Back at the Helicentre

Bluebus returned to Christchurch on Wednesday the 13th bringing the long awaited rain.

After being starved of things aeronautical for so long my first stop was at the old Helicentre on the Western side of Christchurch International.

Heli Maintenance was seething with helicopters.

A first sighting for me was the Robinson R44 ZK-HHS3 (c/n 0805). This first appeared on the NZ register as ZK-HLB4 on 01-09-2004 with North Shore Helicopters Ltd followed by Helicopters Taranaki Ltd of New Plymouth from May 2006 and then with Heliflite Pacific Ltd from 30-01-2012. They re-registered it as ZK-HHS on 23-02-2012 before moving it on to Two B and S from 25-05-2012. 

Helicopter Charter and Training of Papakura listed it from 18-06-2013 and then N Z Helicopter Training Ltd of Hamilton from 16-06-2014 and changed to Helicopter Corporation Ltd (Helicorp) on 01-09-2014.

It was listed to Gerald Jefferies of Brisbane, Queensland on 29-06-2017.

The Hughes 369E ZK-HMO3 (c/n 0394E) whilst with Combined Helicopter Services Ltd of West Melton has been noted doing the 'mail run' to isolated properties in the Kaikoura area. 

With the State Highway 1 due to reopen today (15-12-2017) I guess this main run is over.
A name change to Ranger Helicopters Ltd of Christchurch took effect on 29-11-2017.

This as a 1990 model first appearing on our register on 11-03-2003.

Maybe a Christmas Present for Bill Hales of Hanmer is the Hughes 369D ZK-HNT (c/n 590514D) marked up in Alpine Springs Helicopters titles.

 Previously mentioned Here.

One of Bill Hales other helicopters is the Robinson R22 Beta ZK-HVS3 (2849) seen here with its 'racing rotor blades' fitted.

Previously mentioned HERE.

Another out of towner is the Robinson R44 Raven II ZK-IRF (c/n 13070) of D T and J C Howey of Pleasant Point. It replaced their previous R44 ZK-IRT which was sold in mid-2014.

Note the Rhodesian Ridgeback keeping me within the yellow lines.

Across the road at Christchurch Helicopters 2001 Ltd was their Hughes 369E ZK-HCS3 (0409E).

Previously mentioned Here.