RAAF Search and Rescue (CHC Helicopters) Sikorsky S-76A VH-LHZ Flys into Rockhampton Airport via Gladstone - Plus More Photos of RAAF C-130J Hercules A97-465 and RAAF PC-9s A23-020 & A23-022 Arriving on Saturday

On Sunday 13 May, Royal Australian Air Force (RAAF) Search and Rescue (SAR) Sikorsky S-76A helicopter VH-LHZ was spotted arriving into Rockhampton Airport from RAAF Base Amberley via a fuel stop at Gladstone Airport.  It was heard to be using the radio callsign of "Choppa 41".

It is believed that VH-LHZ has arrived into Rocky in support of the two RAAF Pilatus PC-9/A Forward Air Command (FAC) aircraft which arrived the previous day.

Local plane spotter Scott H was also on hand at Rockhampton Airport on Saturday 12 May as the two PC-9s - A23-020 and A23-022 - which are both flown by the RAAFs Number 4 Squadron (Forward Air Control), arrived from RAAF Base Williamtown.

Scott also captured some photos earlier on Saturday 12 May as fellow RAAF Lockheed C-130J-30 Hercules transport aircraft A97-465 visited Rockhampton Airport with personnel and equipment from RAAF Base Richmond as "Trojan 20".

Of interest, VH-LHZ is owned by Lloyd Helicopters and operated by CHC Helicopters Australia, and is one of a number of choppers used for RAAF Search and Rescue jobs.

Sincere thanks to local plane spotters Kayanne H and Scott H for taking the time to capture and send through these great photos of some great RAAF visitors to Rockhampton Airport over the weekend!

Photos taken by Kayanne Hardsman and Scott Harris  ©