A visit to Central South Island Helicopters.

Roving reporter CMM visited Central South Island Helicopters on 20-01-2023.

The Aerospatiale AS 350 BA ZK-HDB8 c/n 1105 was originally registered as VH-AFO3 from 27-02-1980 and served time with Brambles Oil and Gas Service Pty Ltd/Hockway Aviation Helicopters of Hobart, Tasmania before joining Vowell Air Services Pty Ltd/Helicopter Resources Pty Ltd out of Tyabb, Victoria. It did several seasons in the Australian Antarctic territory until its cancellation from the Australian register on 18-03-2020 to become ZK-HBD8 on 30-04-2020. 

McDonnell Douglas 500N NOTAR ZK-HDN3 c/n LN080 began its career as N955SD with the Los Angeles County Sheriff's Department at Monterey Park, California in October 1996 until being noted for sale in June of 2004.

Imported into New Zealand it became ZK-HDN3 with Oceania Helicopters of Ardmore on 27-07-2004.

It was sold to Central South Island Helicopters Ltd of Herbert from 19-01-2007.

The MD 500 NOTAR ZK-HDW3 c/n LN072 followed the same path as ZK-HDN above but as N950SD. 

It also joined Oceania Aviation Ltd on 27-07-2004 and then to Central South Island Helicopters - somewhat earlier - on 23-09-2004.

Thanks to CMM for the photos and special thanks to Mike Brown of Central South Island Helicopters                                                                             for the conducted tour.