A lucky catch while visiting Ardmore late morning 12 March 2019. Initially thought I'd missed the opportunity as saw the three Police "Eagle" AS355 Twin Squirrel's and their sole Hughes 500E departing Ardmore in formation destined for the Auckland City sector. After waiting around for a while I was about to head for home but thankfully had the trusty ears on and the quartet returned a little before noon.
The Airwork operated machines are soon to be replaced by Advanced Flight contracted Bell 429's operating from their Onehunga (ex Pikes Point) location. The incumbent operator was obviously taking the opportunity to gather photos of the Squirrel fleet and used the Hughes 500E as a photographer platform until the local flying activity around Ardmore where it joined the Squirrels.
Deciphering the identities:
Police 1 = ZK-HKG
Police 2 = ZK-HDG
Police 3 = ZK-HXE
Police 4 = ZK-IOB
The first of three Bell 429's for the Police contract is on the water from Australia
https://www.police.govt.nz/news/release/new-contract-awarded-supplier-police-eagle-helicopters
ZK-IPC MSN 57048 was registered to Advanced Flight 04 March 2019 and comes ex Royal Australan Navy where it operated as N49-048 and was briefly registered VH-IWS.
A second ex RAN machine, N49-047, has been registered VH-IWR.
https://www.janes.com/article/86972/royal-australian-navy-prepares-to-retire-bell-429-helicopters
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| Spot the interloper! (R44 ZK-IWP). |
