S-58T in Australia ?
Join Date: Nov 2001
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Not exactly sure but I think the Helitrans S58T's were PNG registered. I was at the Turama River base in PNG mid 70's and seem to remember that they had 2 x S58T models and one S58 C model there contracted to Oilsearch (bit foggy on the number of machines). They must have been able to carry passengers because they used them for crew changes as well as slinging drill rigs and heavy equipment around. The C model was very rarely flown or didnt fly much when I was there anyway. They had some Jetrangers and a Lama there as well, some of which were Australian registered. Must have been around the time of PNG indepence with the mix of PNG and Oz registered machines!
Wally Watkins, Wayne Knight, Rick Howell, Blair Weaver, Tony Silver are some of the names that come to mind. Peter Manktello was there as well in the early days! There were others but I can't remember them all. I owe a debt of gratitude to those Helitrans guys at Turama River who inspired and encouraged me to go on and get my helicopter licence that led to a great career that I would'nt have changed for anything.
Wally Watkins, Wayne Knight, Rick Howell, Blair Weaver, Tony Silver are some of the names that come to mind. Peter Manktello was there as well in the early days! There were others but I can't remember them all. I owe a debt of gratitude to those Helitrans guys at Turama River who inspired and encouraged me to go on and get my helicopter licence that led to a great career that I would'nt have changed for anything.
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The old brain cells are working hard to remember all those names but some of it is coming back now!! I seem to recall Vic Barkell and Laddie Hendley flying at Turama River as well for a short while but that may have been before the S58's arrived.
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Arfa? yep.
I think I remember him, 12K hours, twelve inches of pony tail, 12 kids, an drum roll,12 prangs? that the one????
I certainly remember one of his prangs where his passenger reckoned that he was about three yards out and running afore he remembered the seat belt. M/R blades were by this time about three feet long. A Grenadier Gaurdsman, is that correct?
The good old '47, can't beat them.
John Hurrell was another who would, -- 'turn up' -- with spare sticks and 'just love to go checking', very highly respected.
Also from that era, Ernie Howlett, got his 20k'th hour in our prescence, (i think about 1973) 2 of which were rotary, at that time, of his 18 f/w. he had flown with Frank Minjoy in super sabres in RCAF, then a LOT of Catalina time doing magnetic work on the Ganges, after first starting work as an underground Leccy in Mt Isa mines in the fifties. Is he still around?? must dig up all my old copies of 'Airfast News' mags.
I think I remember him, 12K hours, twelve inches of pony tail, 12 kids, an drum roll,12 prangs? that the one????
I certainly remember one of his prangs where his passenger reckoned that he was about three yards out and running afore he remembered the seat belt. M/R blades were by this time about three feet long. A Grenadier Gaurdsman, is that correct?The good old '47, can't beat them.
John Hurrell was another who would, -- 'turn up' -- with spare sticks and 'just love to go checking', very highly respected.
Also from that era, Ernie Howlett, got his 20k'th hour in our prescence, (i think about 1973) 2 of which were rotary, at that time, of his 18 f/w. he had flown with Frank Minjoy in super sabres in RCAF, then a LOT of Catalina time doing magnetic work on the Ganges, after first starting work as an underground Leccy in Mt Isa mines in the fifties. Is he still around?? must dig up all my old copies of 'Airfast News' mags.
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Mmmm ...
Toppy ...
You forgot "Arfur's" (nicotine stained) fingernails just a bit shorter than his hair ... as I remember .... yep thats the one (thank God there was only one ... Ha Ha!).
Toppy ...
You forgot "Arfur's" (nicotine stained) fingernails just a bit shorter than his hair ... as I remember .... yep thats the one (thank God there was only one ... Ha Ha!).
wow...this thread bought back memories...
Nigel...how the hell are you ?
Is Frank Hillier still alive ? I had an email from DSW (not the Dave Whyte of Turama River fame but the Dave Whyte of OHAL) Anyhow Dave was trying to make contact with Frank without success.
Also anyone know where Phil Smith is these days ?
I am still ""languishing"" in U Tapao , Thailand. Just did a stint down the Antarctic.....
sorry , this is getting off thread.
I left Helitrans just before the S58's arrived. Dumb decision. It cud have been fun flying the 58 altho having come off Wessex 31B's in the Navy , I was none too interested at the time. Wud have got me in to M/E a bit earlier.
Cheers to all
Peter
Nigel...how the hell are you ?
Is Frank Hillier still alive ? I had an email from DSW (not the Dave Whyte of Turama River fame but the Dave Whyte of OHAL) Anyhow Dave was trying to make contact with Frank without success.
Also anyone know where Phil Smith is these days ?
I am still ""languishing"" in U Tapao , Thailand. Just did a stint down the Antarctic.....
sorry , this is getting off thread.
I left Helitrans just before the S58's arrived. Dumb decision. It cud have been fun flying the 58 altho having come off Wessex 31B's in the Navy , I was none too interested at the time. Wud have got me in to M/E a bit earlier.
Cheers to all
Peter
