Bell 47J-2 ZK-ICN

Bell 47J-2 ZK-ICN was first noted in New Zealand back in July 2009 when it was spied at Ardmore flying as VH-JEY. It then went onto languish in the back of Helicopter Flight Training's Ardmore hangar and was seldom seen. However just over two years ago the helicopter was registered ZK-ICN and yesterday was the first time I had seen it with ZK markings albeit minus some other bits and bobs.

Ardmore 14 July 2009.

On the subject of Helicopter Flight Training - it appears activity at Ardmore for this operator has ceased with the signage for the operation now removed from the building and a for sale/lease sign added. There was talk a year or so back of them looking to move operations to Thames - has this happened or have they closed? Or are they on summer break! 

And whatever happened to the Rangiora operation? 

 http://website.hft.school.nz/wordpress/

The HFT fleet as at 28 January 2015:

Scheweizer 269C-1 ZK-HJU, HMC, HNC

Bell 47G-3B-1 ZK-ICJ

Bell 47J-2 ZK-ICN

Guimbal Cabri G2 ZK-IMS

Ardmore 28 January 2015