January 2016 Noteworthy Movements - Discussion & Photos

[Moderator]

Please post questions / comments / pictures relating to January Noteworthy Movements (http://www.yssyforum.net/board/showthread.php?t=10854) here.

[Robert.M]

Heligroup Fire LLC (N947CH) Billings Flying Service, Inc CH-47D, operated by United Aero as Helitack 279, at Wagga Wagga Airport
https://farm2.staticflickr.com/1590/23474968383_1485d283e2_c.jpg (https://flic.kr/p/BLpmfc)

Also of note was Erickson Air-Crane "Olga" (N6962R) Sikorsky S-64E calling though arriving at about 5:00PM and departing at about 5:50PM for BWU.

AJJ and AJG (note this has had the one engine removed) Not the best photo (due to the poor light from the cloud cover and storms)
https://farm2.staticflickr.com/1537/23734116969_cda901bbbe_c.jpg (https://flic.kr/p/Caiy6g)

[Grahame Hutchison]

Great to catch the Chinook Robert

[Robert.M]

Thanks! Almost fell out of my chair when I looked at my VRS (which I took offline during Christmas and only put it back online just before New Year's day). Had two issues, one was light and the other was a near by thunderstorm. Spent 8 hours at the AP today, hoping it would be departing back towards SYD but not the case.

Edit: Turns out it will be based here for the next few weeks

VRS yesterday (thumbnails clickable).
https://farm2.staticflickr.com/1590/24039020971_608c200bbd_n.jpg (https://c2.staticflickr.com/2/1590/24039020971_83a06cb5e8_o.png)
https://farm2.staticflickr.com/1683/24039022831_2463ee7180_n.jpg (https://c2.staticflickr.com/2/1683/24039022831_75c8ab3cdd_o.png)

https://farm6.staticflickr.com/5659/24038990041_a8ddbce5d9_c.jpg (https://flic.kr/p/CCf7ex)
https://farm6.staticflickr.com/5759/24013500832_3256189fcc_c.jpg (https://flic.kr/p/CzZtbq)

Though did get to see this amateur built Steen Skybolt call in for fuel, heading south to its new owner.
https://farm6.staticflickr.com/5664/23494770943_c88e563f11_c.jpg (https://flic.kr/p/BN9QRD)
https://farm2.staticflickr.com/1607/23753793459_d98ed53ee8_c.jpg (https://flic.kr/p/Cc3pe6)

[Greg Hyde]

Is that the first civil Chinook to operate in Aus ?

[Robert.M]

Sure is! Also nicknamed "Big Linda".

https://farm2.staticflickr.com/1605/23769911489_e3ffce969d_c.jpg (https://flic.kr/p/Cdt1ya)

Fitted with two Lycoming T55-GA-714A engines
https://farm2.staticflickr.com/1546/24028451012_6df4fa3103_c.jpg (https://flic.kr/p/CBj6m9)
https://farm6.staticflickr.com/5654/23509552594_e275003d71_c.jpg (https://flic.kr/p/BPsAVG)

[Greg Hyde]

Nice Shots, Robert.

Sydney is wet, hopefully it will head south.

How does the Chinook compare to the SkyCranes in water lifting capacity ?

[Robert.M]

This Chinook has a 2,000 (US) gallon bambi bucket, which works out to be around 7,500 litres. S-64E tank holds around 2,300 (US) gallons, which converts to 9,000 litres (http://www.rfs.nsw.gov.au/news-and-media/ministerial-media-releases/gypsy-lady,-southern-belle-ready-to-protect-nsw) [though National Aerial Firefighting Centre has 7,560 litres (https://s3-ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/nafc-web-docs/Publications/2015+Fleet+Booklet+FINAL+v007.pdf)]. While it holds less water, the CH-47D has a better fuel burn (can stay in the for air longer) and the bambi bucket also has four pumps, so it can use water sources of any depth.

There is another (N948CH) that is owned by Helifire Group that has internal tank(s) with a suction hose but unsure on the capacity.

[Grahame Hutchison]

Nice to get up close with the Chinook Robert !

