Thread: Who supports the Rescue Helicopter

sorry but i think im missing something do they use the rescue helicopter for dropping 1080

Originally Posted by northdude

sorry but i think im missing something do they use the rescue helicopter for dropping 1080

Generally, the various Rescue Trusts around the country don't own their own aircraft. Commercial operators typically provide aircraft and/or crew under contract.
Without knowing the ins and outs of the Otago Trust, my guess is that particular machine in the photo (ZK-IME) likely earns its keep with a variety of commercial work but is also used as back up for the dedicated EMS machine (ZK-HUP), during periods of scheduled maintenance for instance.

According to Google, that letter was also posted on a '1080 eyewitness' Facebook page five days ago. It insinuates (incorrectly IMO) that the helicopter in the photo is the Trusts lead rescue aircraft. An attempt to garner shock and anger when it is most probably unfounded.
I do stand to be corrected though.