Local Robinson Helicopter representative Heliflite has delivered a new Robinson R66 Turbine helicopter to The Salvation Army.
The Salvation Army will use the new aircraft – the latest addition to the Robinson product line – for its dedicated Outback Flying Service, which is based in Mt Isa, Queensland.
The Salvos will primarily use the R66 Turbine to support remote outback communities and stations in central and north Queensland, which covers a massive 800,000 square kilometres of land. The Salvation Army’s pilot Simon Steele and his wife Natalie Steele are responsible for the operation and work associated with the new aircraft.
This is the second new helicopter The Salvation Army has purchased from Heliflite, with a R44 Raven II previously delivered in 2010. Earlier this year, the R44 played a significant relief role during the Queensland floods, with Simon and Natalie flying in emergency food and medical supplies to remote stations.
The new R66 Turbine helicopter was sponsored by major milk and dairy producer Parmalat, and this R66 (serial number 0054) is the first R66 in Australasia with air-conditioning optioned on.
From left: The Salvation Army’s pilot Simon Steele and Natalie Steele with Heliflite’s Lyndsay Edmonds and The Salvation Army’s Business Appeals Coordinator Randy Wood. (Salvation Army & Heliflite)
