This month Heliflite was pleased to deliver a new R66 Turbine helicopter to The Salvation Army for its dedicated Outback Flying Service which is based in Mt Isa, Queensland.

The new R66 Turbine will be primarily operated to support remote outback communities and stations in central and north Queensland which covers an extraordinary 800,000 square kilometres of territory. The Salvation Army’s pilot Simon Steele and his wife Natalie Steele both are responsible for the operation and work associated with the new aircraft.

This is the second new helicopter The Salvation Army has purchased from Heliflite, with a R44 Raven II delivered in 2010. Earlier this year the R44 played a significant relief role during the Queensland floods with Simon and Natalie flying in emergency food and medical supplies to remote stations.

The new R66 Turbine helicopter was kindly sponsored by major milk and dairy producer Parmalat.

This R66 Turbine helicopter serial number 0054 is the first air-conditioned of its type in Australasia.  [and carries reg VH-TOO.  Ed.]

The R66 Turbine incorporates many of the design features of its reputable predecessor, the R44, including a two-bladed rotor system, T-bar cyclic and an open interior cabin configuration. The most notable differences are its increased reserve power, increased altitude performance, fifth seat and large baggage compartment. Popular upgrades including HID landing lights, leather seats, and a stereo audio control panel are standard in the R66.

Heliflite has been the Australian authorised Robinson helicopter distributor since 1977 with major sales, service and support bases in Sydney, Brisbane, Perth, Melbourne and Auckland (authorised NZ distributor).

Photo courtesy of Salvation Army & Heliflite. Caption: From left, The Salvation Army’s pilot Simon Steele & Natalie Steele with Heliflite’s Lyndsay Edmonds and The Salvation Army’s Business Appeals Coordinator Randy Wood..