After a two-year quest, a new rescue and air ambulance helicopter has been purchased for the Waikato and King Country community.

The multi-role BK117 is a multi-million dollar investment for Philips Search & Rescue Trust, operator of the Westpac Rescue Helicopter based in Hamilton.

“The capabilities that this BK117 adds to our rescue portfolio are immense,” said Chief Pilot, Grant Bremner, “all emergency services and those members of the public living in our region will greatly benefit from this investment.”

The BK117 is equipped with a Single Pilot IFR factory-fitted autopilot. In layman’s terms this means only one pilot is required to fly the helicopter. The Trust is the only rescue organisation that has been routinely flying this way for the last 20 years.

Previously based in Honiara, the helicopter was used to support Australian Defence Force personnel after political unrest.

Last week the final pre-purchase inspection was undertaken in Honiara by Trust personnel and the helicopter was flown under its own power to New Zealand, a journey of over 21 hours and 2,117 nautical miles.

Two more powerful engines are being fitted over the Christmas period, along with additional avionics that will enhance safety, and the helicopter will be painted in the Westpac Rescue Helicopter livery. Pilot and crew training have commenced and the new machine will take to the air in February 2013.

The aircraft is equipped with a 600lb rescue winch and is Night Vision Goggle capable.

Community support for upgrading the Bell 222B helicopter, which was built in 1986, to the more capable BK117 850D2 has been exceptional. In 2011 WEL Energy Trust granted $700,000 towards the project. Other grants from the Lion Foundation and Trust Waikato, along with support from FRIENDS of the Rescue Helicopter and the general public have contributed in excess of $1m.

With an approximate $4 million price tag and $1.8m raised to date, the support of the community is as crucial as ever.

The Trust recently launched in conjunction with Greenlea Premier Meats, a fundraising initiative focusing on the rural community, who often rely on the rescue helicopter service due to their remote location. Further campaigns are in the pipeline.

“Our FRIENDS of the Rescue Helicopter give generously each year,” explained Trust Marketing & Fundraising Manager, Kylie Harcourt, “and with their on-going support coupled with the backing of the business community, we hope to increase the total raised to $2m by the end of 2012”.