Nautilus Aviation sends Bell 412EP rescue helicopter to Katherine for Tropical Cyclone Fina aftermath
With limited aviation assets in the Territory, a rescue-equipped helicopter crew stands ready in Katherine to support communities devastated by Tropical Cyclone Fina. Read the details.
A rescue-equipped helicopter has arrived in Katherine to support the post-Cyclone Fina response, with the Nautilus Aviation Bell 412EP and crew standing ready to assist affected communities as soon as weather conditions allow.
The three-person crew includes a pilot, a winch operator and a rescue crewman.
Worldwide, the Bell 412EP has proven to be a daily workhorse with its expansive cabin for cargo and personnel.
According to the Nautilus Aviation website, the Bell 412EP can fit 12-13 passengers.
The Bell 412EP is the first privately owned twin-engine, emergency services-equipped aircraft in far north Queensland and the Northern Territory – the regions where Nautilus Aviation is based.
Morris Aviation chief executive Aaron Finn said the company took it upon themselves to send the rescue-equipped helicopter, adding there was “not a lot of aviation assets in the Territory”.
“It’s been one of those last minute things, but it was about making sure there’s an asset in the Territory for response,” he said.
“We’d been in conversation with the government and they said the asset was appreciated.”
While this is the first response the company has done for Darwin City, Mr Finn noted the company had responded to flood evacuation processes during the Daly River floods.
Asked how long the crew would stay, Mr Finn said for “as long as we need them to”.
“We’ve got our base at Darwin International Airport, so we have permanent presence there and will leave the crew and aircraft there as long as we need to,” he said.
More Coverage
Originally published as Nautilus Aviation sends Bell 412EP rescue helicopter to Katherine for Tropical Cyclone Fina aftermath
Horse float sex shock: CCTV sinks truckie who denied act with 15yo
