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General Helicopter Photos

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Helicopter Photos - NSW Fires December 2001/January 2002

[Blue Mountains]

[Heathcote]

[Kenthurst]

[Pennant Hills]

Ericcson Skycranes - NSW Fires December 2001/January 2002

[Bankstown Airport]

[Kenthurst]

Ericcson Skycranes - Bankstown Airport Display, 16 March 2002

[Elvis]

[Georgia Peach]

[Incredible Hulk]

[Various]

As a part of fire fighting efforts, a large Erickson Sky Crane nicknamed Elvis was hired from Victoria to the NSW Rural Fire Service were used to supplement ground forces. Elvis has become one of the media's most talked about topics since being used. Elvis has been credited with saving many homes and also the lives of 14 firefighters. For statistics on Elvis, see the Statistics page.

These initial photos were taken at Bankstown Airport in smoky skies on 2 January 2002. The pre-take off photos were taken through the security fence with a 300mm lens. About 2 hours passed from first sighting Elvis on the ground until taking off and heading to the Blue Mountains. 

Elvis on the ground with a RFS tanker from Liverpool for company.
A more side on view of Elvis on the ground when compared to the previous photo.
Elvis is just off the ground far enough so the hose underneath is not hitting the ground.
Several different views of Elvis in the air prior to disappearing out of view over my head.

Page last updated 07 January 2002

For more info on the Triple 0 Emergency Service in Australia, click on the graphic above - info thanks to the NSWFB.

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