Allan L,
Yup, 5 heavies: all from overseas, which is what the thread is about
: heavies? Australia's only heavies are Johnnie Mac's 214B's, which don't figure into DSE's equations any more because JM is his own man, and sees the little empire builder as what he is. Thus, no work for a local owner/operator
(ps the 214's are N reg, so he's able to operate on the CONUS, but not here!!!).
The largest VH Helitak are 412's, classified mediums. CWN in Victoria is a waste of space, DSE Air Desk would rather eat their young than call on non contract aircraft; I've known them tell CFA that there are no air assets available when fires are uncontrolled, yet up to 4 CWN mediums have been ready and willing. PM me for dates and times if you want.
The Victorian State Aircraft Unit isn't just a DSE operation - it's actually a DSE-CFA joint facility
A joint facility to which the CFA have very little input, and get what they're given by the Air Desk: usually very little, and too late
