WA Radio Scanner Users' Group

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jasonjag wrote:

Turbo wrote:I heard on the news they have stopped using the fixed wing aircraft to do shark patrols over the beach as most of the pilots have been snapped up by the mining boom. The Lifesaving heli looks like it is going to take over patrols...

But they went on to say it would be far too exspensive to use a chopper, especially one that big, jj

ECU students fly the shark patrolls, there will be fixed wings around

Ah yes, I vaguely remember when those shark patrols started up that it was ECU student pilots who were doing the flying... I think ... something like that anyway

Ten News just showing it now, Westpac helicopter for shark patrols

Via the rumour mill... R65 down for 3000 mile service. RFDS are currently using an ex-RAAF chopper, white with blue/white signage. Seen in Mandurah early hours Wednesday morning.

The helicopter you are referring to is owned by CHC, just like R65.
The one contracted to RAAF is old S76. The one for RAC/rescue is old bell 214.
Rotary aircraft require more servicing than fixed wing with more moving parts and more to maintain.

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jasonjag wrote:Was Operating ok Fri late, R65 landed RPH 1630 jj

I believe the callsign R65 or Rescue65 is used for radio communications by whatever aircraft is performing that role. It will not always be the yellow Bell 214 (RAC Rescue 1). Presumably, if "Rescue 1" is down for mainenance the aircraft contracted to fill that designated rescue roll will call 6AR/6IP/6DS and ATC and identify as Rescue 65. That way there is no confusion with unfamiliar aircraft and/or aircraft registration (VH-***). Everyone knows that "Rescue 65" is the rescue chopper regardless.

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Yes, Aunty... you're correct. Regardless, the callsign is the same, even if the chopper isn't the designated 'yellow' one. Inside info

See Aviation thread for video

Rescue 65 on way to Mandurah. ETA 00:30. Boating accident - 6 Pts - 4 Serious condition

Rescue 65 about to land at Jandakot in 5 mins from bunbury any idea what it was down there for??????????????

According to this link;

Rescue 65 had a Bird Strike Incident that shattered their windscreen and forced to abort a medivac from Moora and turned back to Jandakot - Polair 61 was deployed to respond to Moora in it's place.

http://www.news.com.au/perthnow/story/0 ... 61,00.html