List to be added.
Australia
Snowy Mountains Hydroelectric Authority
Operator Profile
History
Narrative Summary
Snowy Mountains Hydroelectric Authority was established in 1949 to manage the Snowy Mountains scheme. The scheme a huge civil engineering task in the Kosciuszko National Park, New South Wales, involving the construction of sixteen major dams; seven power stations; a pumping station; and several kilometres of tunnels, pipelines and aqueducts between 1949 and 1974.
The remote location meant that air transport became a useful supplement to the new roads that were being built under the scheme. Accordingly, a dedicated Flying Unit was established in 1958. This Unit grew to include eight aircraft by 1967. In the same year, a fleet rationalisation saw several aircraft sold, and the fleet was reduced to three aircraft. A fatal accident in 1976 saw the Unit almost disbanded, but a BN-2 Islander was quickly obtained and flying continued until this aircraft was lost in 1984.
Key Dates
| August 1949 | Snowy Mountains Hydroelectric Authority first established. | |
| 1958 | Flying Unit established. | |
| 20 May 1976 | First fatal accident by SMHEA aircraft. | |
| 1984 | Flying Unit disbanded. | |
| 28 June 2002 | SMHEA renamed Snowy Hydro. |
Current Status
The SMHEA Flying Unit was disbanded in 1984.
Future Plans
Not applicable.
Markings
Special Markings
SMHEA aircraft flew in a variety of colour schemes, presumably based on the standard factory paint finish of the manufacturer. The SMHEA logo normally appeared on the fuselage, along with the titles SNOWY MOUNTAINS AUTHORITY.
Aircraft Serial Numbers
The SMHEA aircraft carried Australian civil aircraft registrations, in the VH-SMx sequence, e.g. DHC-2 Beaver VH-SMA.
Unit/Base Codes
Coding system not used.
Aircraft
Aircraft Designations
None – Manufacturers designations used
Current Aircraft Inventory
Not applicable.
All-Time Aircraft Used List
| Aircraft Type | Quantity | Service Entry | Out of Service | Origin |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Aero Commander 680 | 1 | 1961 | 1967 | USA |
| Aero Commander 680FL Grand Commander | 1 | 1964 | 1072 | USA |
| Britten-Norman BN-2 Islander | 1 | 1976 | 1984 | UK |
| De Havilland Canada DHC-2 Beaver | 4 | 1958 | 1967 | Canada |
| Piaggio P.166 | 1 | 1963 | 1967 | UK |
| Pilatus PC-6 Porter | 2 | 1967 | 1976 | Switzerland |
| Piper PA-24 Comanche 250 | 1 | 1963 | 1967 | USA |
Aircraft NOT Used
No false reports known.
Aircraft Losses and Incidents
The Pilatus PC-6 was lost in a crash near Cooma–Polo Flat Airport on 20 May 1976.
Organisation
Main Headquarters
Snowy Mountains Hydroelectric Authority, Monaro Highway, Cooma NSW 2630
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
Not applicable.
All-Time Air Bases Used List
The SMHEA aircraft were based at Cooma-Snowy Mountains Airport and Cooma-Polo Flat Airfield.
More Information
Books
None known.
Magazines
None known.
Websites
wikipedia: Snowy Mountains Scheme
Snowy Mountains Airline
Snowy Hydro – The History
VH-SMA
Any photographs illustrating this operator would be welcome.
Aviation Services Unit Victoria
Operator Profile
History
Narrative Summary
The State Aircraft Unit was first established by the Country Fire Authority and Department of Natural Resources and Environment in 2001 after several organisational and administrative difficulties involving the management of aircraft in multi-agency operations. In 2014 the SAU was renamed the Aviation Services Unit (ASU). On behalf of the state, the Aviation Services Unit sources and contracts the Fire and Emergency Aviation fleet, used for all fire response and incorporating land management activities. The ASU also facilitates the provision of specialist aviation advice and the training of all specialist aviation roles.
Key Dates
| 2 April 1945 | Country Fire Authority (CFA) established. | |
| 1996 | Department of Natural Resources and Environment (NRE) created. | |
| 2001 | State Aircraft Unit (SAU) created. | |
| 2002 | NRE split to form Department of Sustainability and Environment (DSE). | |
| 2013 | DSE merged back with Department of Primary Industries (DPI) to become the Department of Environment and Primary Industries (DEPI). | |
| 2014 | SAU renamed Aviation Services Unit (ASU). | |
| 1 January 2015 | DEPI renamed Department of Environment, Land, Water & Planning (DELWP). |
Current Status
The ASU aircraft and helicopters are fully operational.
