Bankstown Today

Grahame Hutchison · #1 21st December 2008, 01:36 PM

One of the new Agusta AW139s from the Ambulance Service of NSW was on the apron as I taxied out, however it was gone when I returned and was scouting around with the camera. The second AW139 was in the hanger without the rotor blades fitted. Maybe a photograph next time.

N194AC One of two Erickson Air-Cranes parked just south of the T Hangers.

The second Erickson Air-Crane parked just south of the T Hangers. Note the Catalina is parked on the grass directly ahead of this Skycrane.

VH-HVK AS.350B HeliAust

VH-PAC SIAI-MARCHETTI S.P.A. SM-1019

N178AC ? The third Erickson Air-Crane doing some test flights this morning, taking off, completing a quick orbit and then landing again. This shot
shows how far out the cockpit bubble windows protrude from the fuselage.

N178AC ? The third Erickson Air-Crane doing some test flights this morning, taking off, completing a quick orbit and then landing again.

N178AC ? The third Erickson Air-Cran doing some test flights this morning, taking off, completing a quick orbit and then landing again.

VH-EPH Bell 412EP Ambulance Service Of NSW

Mick B · #2 21st December 2008, 03:14 PM

Off topic:

I haven't been to Bankstown in 3 or 4 years but I'm astounded at the size of that Toll warehouse.

Where is that located? On the southern side of the field where the big bunnings warehouse is? Was a bit hard to tell from the photos.

Grahame Hutchison · #3 21st December 2008, 03:16 PM

Mick, The Toll facility is on the northern side of the Runway 29 threshold. From Google Earth, the red oval below is the Toll building under
construction and the Skycranes are currently parked in the two red circles above Toll. Bunnings is at the bottom of this image. I was
taking the photograph from Taxiway Delta off the top of this image looking towards the bottom of the image.

Brian Wilkes · #4 21st December 2008, 03:42 PM

Grahame is it a good idea taking photos in and around Bankstown yes or no?

Grahame Hutchison · #5 21st December 2008, 04:15 PM

Hi Brian,

I have not had any problems with the Bankstown security staff, most times I take photographs I have been out flying and wearing my ASICS card. If I am not flying I pick my times and places for a shot, quite often using a three step ladder over the fence. Some times I just walk around the hangers, and staff will often invite you in for a look around, especially for restoration work like the DC-3.

Many of the fences are not high and quite often you can get away without a ladder. More recently there have been some interesting aricraft around.

Brian Wilkes · #6 21st December 2008, 04:20 PM

Thanks mate want to see if I can get some of the Metros and or Con Air's around the place?

Dan Collins · #7 22nd December 2008, 08:42 AM

Thanks for the photos Grahame, there were two Skycranes near Schoey's on Saturday and one parked near Aerospace Aviation/Whitworth Aviation as well. I think my father took some photos out there.

The big Catalina was also parked within viewing distance from the Schofield's clubhouse. I haven't seen his photos yet, but will take a look and see about posting some up if anyone's interested.

Dan