RAN Aerospatiale AS350 Squirrel N22-001 spends a few days at Bundaberg

Bundaberg planespotter and student pilot, Micah S, ventured to the airport on Thursday, March 26 after being informed Royal Australian Navy (RAN) Aerospatiale AS350BA Squirrel N22-001 (801) had possibly become unserviceable and not departing anytime soon.

Exactly when N22-001 became stranded at Bundaberg remains unclear however information suggests the chopper may have been parked at the rum city for possibly 2-3 days and during that time, positioned into a hangar for repairs.

Presumably in support of N22-001, Pel-Air Israel Aircraft Industries (IAI) 1124 Westwind VH-KNS which is contracted to provide fleet support for the Australian Navy was noted to have operated to Bundaberg on two occasions during the Squirrel's extended stay at the rum city.

While taking time to sight and photograph the broken down chopper, Micah also took an opportunity to capture CCJ Pty Ltd (Earth Commodities) Cessna 550 Citation Bravo VH-CCJ which spent part of the day parked at Bundaberg after operating from and later back to Brisbane aswell as QantasLink Bombardier Dash 8-Q400 (NG) VH-LQB while preparing to depart for Brisbane as QF2323.

As a side note, I would like to take a moment and congratulate Micah for recently completing his first solo flight in Jabiru 55-3343 of Hinkler Flying School, undoubtedly a very exciting experience Micah will treasure for many years to come and that much closer to achieving an RA-Aus Pilots Certificate.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

All photo's contributed by Micah S.