Key Facts
| Current Title: |
| Tasmanian Air Rescue Trust |
| English Title: |
| Tasmanian Air Rescue Trust |
| Abbreviation: |
| TART |
| First Established: |
| ? |
| ICAO Code: |
| (None) |
| Country: |
| Australia |
| Status: |
| Active |
History
Narrative Summary
Prior to the year 2000, Tasmania does not appear to have had any search and rescue or EMS service. In August 2000 the Tasmanian Air Rescue Helicopter Service was launched. In September 2000 the Tasmanian Air Rescue Trust was first established, to help fund the service. The helicopter is operated on behalf of the Tasmanian Police and the Tasmanian Ambulance Service. In April 2005 the service was renamed Westpac Rescue Helicopter Service after a new sponsorship deal. The MBB BK 117 has been replaced by a similar model at least once. An AS355 Twin Squirrel is available as a standby if required.
Key Dates
| 1 August 2000 | First helicopter received. | |
| 28 September 2000 | Tasmanian Air Rescue Trust first established. | |
| April 2005 | Tasmanian Air Rescue Helicopter Service renamed Westpac Rescue Helicopter Service. |
Current Status
The Tasmanian Air Rescue Trust helicopter is fully operational.
Future Plans
No plans known.
Markings
Special Markings
Tasmanian Air Rescue Trust BK117 helicopter operates in the normal Westpac red and yellow colour scheme, with the addition of POLICE titles on the cabin door. The standby AS355 is overall blue with a yellow saw-cut marking and RESCUE titles.
Aircraft Serial Numbers
The helicopters carry Australian civil aircraft registrations.
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 |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Aerospatiale AS355 Twin Squirrel | 1 | 1 | 0 | EMS/Policing |
| MBB BK117B2 | 2 | 1 | 0 | EMS/Policing |
All-Time Aircraft Used List
| Aircraft Type | Quantity | Service Entry | Out of Service | Origin |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Aerospatiale AS355 Twin Squirrel | 1 | 2000 | current | contractor |
| MBB BK117B2 | 2 | 2000 | current | contractor |
Aircraft NOT Used
No false reports known.
Aircraft Losses and Incidents
None known.
Organisation
Main Headquarters
Tasmanian Air Rescue Trust, PO Box 265, Rosny Park Tasmania 7018.
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 helicopters are based at Hobart Airport.
All-Time Air Bases Used List
As above.
More Information
Books
None known.
Magazines
Tasmanian Air Rescue Trust News
Websites
Tasmanian Air Rescue Trust
wikipedia: Westpac Life Saver Rescue Helicopter Service