Royal New Zealand Air Force (RNZAF) NH Industries NH90 Helicopter NZ3307 "KIW278' Finally Departs Rockhampton Airport

On Friday 26 September, the other Royal New Zealand Air Force (RNZAF) NH Industries NH90 helicopter that arrived into Rockhampton Airport last weekend departed to RAAF Base Amberley at the start of its mammoth journey back to New Zealand.

After arriving from Townsville last Saturday 20 September, NH90 NZ3307 suffered a technical problem and was unable to depart.  But following maintenance work, including the delivery of spares from an RNZAF Lockheed C-130J Hercules transport aircraft, NZ3307 was finally able to depart as 'KIW278' and join fellow No. 3 Squadron NH90 NZ3306 at Amberley.

Both helicopters then continued to Coffs Harbour in New South Wales - NZ3306 as 'KIW291' and NZ3307 as 'KIW278'.

UPDATE!  Over the weekend, both NH90s departed Coffs Harbour for Lord Howe Island and Norfolk Island before continuing across the ditch back to New Zealand and land at RNZAF Base Auckland.

Sincere thanks to local plane spotter John L for taking the time to capture and send through these great photos!

All photos taken by John Lee  ©