Future Plans
No plans known.
Markings
Special Markings
ASU aircraft and helicopters fly in the colour schemes of the contracted operator. The radio callsign is usually displayed on the fuselage.
Aircraft Serial Numbers
ASU aircraft and helicopters carry Australian civil aircraft registrations, e.g. Beech King Air 200 VH-ZMP.
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 AS350 Squirrel | ? | 2 | 0 | Surveillance |
| Air Tractor AT-802 | ? | ? | 0 | Fire Fighting |
| Beech Super King Air 200 | 2 | 2 | 0 | Surveillance |
| PZL M-18 Dromader | ? | ? | 0 | Fire Fighting |
| Sikorsky S-64 Skycrane | 2 | 2 | 0 | Fire Fighting |
All-Time Aircraft Used List
(Multi-year contracted aircraft only).
| Aircraft Type | Quantity | Service Entry | Out of Service | Origin |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Aerospatiale AS350 Squirrel | ? | ? | current | contractor |
| Air Tractor AT-802 | ? | ? | current | contractor |
| Bell 205A | ? | ? | ? | contractor |
| Cessna 337 Super Skymaster | 1 | ? | ? | contractor |
| Cessna 404 Titan | 1 | ? | ? | contractor |
| Beech Super King Air 200 | 2 | ? | current | contractor |
| PZL-Mielec M-18B Dromader | ? | ? | current | contractor |
| Sikorsky S-64E Skycrane | ? | ? | current | contractor |
Aircraft NOT Used
No false reports known.
Aircraft Losses and Incidents
None known.
Organisation
Main Headquarters
Department of Environment, Land, Water & Planning, Aviation Services Unit, Level 3, 8 Nicholson Street, EAST MELBOURNE VIC 3002.
Organisational Structure
The ASU has 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
To be added.
All-Time Air Bases Used List
As above.
More Information
Books
None known.
Magazines
None known.
Websites
Country Fire Authority
About SAU
Aviation Services Unit
Aircraft Identification Reference
Any photographs illustrating this operator would be welcome.
South Australian Country Fire Service
Operator Profile
History
Narrative Summary
The South Australian Country Fire Service was formed in 1976 from a variety of county-funded fire brigades that had become known as the Emergency Fire Service (EFS). In 1989 the State Government took control of the CFS and started to improve equipment levels and standardise operating procedures. It is not clear when the first aircraft started to be used in SA for aerial fire-fighting.
Aircraft are an invaluable tool in spotting and tackling fires in remote areas. The CFS has on long-term contract a small fleet of aircraft, which is supplemented each fire season by up to several more aircraft and helicopters on short-term contracts.
Key Dates
| 194? | Emergency Fire Service (EFS) established. | |
| 1976 | EFS renamed Country Fire Service (CFS). | |
| 1989 | State Government takes control of CFS. | |
| ? | First aircraft used. |
Current Status
The CFS Aerial Firefighting Fleet aircraft and helicopters are fully operational.
Future Plans
No plans known.
Markings
Special Markings
CFS Aerial Firefighting Fleet aircraft and helicopters fly in the colour schemes of the contracted operator. Aircraft on long term contracts usually carry the red and yellow CFS logo on the fuselage. The Cessna 208 carries the additional titles SA COUNTRY FIRE SERVICE on the fuselage.
Aircraft Serial Numbers
CFS Aerial Firefighting Fleet aircraft and helicopters carry Australian civil aircraft registrations, e.g. AS350 VH-HPO.
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 AS350 Squirrel | ? | 2 | 0 | Surveillance |
| Air Tractor AT-802 | ? | 10 | 0 | Fire Fighting |
| Cessna 182 | ? | 3 | 0 | Surveillance |
| Cessna 208B Grand Caravan | 1 | 1 | 0 | Surveillance |
| Sikorsky S-64 Skycrane | 1 | 1 | 0 | Fire Fighting |
All-Time Aircraft Used List
(Multi-year contracted aircraft only).
| Aircraft Type | Quantity | Service Entry | Out of Service | Origin |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Aerospatiale AS350 Squirrel | ? | ? | current | contractor |
| Aerospatiale AS355 Squirrel | ? | ? | ? | contractor |
| Air Tractor AT-802 | ? | ? | current | contractor |
| Bell 205A | ? | ? | ? | contractor |
| Cessna 182 | ? | ? | current | contractor |
| Cessna 208B Grand Caravan | ? | ? | current | contractor |
| PZL-Mielec M-18B Dromader | ? | ? | ? | contractor |
| Sikorsky S-64E Skycrane | ? | ? | ? | contractor |
Aircraft NOT Used
No false reports known.
