HYDROPILOTS - Helicopter 2

Our plan worked. Operating as a Private Category operation (after taking on CASA with a Q.C. !) enabled us to build up funds and buy a twin engine helicopter; an Agusta 109C. Now we could get our Air Operators Certificate as a Charter Operator (Mackay Helicopters) and run IFR charter. It was a big step.

We found VH-NEC in Sydney and she was immediately upgraded with radar, upgraded comms and navionics, etc.

It was a big day when she arrived at our new hangar in Mackay. She was pulled down again, put on a tilt tray and stripped and repainted in a truck booth. Very smart: pearl white, which ‘chameleon’ paint which changed from green to blue.

(BTW - AGUSTA make two things - fast motorcycles, and fast helicopters - I was pretty happy!)

Fitting radar, marine radios and upgraded avionics in Bankstown.

Some complex items in there. Blades can move forward and back as they rotate.

Auto everything and voice commands in dozens of different languages - great toy!

Arriving at our hangar in Mackay, from Sydney - very exciting day. It was a big purchase for us.

Coming back after being stripped and repainted in a truck booth

Bit nerve wracking - fair amount of money hanging on that hook!!

Blades move front and back as they rotate - for speed - always looks strange when parked as the rotor blades don't 'line up' ?

We now need a new hangar - its only money!

on the job.

Looks great with the gear tucked away !

Two birds at rest

Entered into the Mackay Custom car show - won first prize as 'best painted helicopter' !

In the middle of the city centre - looked impressive!

We won a contract for the Tiger Attack helicopter pilots to get their civilian licenses.One stopped off on its way thru