New South Wales Rural Fire Service (Coulson Aviation - Australia) Bell Helicopter Textron Canada 412EP VH-UCH "Helitack 206" Passes Through CQ Airports Heading to Cairns Floods - Plus More!

On Monday 18 December, State of New South Wales - Represented by the NSW Rural Fire Service / Coulson Aviation (Australia) Bell Helicopter Textron Canada 412EP helicopter VH-UCH as 'HT206' / "Helitack 206" flew up from Coffs Harbour to Townsville via Rockhampton Airport and Mackay Airport where it was photographed below.

It is believed that VH-UCH "Helitack 206" is heading to Far North Queensland to assist with recovery from the serious flooding which has inundated the Cairns region following the passing of Tropical Cyclone Jasper. As these photos taken by Hinterland Aviation show, Cairns Airport is closed and parts of the Aerodrome itself are under water.

It is also believed that Nautilus Aviation Bell Helicopter Textron Canada 412EP helicopter VH-ZVP "Rescue 901" is also heading back to Cairns, flying up from the South and noted passing through Gladstone Airport and Mackay Airport and then also onwards to Townsville.

While also noted flying around the Cairns region was the locally-based Queensland Government (QGAir) Rescue Agusta AW139 helicopter VH-EZJ "Rescue 510".

Plus out local Clermont-based Bush Heli-Services (in conjunction with Longreach operator Queensland Helicopters) Bell 206L-4 LongRanger IV VH-8BH was also seen in the area.

Hope for a quick flood recovery and that Cairns residents and businesses can get back on their feet quickly!

Photos taken by Josh Mackaway  ©