Anxious moments????
Heard on BNE CTR early this morning, two S-70's (call-signs "9M Combine" and "9M Combine 2") heading for LRE when ATC asked them if they had notams on LRE, particularly the one about 04/22 closed for works. Answer was a negative but they appeared to soldier on towards their destination despite the controller mentioning the closure several times and the reduced EOL for 09/27. When someone pointed out that 09/27 hasn't any lights there was shortly later a request for first light, then later advice that they would hold until then for landing. (First light was some 2hr 40 away.) A little later a request for info re lights/serviceability on Taroom. Finally an amendment of a diversion to Barcaldine. The voices sounded a little anxious throughout these latter transmissions. Haven't heard anything more so I assume they landed at YBAR ok.
Certainly sounds like flight planning and preparation was lacking, to say the least.
So, who knows what these aircraft were doing out-and-about in the wee hours - a delivery flight, perhaps.