Visit to the RACQ Care Flight Hanger

As mentioned in my last post, about a month ago I was invited over to the RACQ Care Flight hanger for a look through; today after a few hours of plane spotting I took up that offer. Arriving at the facilities I called up my new found friend Timmo and was invited in. I was shown through the building; and after meeting a few more of the Care Flight crew I was offered a coffee in their lunch room.
We then walked out into the hanger area where I really got excited as not only was the Agusta Westland helicopter there but so was their Learjet and their Challenger.
We walked over to the Westland and I was offered a seat inside.
Timmo took the time to explain every aspect of the helicopter and what each button meant or what the screen displays meant. Putting on the helmet I could hear ATC talking and it really made the experience real.

CAREFLIGHT AGUSTA WESTLAND AW 139

VH-XIJ (CN 41405)

WHAT DOES THIS BUTTON DO...

After a few photos and about 20 minutes later we walked over to the Lear; unfortunately it was closed and we couldn't enter but I enjoyed being right up close to it.

CARE FLIGHT  LEARJET 45 VH-VIV (CN 262)

We then walked over to the Challenger and this is where Timmo floored me with some information. This actual aircraft belonged to Walt Disney and it was used in the Hannah Montana movie and actually flew Hanna (aka Miley Cyrus)  around. Timmo went on to say since the aircraft has been here in Australia it has carried around a few celebrities like KISS and Fleetwood Mac to name a few.

CAREFLIGHT CHALLENGER 604 VH-URR (CN 5439)

Today was one of those days that I will remember for a while and many thanks goes to Timmo for taking the time to show me around.

CareFlight is a world leader in aeromedical care and Australia's most diversified service with both a fixed and rotary wing fleet.
They help seriously ill and injured patients around Australia and the world to quickly get the medical care they need.
From rapid response, to inter-facility transfers their team of more than 400 staff members, including aviation crew, support staff, and over 100 doctors are a lifeline to vulnerable individuals.
Across Australia CareFlight doctors attend to more than 10 patients a day.
As a leading Australian charity they operate 12 medically equipped rescue helicopters and three air ambulance jets across 13 locations. Nine of these are CareFlight’s own aeromedical bases. 
They supply doctors and nurses to all Queensland rescue helicopters, the iconic Royal Flying Doctors aircraft as well as road ambulance services.
CareFlight has airlifted over 42,000 patients over the past three decades.
They serve both the community and industry clients, operating a charitable service and ‘profit for purpose’ commercial enterprises that helps fund their charitable activity. Surplus profit from their social enterprises are used to make sure their community helicopters remain on standby 24 hours a day, everyday of the year. If you would like to donate to this amazing cause you can do so here https://www.careflight.org.au/donate/
Or you can call them on  1800 655 876