[MarkR]

While it holds less water, the CH-47D has a better fuel burn (can stay in the for air longer) and the bambi bucket also has four pumps, so it can use water sources of any depth.

There is another (N948CH) that is owned by Helifire Group that has internal tank(s) with a suction hose but unsure on the capacity.

As I mentioned when she arrived, she also travels a lot quicker than the sky crane. The Lorne skycrane I also noted was operating with a Bambi which may have been due to the location.

[David O.]

Anyone know what QF1576 VH-NXE is doing? They're doing holding patterns at FL120 just off Sydney, after taking off for SYD-HVB.

[Robert.M]

Nice to get up close with the Chinook Robert !
It was! First time I've been up and close with any Chinook, have seen them in the air but that's it.

As I mentioned when she arrived, she also travels a lot quicker than the sky crane. The Lorne skycrane I also noted was operating with a Bambi which may have been due to the location.
Yes that as well. Spotted some footage of that, quite likely the case.

Anyone know what QF1576 VH-NXE is doing? They're doing holding patterns at FL120 just off Sydney, after taking off for SYD-HVB.
Returned to SYD, so burning off fuel. Only two reasons for that, one is medical and the other is a tech issue.

[Robert.M]

Lloyd Helicopters VH-VAB Bell 412EP (ex Ambulance Victoria HELIMED1/HEMS2) arrived at Wagga this morning. Was towed into the Douglas Hangar.

https://farm2.staticflickr.com/1602/24055413372_e9e33abd6f_c.jpg (https://flic.kr/p/CDGhjq)

[MarkR]

Lloyd Helicopters VH-VAB Bell 412EP (ex Ambulance Victoria HELIMED1/HEMS2) arrived at Wagga this morning. Was towed into the Douglas Hangar.

https://farm2.staticflickr.com/1602/24055413372_e9e33abd6f_c.jpg (https://flic.kr/p/CDGhjq)

End of an era with the 412's operating the service for just over thirty years at LTV as Helimed1. VH-VAB's predecessor, the ex NSCA VH-NSP operated what was probably the most notable mission, the rescue of sailors from the yacht Winston Churchill during the 1998 Sydney to Hobart.

[Jacob L]

Bit late, but NXE has just come out of Heavy Maintenance in Canberra. Apparently it had a problem and returned to SYD. YQT is now in for its Check

[Paul F]

End of an era with the 412's operating the service for just over thirty years at LTV as Helimed1. VH-VAB's predecessor, the ex NSCA VH-NSP operated what was probably the most notable mission, the rescue of sailors from the yacht Winston Churchill during the 1998 Sydney to Hobart.Another familiar sound gone from the skies over Melbourne,many a time I was woken up in the middle of the night to the sound of these passing overhead to the Alfred Hospital, along with the Vicpol Dauphin C models they will be missed.

[Robert.M]

End of an era with the 412's operating the service for just over thirty years at LTV as Helimed1.
NSW will be in the same boat next year, CareFlight VH-LWI (NETS), SouthCare VH-NSC along with VH-NSP (SC back-up) will be replaced by the AW139 operated by Toll. Would be interesting to see who will be still operating B412 for medical purposes (unsure what QLD, TAS, SA and WA operate).

Another familiar sound gone from the skies over Melbourne,many a time I was woken up in the middle of the night to the sound of these passing overhead to the Alfred Hospital, along with the Vicpol Dauphin C models they will be missed.
Common sound in Wagga as well, even when it landed on the Duke of Kent Oval helipad. Though hear it more with the test landing they did the other morning on the new hospital's helipad.

[MarkR]

NSW will be in the same boat next year, CareFlight VH-LWI (NETS), SouthCare VH-NSC along with VH-NSP (SC back-up) will be replaced by the AW139 operated by Toll. Would be interesting to see who will be still operating B412 for medical purposes (unsure what QLD, TAS, SA and WA operate).

I think Careflights 412s will be around for a little while in QLD.

