RAAF Search and Rescue (CHC Helicopters) Agusta AW139 Helicopter VH-SYJ "Choppa 22" Pops into Central-West Airports Heading to Darwin

On Saturday 4 June, CHC Helicopters Australia / Lloyd Helicopters Agusta AW139 helicopter VH-SYJ was noted passing through a couple of Central West Airports while heading from RAAF Base Williamtown to the Northern Territory.

File photo

It was heard to be flying as "Choppa 22" and looked to fly up from Williamtown to Moree, Charleville, Longreach and Mount Isa Airports.

UPDATE!  On Sunday 5 June, VH-SYJ "Choppa 22" continued from Mount Isa to Tennant Creek, RAAF Base Tindal and Darwin.

The Agusta operates for the Royal Australian Air Force (RAAF) in a Search and Rescue (SAR) role by CHC Helicopters / Lloyd Helicopters.

It appears that VH-SYJ is ferrying to the Northern Territory (Darwin) in a support role for deployed RAAF fast jets participating in Exercise Diamond Storm 22.

Photo taken by Steve Vit  ©