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??

[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.

[rrekn]

Both machines are now performing test flights around Perth

[bigglesbutler]

And they have just advertised for pilots again.

[gulliBell]

Originally Posted by bigglesbutler

And they have just advertised for pilots again.

Really? I spoke to them last week and was told only short-listed applicants were notified, and they'd hired all the pilots they needed.

[heliduck]

https://www.seek.com.au/job/54263858...a-f6c3ec7e620e

[gulliBell]

Well, there you have it. Things must have changed quickly in the past week after they told me they'd hired all the pilots they needed.

[havick]

I’m curious why they picked those machines given the region.

I would’ve thought that some decent used 412EP’s could have been had for similar acquisition cost, but with far more suitable for the area.

[gulliBell]

Exactly, a very weird choice of aircraft. S76C++ would be another option, probably cheaper than a used EC145 also and far more capable.