RAAF Search and Rescue (CHC Helicopters) Agusta AW139 Helicopter VH-SYV "Choppa 81" Pops into CQ Airports

During the afternoon on Tuesday 10 December, CHC Helicopters Australia / Lloyd Helicopters Agusta AW139 helicopter VH-SYV was noted passing through some Central Queensland Airports while heading to RAAF Base Amberley at the conclusion of a ferry flight from RAAF Base Tindal in the Northern Territory.

Robert Myers / https://commons.wikimedia.org/

VH-SYV had departed Tindal at the start of the week and flew into Alice Springs via Tennant Creek on Monday 9 December.  It then flew across to Boulia, Longreach, Charleville and Roma Airports before continuing to Amberley.  VH-SYV was heard to use the radio callsign of "Choppa 81".

UPDATE!  It appears that VH-SYV "Choppa 81" spent the night at Roma Airport with it noted departing there for Amberley early on Wednesday 11 December.

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

Of interest, fellow CHC Helicopters Australia / Lloyd Helicopters Agusta AW139 helicopter VH-SYJ  appears to be still at Townsville where it provided support for the RAAF's recently completed Exercise High Sierra.  VH-SYJ - as "Choppa 42" - had flown North to Townsville from Amberley via Rockhampton Airport in mid-November.

RAAF Canadair Challenger 604 Bizjet A37-003 "Regent 94" Brings PM Turnbull to Boulia Airport

Perhaps a little out of the way, but on Wednesday 6 June, a regional tour to drought affected communities by Australian Prime Minister Malcolm Turnbull saw him arrive into Boulia Airport on board Royal Australian Air Force (RAAF) Canadair CL-600-2B16 Challenger 604 bizjet A37-003 "Regent 94".

Operated by the RAAF's VIP 34 Squadron in Canberra, The Challenger was noted visiting Blackall and Charleville Airports on Tuesday 5 June and it is believed that A37-003 arrived into Boulia Airport from Charleville Airport.

It is also believed that fellow RAAF Challenger 604 bizjet A37-001 "Wisdom 93" also visited Charleville Airport on Tuesday 5 June.

Once his engagements were complete, PM Turnbull departed Boulia Airport for Brisbane and then Canberra with A37-003 again flying as "Regent 94".

Sincere thanks to Longreach plane spotter Greg W for taking the time to capture and send through these great photos!

All photos taken by Greg Weir  ©