospatiale AS 350 B2 Squirrel helicopter VH-RDA was also noted flying into Rockhampton Airport but from the South before later continuing to Mackay Airport.

Photo taken by 'AC'  ©