Wonder what will happen to NSP, she should end up in a museum given her long history here, she even carried the POPE as her first mission in South America before being sold to the NSCA. The NSCA pilot who delivered her to LTV from Bell Brisbane (Ray Dousset) was coincidently the person who came up with the Helimed callsign, he was one of the initial pilots flying first the Hughes 500s, and later the longranger VH-BJY (big bird) before the popemobile was aquired.

http://i827.photobucket.com/albums/zz195/mark_roberts13/image_zpsxo7cdvom.jpeg

http://i827.photobucket.com/albums/zz195/mark_roberts13/image_zps94srpgvr.jpeg

[Brian Noldt]

Believe QF63 (VH_OJS) carried a spare engine today and will be going via Perth as a result. OJU is still in JNB awaiting an engine change.

Further to Mark's post, this appears in 9News.com
Interesting that the last time an extra engine carried was 2011

http://www.9news.com.au/Technology/2016/01/07/01/50/Qantas-747-takes-off-from-Sydney-with-extra-engine-on-wing

[Mark Grima]

And from QANTAS' roo tales blog

http://www.qantasnewsroom.com.au/roo-tales/that-time-when-we-strapped-an-extra-engine-on-to-a-jumbo/

Cheers

M

[Rowan McKeever]

Are both OJS & OJU still in JNB at this time?

[Grahame Hutchison]

DHL Air operated Boeing B757-236 /F G-BMRI made a quick stop over in Sydney for a change of crew, and to take on fuel for the next hop to
Auckland. Today's flight originated in Singapore as DHK001P, and G-BMRI will be replacing the normal aircraft VH-TCA, which is currently undergoing
maintenance.

If you prefer "moving pictures" here is a short video of DHL's B-757-236/F G-BMRI departing Runway 16R for Auckland.

Watch Video (https://youtu.be/AIIZe6_GKgg)

http://www.16right.com/Aircraft-Images/displayimage.php?image=G-BMRI D300-20160107-006.jpg

http://www.16right.com/Aircraft-Images/displayimage.php?image=G-BMRI D300-20160107-009.jpg

http://www.16right.com/Aircraft-Images/displayimage.php?image=G-BMRI D300-20160107-011.jpg

http://www.16right.com/Aircraft-Images/displayimage.php?image=G-BMRI D300-20160107-048.jpg

http://www.16right.com/Aircraft-Images/displayimage.php?image=G-BMRI D300-20160107-058.jpg

http://www.16right.com/Aircraft-Images/displayimage.php?image=G-BMRI D300-20160107-065.jpg

[John Thoroughgood]

Love the B757 in this livery Grahame. Many thanks for sharing.

[Michael Johnson]

Just wondering if anyone has an update on Chinook N947CH as to whether it is still in Wagga or has deployed back to Camden in light of change in weather this week. Looking at a road trip to get a shot this weekend and just need to know whether to head North or South.

[Grahame Hutchison]

Qantas B747-400 VH-OJU returned home yesterday afternoon from Johannesburg, now with the replacement engine that was shipped over as a 5th Pod
on VH-OJS. The engine problem turned this QFA63/QFA64D service into a four day return trip. Possibly the Number 4 engine was the replacement, as it
has the triangular QF logo in a different location to the other three engines.

http://www.16right.com/Aircraft-Images/displayimage.php?image=VH-OJU D300-20160108-084.jpg

http://www.16right.com/Aircraft-Images/displayimage.php?image=VH-OJU D300-20160108-086.jpg

http://www.16right.com/Aircraft-Images/displayimage.php?image=VH-OJU D300-20160108-088.jpg

http://www.16right.com/Aircraft-Images/displayimage.php?image=VH-OJU D300-20160108-091.jpg

Jetstar A320 Captain: What took you so long ?
http://www.16right.com/Aircraft-Images/displayimage.php?image=VH-OJU D300-20160108-093.jpg


"The Tail and the Tower", best selling novel, no, just UPS in closeup with Sydney's ATC Tower. The MD-11 tail is so unique and a thing of beauty. Note
the massive elevator dihedral in the nose on shot, it also looks like the pilots have the control column hard back. UPS quoted my tweet of these images
on Twitter, saying "Great pics of UPS's first MD-11. Thanks for sharing". Their first MD-11, a little piece of trivia I didn't know.

