Recently Re-Registered Bell Helicopter Textron 412EP VH-LWI Ferries North via Gladstone and Mackay Airports

A nice helicopter noted flying North from Redcliffe to Townsville on Wednesday 2 January was recently re-registered Bell Helicopter Textron 412EP VH-LWI.

VH-LWI was noted flying into Gladstone Airport from Redcliffe.  After taking on fuel, it continued to Mackay Airport for another fuel stop before continuing to Townsville where it is pictured above.

The big Bell is registered to Helicorp (Toll Helicopters) but recently the operator details were changed to the Queensland Government (State of Queensland).  This suggests that it may be taking up duties with the Queensland Government (QGAir) Rescue service.

VH-LWI is possibly in Townsville to replace Queensland Government (QGAir) Rescue Bell 412EP helicopter VH-ESB which was noted ferrying South all the way to Mudgee in New South Wales during the middle part of December - see Blog post below.

Of interest, VH-LWI is no stranger to airborne medical retrieval services having operated with Careflight in New South Wales as "Careflight 5".

VH-LWI in full Careflight colours in May 2014  (File photo)

VH-LWI in modified Toll / Careflight colours in September 2013  (File photo)

It appears that VH-LWI may have been at Redcliffe since early 2018 and has perhaps undergone heavy maintenance.

Meanwhile, also over the course of this week, Far North Queensland-based Robinson R66 VH-UVU was noted ferrying South to Southport (and possibly ports further) via Gladstone and Hervey Bay (Fraser Coast) Airports.

Photos taken by 'Shinpow16' and Robert Myers  ©