Aircraft Losses and Incidents
None known.
Organisation
Main Headquarters
CFS STATE HEADQUARTERS, Level 7, 60 Waymouth Street, Adelaide SA 5000.
Organisational Structure
The CFS Aerial Firefighting Fleet has 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
To be added.
All-Time Air Bases Used List
As above.
More Information
Books
None known.
Magazines
None known.
Websites
South Australian Country Fire Service – Aircraft Operations
South Australian Country Fire Service
wikipedia: South Australian Country Fire Service
CFS Display 2010
Big fire-fighters at work in Australia
Airliners.net: SA Country Fire Service
Any photographs illustrating this operator would be welcome.
Forests NSW
Operator Profile
History
Narrative Summary
NSW State Forests was created in 1993 from the previous Forestry Commission of NSW. In 2004 a government departmental reorganisation resulted in it being renamed Forests NSW. Around this time it seems to have acquired a dedicated helicopter. The helicopter was sold in 2011. In 2013 the department was reconstituted as a state-owned commercial corporation.
Key Dates
| 1916 | Forestry Commission of NSW first established. | |
| 1993 | Forestry Commission of NSW renamed NSW State Forests. | |
| July 2004 | NSW State Forests becomes Forests NSW. | |
| 2011 | The only helicopter is sold. | |
| 1 January 2013 | Forests NSW becomes Forestry Corporation of NSW. |
Current Status
The State Forests helicopter was sold in 2011.
Future Plans
No plans known.
Markings
Special Markings
The NSW State Forests helicopter flew in a white and green colour scheme. The State Forests ‘three trees’ logo appeared on the tailboom in white and the service titles STATE FORESTS on the rear fuselage in black.
Aircraft Serial Numbers
The NSW State Forests helicopter carried Australian civil aircraft registration, e.g. AS350 VH-NFO.
Unit/Base Codes
Coding system not used.
Aircraft
Aircraft Designations
None – Manufacturers designations used
Current Aircraft Inventory
Not applicable.
All-Time Aircraft Used List
| Aircraft Type | Quantity | Service Entry | Out of Service | Origin |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Aircraft Type | Quantity | Service Entry | Retirement | Origin |
| Aerospatiale AS350 Squirrel | 1 | 19?? | 2011 | France |
Aircraft NOT Used
No false reports known.
Aircraft Losses and Incidents
None known.
Organisation
Main Headquarters
Forestry Corporation Head Office, 121-131 Oratava Ave, West Pennant Hills NSW 2125.
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 State Forests helicopter was based at ??.
All-Time Air Bases Used List
As above.
More Information
Books
None known.
Magazines
None known.
Websites
NSW State Forests Helicopter Draws Water
Firebird 200 – VH-NFO. NSW Rural Fire Service
Any photographs illustrating this operator would be welcome.
Division of National Mapping (Australia)
Operator Profile
History
Narrative Summary
Before and during World War Two, mapping photographic surveys were performed by the RAAF. The war had highlighted the lack of comprehensive maps of Australia, and in 1945 the need for a dedicated Government department to produce maps and geophysical surveys resulted in the establishment of the National Mapping Council (NMC). A National Mapping Section of the Department of Interior was created in 1947 to actually carry out the tasks defined by the NMC. From 1954 RAAF aircraft were replaced by civilian contractors in the mapping role.
By 1956 the work had expanded sufficiently to justify the creation of the Division of National Mapping (Nat Map). For the next thirty years Nat Map conducted geodetic, topographic and other mapping tasks within Australia and also in Antarctica and Papua New Guinea. Aircraft operations were normally conducted by civilian contractors, but in 1978 a dedicated Aviation Section was formed to take over some of these tasks.
