RAAF Search and Rescue (CHC Helicopters) Sikorsky S-76A VH-LHZ Departs Rockhampton Airport

On Thursday 31 May, Royal Australian Air Force (RAAF) Search and Rescue (SAR) Sikorsky S-76A helicopter VH-LHZ was noted departing Rockhampton Airport for good, heading to RAAF Base Amberley via a fuel stop at Bundaberg Airport.  It was heard to be using the radio callsign of "Choppa 42".

VH-LHZ arrives into Rockhampton Airport as "Choppa 41" two weeks ago  (File photo)

VH-LHZ arrived into Rocky over a fortnight ago in support of the three visiting RAAF Pilatus PC-9/A Forward Air Command (FAC) aircraft which were deployed to Rockhampton Airport to participate in a land/sea joint military exercise in the Shoalwater Bay Training Area (SWBTA).  It it believed that VH-LHZ had a very quiet time, not departing Rockhampton Airport once during its two-week stay!

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.

Photo taken by Kayanne Hardsman  ©