http://www.16right.com/Aircraft-Images/displayimage.php?image=N250UP D300-20160108-054.jpg

http://www.16right.com/Aircraft-Images/displayimage.php?image=N250UP D300-20160108-038.jpg

http://www.16right.com/Aircraft-Images/displayimage.php?image=N250UP D300-20160108-041.jpg

http://www.16right.com/Aircraft-Images/displayimage.php?image=N250UP D300-20160108-043.jpg

http://www.16right.com/Aircraft-Images/displayimage.php?image=N250UP D300-20160108-046.jpg

http://www.16right.com/Aircraft-Images/displayimage.php?image=N250UP D300-20160108-053.jpg

[Nathan Long]

Grahame,

The whole horizontal stabilizer moves as part of the elevator trim.

[Grahame Hutchison]

Thanks Nathan, I was just a little surprised that it would be trimmed that far back for landing - you can actually see the angle better in the first two profile shots as its vacating the runway (and basically back to neutral on Taxiway Alpha). I will keep an eye out for some other MD-11 landings for comparison.

[George G]

Awesome shots once again Grahame. I was actually spotting from Swamp Road for the arrival. Same view from the rear end.

[Nathan Long]

Grahame,

A couple of others with large trim:

http://www.jetphotos.net/photo/8175507
http://www.jetphotos.net/photo/8166553

[Greg Hyde]

New SAABS

Last 2 REX S340B have made it onto the register

ZXG S.A.A.B. AIRCRAFT CO 340B 340B-402 11/01/2016 REGIONAL EXPRESS
ZXK S.A.A.B. AIRCRAFT CO 340B 340B-420 11/01/2016 REGIONAL EXPRESS

Is ZXG still in Wagga ?

[Robert.M]

Is ZXG still in Wagga ?
Sure is, just over a week ago, it was still wearing the same paint scheme (black tail with a little bit of original logo) it arrived. Been unable to visit the ap in the last week.

N947CH did a crew change over last Tuesday afternoon [12th] (missed it flying with the brumby bucket) and departed Wagga last Wednesday [13th] morning and headed to Mansfield, Vic.

[Greg Hyde]

Sure is, just over a week ago, it was still wearing the same paint scheme (black tail with a little bit of original logo) it arrived.

Thanks Robert,

I would expect that it would eventually head south to ADL for pre-entry into service

[Robert.M]

Looks like it had an engine run on the 14th.
https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/xzp8rqtHCozaH8EoKLoOcYnJtE2nyOpMZCykWNF9hspkbNOr7V M2xvKXaXs_Ip8lME3zEkHFQpxb0sZwI3OHW1ZF1Y7_7v6py8O5 tFr6yK7XWFL-4QoBth5nWOyn-kDC6JwTCChks8PeORdg4xRU_h36PmROmoo7SuYbZkK4h4FvBPR lX0zgX5QceZE1H3GMlIHo5Ry-S0EA9ZCMyCQ5uuma5mFuaNvpQ-evzub3j0UizRsCvwx7VsUvSVXrNDnw_qrkcL61Rg9xXhCmnzoa pPd4UEl7yiFu9JNS7RJVcCYWf7zAABu6Vw6TNUExU4D3YGnhFa KpPZirQaCgbn2RjU1VugGQy3NfAiaBDQvrbuta1uNHsXRUP4HC Zu1uvrmZxD3nCb8EPO9gkvB_obFoPrCZGjaidGoiQgzLGv6S53 kZt_E5Xbt8pyE-_sDoQX2g84jTGAVgT47PAVahBaRCRvr_AXH95cfB4A9mV8tdd_ CatA1nnVI0UhgqUYkLY-4GWuCOzkFwfXT9gH8doQ2EAlri0XNAWryNGjPmbtQ-UKKJMb2OwvYEHypKpZWFOf7xBz_I=w618-h314-no

Nothing showing up for VH-ZXG/7C81D2.

[Grahame Hutchison]

Nothing for 7C81D2 on our ADS-B either Robert.

[Robert.M]

ZXG is still in Wagga (now over near the Maintenance hangars) and still as is (old rego and what's left of the livery).