The Auckland Regional Helicopter Trust (ARHT) has officially moved from its long time Auckland waterfront home at Mechanics Bay to Ardmore Airport as of 26 June 2019. Announced on their FaceBook page, the operator's two BK117's, ZK-HES and ZK-HKZ, have now relocated to Ardmore ahead of the introduction to service of AW169's ZK-HLH and ZK-IZB. ARHT, better known as the Westpac Rescue Helicopter team, have established themselves in the former Ardmore Helicopters training school and hangars on the southern side of the airport.
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| ZK-HKZ arrives at Ardmore 26 June 2019, with ZK-HES in the background. |
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| Soon to be out with the old and in with the new. ZK-HLH prepares for flight at Ardmore 27 June 2019. |
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Posted 22 February 2019:
Auckland Regional Helicopter Trust (ARHT) Leonardo Helicopters AW169 ZK-HLH (LH for Leonardo Helicopters) has recently received its sponsorship decals and has previously featured on the NZ Civil Aircraft blog. I caught up with the helicopter outside its temporary hangar at Ardmore earlier this week and was pleased to catch it in nice sunny conditions. As can be seen, it is emblazoned with decals!
The operator's second AW169, to be registered ZK-IZB (IZB for Newstalk ZB - a sponsor) MSN 69083 and ex I-EASX, is on a ship at present and due to arrive at the Ports of Auckland in early March.
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Posted 19 November 2018:
Auckland Rescue Helicopter Trust (ARHT) Leonardo AW169 ZK-HLH has taken to the skies above Auckland with the author noting its first flying activities 14 November 2018.
The helicopter was noted making approaches at Auckland's downtown helicopter, Mechanics Bay, and over Waiheke Island.
http://mrcaviation.blogspot.com/2018/09/first-of-type-leonardo-helicopters.html
