Planespotters along the Queensland coast enjoyed an opportunity to photograph a rare helicopter this week when Papua New Guinea (PNG) registered Columbia Helicopters (USA) Boeing-Vertol 107 II P2-CHE ferried from the northern parts of the state to Brisbane.
However, the Boeing-Vertol 107 stretched it legs on Wednesday, May 04, when it ferried to Bundaberg (pictured) via Mackay and Rockhampton. At the time of writing, it appears the chopper will continue further south to Brisbane on Thursday, May 05.
Of interest, Columbia Helicopters (PNG) is a subsidiary of Columbia Helicopters Inc. (USA) and operate a small fleet of Boeing-Vertol 107 and Boeing 234 helicopters in support of rig moving operations for petroleum exploration company's. Given the size and weight of drilling rigs and supporting infrastructure, these are broken down to smaller, more manageable sizes and re-assembled after transportation.
Founded in 1957 and headquarted in Aurora, Oregon, USA - Columbia Helicopters Inc. (USA) is an aircraft manufacturing and operator company known for operating heavy-lift choppers. At present, CHI exclusively maintains a fleet Boeing-Vertol 107 and Boeing 234 helicopters.
These machines are predominately used in stream restoration and forestry including heli-logging, oil exploration, fire suppression, construction, government support, film production and disaster response among other operations. Additionally, CHI operates a Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) Repair Station in support of customers around the world.
All photo's contributed by Micah S.