RFDS West helo ops

[havick]

Rumor has it RFDS western section is putting together their own helo ops in Jandakot and Brooke for IHT’s.

[Kulwin Park]

Sounds a bit strange. Why don't they just put a tender out for it with experienced operators like Babcock, Bristow, CHC, Toll, etc??

[TKFS]

https://www.flyingdoctor.org.au/wa/n...flying-doctor/

[havick]

Originally Posted by Kulwin Park

Sounds a bit strange. Why don't they just put a tender out for it with experienced operators like Babcock, Bristow, CHC, Toll, etc??

Careflight operates both so why not do it on their own?

[Manifold Pressure]

wonder what equipment they're looking at? B412s?

[Kiwiconehead]

Originally Posted by Manifold Pressure

wonder what equipment they're looking at? B412s?

EC145 - two existing aeromed units sourced - one from Germany

[Kulwin Park]

I wonder if they will retrofit the 5-bladed option the those EC145s? The WA Police will also have the new EC145 with it too.

[Manifold Pressure]

Wonder if they'll both be based at YPJT or one there and one at Broome etc.

[havick]

Originally Posted by Kulwin Park

I wonder if they will retrofit the 5-bladed option the those EC145s? The WA Police will also have the new EC145 with it too.

Only if the ones they purchase are D2’s

[gulliBell]

Originally Posted by Kulwin Park

Sounds a bit strange. Why don't they just put a tender out for it with experienced operators like Babcock, Bristow, CHC, Toll, etc??

Owning their own aircraft, pilots and maintenance is most likely the most cost effective and operationally flexible option. Why pay a contractor to do what is essentially your core business?

[nowherespecial]

Any one know if it's EC145 or H145? Big difference in costs between an older BK/ EC variant of the 145 and the newer 'H' variants.

[rrekn]

They are EC145s (BK117 C-2s), early models too.

[nowherespecial]

Thanks RREKN.

[Al Fentanyl]

Excellent news. Hopefully the other RFDS sections will follow the lead.