'New' Babcock Mission Critical Services Australasia Agusta S.P.A. AW139 Helicopter VH-YXR for Capricorn Helicopter Rescue Service (CHRS) Spotted at Rockhampton Airport

On Sunday 4 July, 'new' Capricorn Helicopter Rescue Service (CHRS) (Babcock Mission Critical Services Australasia) Agusta S.P.A. AW139 Helicopter VH-YXR was spotted as it continued to complete test and familiarisation flights out of Rockhampton Airport. 

VH-YXR had ferried up from Redcliffe late on Thursday 1 July and has completed local flights out of and back to Rockhampton Airport in days since.

On Saturday 3 July, it became the 16th helicopter to land on the Rockhampton Base Hospital heli-pad.

Of interest, the AW139 chopper was imported to Australia and registered as VH-YXR late in 2020.  It previously operated as C-GLPI for the Canadian Ambulance Services STARS (Shock Trauma Air Rescue Society) Stars Aviation.

Dave Subelack / https://flickr.com/

Also on Sunday 4 July, VH-YXR was photographed alongside fellow Babcock Mission Critical Services Australasia Agusta AB412 (Bell 412) VH-LSV which has also been completing local flights out of Rockhampton Airport and back in recent days.

The current Capricorn Helicopter Rescue Service (CHRS) (Babcock Mission Critical Services Australasia) Bell 412EP VH-EPR continues to complete medical evacuation flights from Rockhampton Airport as "Rescue 300".

The AW139 is a nice addition to the Central Queensland aviation scene!

Sincere thanks to local photographer Steve V for allow us to share these great photos!

Photos taken by Steve Vit  ©