In 1987 Nat Map became AUSLIG – the Australian Surveying and Land Information Group – formed from the merger of the Division of National Mapping and the Australian Survey Office. In 1995 the Aviation Section was closed down. In 2001 AUSLIG was merged with the Australian Geological Survey Organisation (AGSO) to form Geoscience Australia
Key Dates
| March 1945 | National Mapping Council (NMC) established. | |
| 1947 | National Mapping Section of Department of Interior created. | |
| 1951 | National Mapping Section becomes National Mapping Office. | |
| 1954 | First use of contracted civil aircraft. | |
| 2 August 1956 | Division of National Mapping first formed. | |
| 1978 | Aviation Section created. | |
| 24 July 1987 | Division of National Mapping merged into AUSLIG. | |
| 1995 | Aviation Section disbanded. | |
| September 2001 | Geoscience Australia established. |
Current Status
The Aviation Section was disbanded in 1995.
Future Plans
Not applicable.
Markings
Special Markings
National Mapping aircraft operated in a wide variety of colour schemes. It appears only the Cessna 421 carried any service titles, i.e. ‘Department of Resources & Energy – Division of National Mapping’, which were displayed on the fuselage.
Aircraft Serial Numbers
National Mapping aircraft carried standard Australian civil aircraft registrations, e.g. Cessna 421 VH-DRB.
Unit/Base Codes
Coding system not used.
Aircraft
Aircraft Designations
None – Manufacturers designations used
Current Aircraft Inventory
Not applicable.
All-Time Aircraft Used List
(Nat Map owned only – excludes chartered and ANARE aircraft).
| Aircraft Type | Quantity | Service Entry | Out of Service | Origin |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Cessna 170A | 1 | 1978 | 1982 | USA |
| Cessna U206F Stationair | 1 | 1982 | 1987 | USA |
| Cessna 337 Super Skymaster | 1 | 1987 | 1995 | USA |
| Cessna 421C Golden Eagle | 1 | 1982 | 1995 | USA |
| GAF N22B Nomad | 1 | 1976 | 1982 | Australia |
Aircraft NOT Used
No false reports known.
Aircraft Losses and Incidents
None known.
Organisation
Main Headquarters
Division of National Mapping, Belconnen, Australian Capital Territory, Australia.
Organisational Structure
There are no sub-units to the Nat Map Aviation Section.
Current Unit Assignments
Not applicable.
Historical Unit Assignments
Not applicable.
All-Time Flying Units List
Not applicable.
Air Bases
Current Air Bases
Not applicable.
All-Time Air Bases Used List
To be added.
More Information
Books
To be added
Magazines
To be added
Websites
XNATMAP
Geoscience Australia – Our History
Any photographs illustrating this operator would be welcome.
Australian Aerial Patrol
Operator Profile
History
Narrative Summary
To be added.
Key Dates
| 1957 | Greater Wollongong Aerial Patrol established. | |
| 19?? | Service renamed Australian Aerial Patrol. | |
| 1993 | AAP recognised as an accredited civil SAR unit. | |
| 2002 | AAP becomes a Tier 1 SAR unit for AMSA. | |
| 2006 | Tier 1 SAR duty passed to AeroRescue. | |
| 2007 | AAP reverts to original shark patrol mission. |
Current Status
The AAP aircraft are fully operational.
Future Plans
No plans known.
Markings
Special Markings
The P-68 and Chieftain fly in a red and yellow colour scheme, while the Cessna 182 colours are more yellow than red. The titles AERIAL PATROL appear on the fuselage sides, while numerous sponsors logos appear on the lower or rear fuselage.
Aircraft Serial Numbers
AAP aircraft carry Australian civil aircraft registration, e.g. P-68 VH-APH.
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 |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Cessna 182 | 1 | 1 | Patrol | USA |
| Partenavia P-68C Victor | 1 | 1 | Patrol | contractor |
| Piper PA-31-350 Chieftain | 1 | 1 | Patrol | USA |
All-Time Aircraft Used List
| Aircraft Type | Quantity | Service Entry | Out of Service | Origin |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Aircraft Type | Quantity | Service Entry | Retirement | Origin |
| Aeronca 11AC Chief | 1 | 1957 | 1958 | USA |
| Cessna 172 | 1 | ? | ? | USA |
| Cessna 172A | 1 | ? | ? | USA |
| Cessna 182 | 1 | ? | current | USA |
| Cessna 402 | 1 | ? | ? | USA |
| Partenavia P-68C Victor | 1 | ? | current | Italy |
| Piper PA-31-350 Chieftain | 1 | 2001 | current | USA |
Aircraft NOT Used
No false reports known.
Aircraft Losses and Incidents
Aeronca 11 VH-AJZ was lost in an accident on 12 April 1958.
Organisation
Main Headquarters
Australian Aerial Patrol, PO Box 162 Dapto 2530 NSW.
