Key Facts
| Current Title: |
| Hawke's Bay Rescue Helicopter Trust |
| English Title: |
| Hawke's Bay Rescue Helicopter Trust |
| Abbreviation: |
| HBRHT |
| First Established: |
| 1984 |
| ICAO Code: |
| (None) |
| Country: |
| New Zealand |
| Status: |
| Active |
History
Narrative Summary
In 1984, the Hawke’s Bay Helicopter Rescue Trust was first established. The service was initially focussed on water rescues but in 1989 expanded to involve patient transfers, police searches, accident recovery etc. In 1991 the service became a full-time dedicated rescue service. Principal sponsorship support came from Lowe Walker NZ Ltd. In 1997, Lowe Walker changed their company name to Lowe Corporation. The service has since been known as the Lowe Corporation Rescue Helicopter Service.
Key Dates
| 1984 | Hawke’s Bay Helicopter Rescue Trust first established. | |
| 1991 | Dedicated rescue service launched. | |
| 2009 | Twin-engined helicopter introduced into service. |
Current Status
The Lowe Corporation Rescue Helicopter is fully operational.
Future Plans
No plans known.
Markings
Special Markings
The helicopter operates in an overall black colour scheme with LOWE CORPORATION RESCUE fuselage titles.
Aircraft Serial Numbers
The helicopter carries New Zealand civil aircraft registration.
Unit/Base Codes
Coding system not used.
Aircraft
Aircraft Designations
None – Manufacturers designations used
Current Aircraft Inventory
| Aircraft Type | Total Del’d | Total Active | Still on Order | Role |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| MBB BK 117B2 | 1 | 1 | 0 | EMS/Search & Rescue |
All-Time Aircraft Used List
| Aircraft Type | Quantity | Service Entry | Out of Service | Origin |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Aerospatiale AS350BA Squirrel | 1 | 1991 | 2009 | contractor |
| Bell 206 JetRanger | 1 | 1984 | ? | contractor |
| Hughes 500 | 1 | ? | 1991 | contractor |
| MBB BK 117B2 | 1 | 2009 | current | contractor |
Aircraft NOT Used
No false reports known.
Aircraft Losses and Incidents
None known.
Organisation
Main Headquarters
Hawke’s Bay Rescue Helicopter Trust, PO Box 402, Hastings, 4120.
Organisational Structure
No subordinate units.
Current Unit Assignments
No subordinate units.
Historical Unit Assignments
Not applicable.
All-Time Flying Units List
Not applicable.
Air Bases
Current Air Bases
The helicopter is based at Orchard Road, Hastings.
All-Time Air Bases Used List
As above.
More Information
Books
None known.
Magazines
To be added
Websites