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 AAP is based at Illawarra Regional Airport at Albion Park, south of Sydney.
All-Time Air Bases Used List
As above.
More Information
Books
None known.
Magazines
None known.
Websites
Australian Aerial Patrol
wikipedia: Australian Aerial Patrol
Aviator.mag: Australian Aerial Patrol
Facebook: Australian Aerial Patrol
Australian Aerial Patrol
DCA Accident Reports 1956-1968
Any photographs illustrating this operator would be welcome.
New South Wales Rural Fire Service
Operator Profile
History
Narrative Summary
Until 1997 the numerous (over 2000) rural firefighting brigades in NSW were coordinated by various committees which went under the names Bush Fire Advisory Committee, Bush Fire Committee, Bush Fire Council/Bush Fire Service etc. On 1 September 1997, a new goverment body, the NSW Rural Fire Service (NSWRFS) was established by an act of Parliament, redefining the world’s largest fire service and building on a century of experience in protecting some of the most fire-prone areas on earth.
Aircraft are an invaluable tool in spotting and tackling fires in remote areas. The RFS owns and has on long-term contract a small fleet of aircraft, which is supplemented each fire season by up to 100 more aircraft and helicopters on short-term contracts.
Key Dates
| January 1975 | Bush Fire Service created. | |
| 1990 | Department of Bush Fire Services established. | |
| 1 September 1997 | NSW Rural Fire Service established. | |
| ? | First aircraft obtained. | |
| ? | First helicopter obtained. |
Current Status
The NSW RFS aircraft and helicopters are fully operational.
Future Plans
No plans known.
Markings
Special Markings
NSW RFS helicopters fly in a red and white colour scheme. The NSW RFS logo appears on the cabin door. Contractor operated aircraft retain their original colour scheme with the addition of N.S.W. RURAL FIRE SERVICE titles. The NSE RFS logo often appears on the fuselage or fin.
Aircraft Serial Numbers
NSW RFS aircraft and helicopters carry Australian civil aircraft registration, e.g. AS350 VH-NFO.
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 AS350 Squirrel | ? | ? | 0 | Utility |
| Air Tractor AT-802 | ? | ? | 0 | Fire Fighting |
| Beech Super King Air 200 | 1 | 1 | 0 | Surveillance |
| MBB BK117 | 1 | 1 | 0 | Fire Fighting |
All-Time Aircraft Used List
Only those aircraft carrying NSW RURAL FIRE SERVICE titles are listed.
| Aircraft Type | Quantity | Service Entry | Out of Service | Origin |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Aerospatiale AS350 Squirrel | ? | 19?? | current | France |
| Air Tractor AT-802 | ? | ? | current | contractor |
| Beech Super King Air 200 | 1 | ? | current | USA |
| Bell 212 | 1 | ? | ? | contractor |
| Cessna 208 Caravan | ? | ? | ? | contractor |
| MBB BK117 | 3 | 1990 | current | Japan/NSW Police |
| PZL-Mielec M-18B Dromader | ? | ? | ? | contractor |
Aircraft NOT Used
No false reports known.
Aircraft Losses and Incidents
None known.
Organisation
Main Headquarters
NSW Rural Fire Service Headquarters, 15 Carter Street, Lidcombe NSW 2141.
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
To be added.
All-Time Air Bases Used List
As above.
More Information
Books
None known.
Magazines
Bush Fire Bulletin.
Websites
NSW Rural Fire Service
wikipedia: New South Wales Rural Fire Service
NSW Rural Fire Service
Any photographs illustrating this operator would be welcome.
National Parks and Wildlife Service NSW
Operator Profile
History
Narrative Summary
National Parks and Wildlife Service was established by the NSW government in 1967. It’s main responsibilities are park management, plant and animal conservation and fire management. The latter task is carried out in co-ordination with the New South Wales Rural Fire Service. Aircraft were first acquired in the 1970s to assist in these roles. The NPWS now operates four helicopters and one fixed-wing aircraft.
Key Dates
| 1967 | National Parks and Wildlife Service NSW first established. | |
| ? | First aircraft obtained. | |
| ? | First helicopter obtained. |
Current Status
The NPWS aircraft and hecliopters are fully operational.
Future Plans
No plans known.
Markings
Special Markings
NPWS aircraft and helicopters fly in an orange and dark green colour scheme with a white diagonal band separating the two colours. The NPWS logo appears on the cabin door and the radio call sign PARK AIR x appears on the white fuselage band.
Aircraft Serial Numbers
The NPWS aircraft and helicopters carry Australian civil aircraft registration, e.g. AS350 VH-ZHG.
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 AS350 Squirrel | 4 | 4 | 0 | Utility |
| Cessna U206G | 1 | 1 | 0 | Utility |
All-Time Aircraft Used List
| Aircraft Type | Quantity | Service Entry | Out of Service | Origin |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Aero Commander 690 Turbo Commander | 1 | 1985 | 2003 | Germany |
| Aerospatiale SA341G Gazelle | 1 | 1976 | 1981 | France |
| Aerospatiale AS350 Squirrel | 4 | 19?? | current | France |
| MBB BK117 | ? | 19?? | 20?? | New Zealand |
| Cessna U206G | 1 | 1983 | current | USA |
Aircraft NOT Used
No false reports known.
Aircraft Losses and Incidents
None known.
Organisation
Main Headquarters
National Parks and Wildlife Service, Level 14, 59-61 Goulburn Street, Sydney NSW 2000.
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 NPWS aircraft and helicopters are based at Sydney-Bankstown Airport.
All-Time Air Bases Used List
As above.
More Information
Books
None known.
Magazines
None known.
Websites
National Parks and Wildlife Service NSW
wikipedia: National Parks and Wildlife Service (New South Wales)
Hover and Heli-winching
The versatility master
Flickr: ‘Park Air 1’ MBB BK117
Any photographs illustrating this operator would be welcome.
Department of Parks and Wildlife Western Australia
Operator Profile
History
Narrative Summary
The Forests Department of the government of Western Australia was first formed in 1919. In 1975 the first aircraft were obtained for use in fire spotting. By 1990 these aircraft were getting old, and an attempt was made to help local industry by buying MAC Mamba light aircraft as replacements. This order was never fulfilled. Another attempt to boost local industry resulted in 6 Eagle Aircraft XT-S Very Light Aircraft being used for 3 fire seasons from 1995. In 1995 a more permament solution was reached when the American Champion 8GCBC Scout was selected as the new spotter aircraft. These aircraft are still in service.
In addition to it’s own aircraft the DPaW also contracts fixed-wing and rotary-wing aircraft from various civilian operators for aerial fire-fighting operations.
Key Dates
| 1 January 1919 | Forests Department created. | |
| 1975 | Spotter aircraft first acquired. | |
| 22 March 1985 | Forests Department becomes Department of Conservation and Land Management (CALM). | |
| 1 July 2006 | CALM becomes Department of Environment and Conservation (DEC). | |
| 1 July 2013 | DEC becomes Department of Parks and Wildlife (DPaW). |
Current Status
The DPaW aircraft are fully operational.
Future Plans
No plans known.
Markings
Special Markings
The DPaW aircraft appear to fly in the standard factory colour scheme, with the addition of the departmental logo and the ‘Spotter’ identity number 64x on the fin. No service titles are carried.
Aircraft Serial Numbers
The DPaW aircraft carry Australian civil aircraft registrations, e.g. American Champion 8GCBC Scout VH-DXZ.
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 |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| American Champion 8GCBC Scout | ? | 10 | Fire Spotting | USA |
All-Time Aircraft Used List
| Aircraft Type | Quantity | Service Entry | Out of Service | Origin |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Aircraft Type | Quantity | Service Entry | Retirement | Origin |
| American Champion 8GCBC Scout | 10 | 1996 | current | USA |
| Eagle Aircraft XT-S | 6 | 1995 | 1997 | Australia |
| Piper PA-18-150 Super Cub | ? | 1975 | 1995 | USA |
Aircraft NOT Used
Flight International 15-21 August 1990 page 21 mentions an order for three MAC Mamba light aircraft by the Department of Conservation and Land Management. They were due for delivery in October 1990 as spotters to replace the Piper Cubs. This delivery never took place.
Aircraft Losses and Incidents
None known.
Organisation
Main Headquarters
Department of Parks and Wildlife, 17 Dick Perry Avenue, Technology Park, Western Precinct, KENSINGTON WA 6151.
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 spotter aircraft are based at Jandakot, Bunbury, Dwellingup and Manjimup.
All-Time Air Bases Used List
As above.
More Information
Books
None known.
Magazines
None known.
Websites
Department of Parks and Wildlife Western Australia
Wikipedia:Department of Parks and Wildlife Western Australia
Aviation WA: Department of Parks and Wildlife Western Australia
Any photographs illustrating this operator would be welcome.