Newspaper Article 1992 – Rescue helicopter nearly ready

Rescue helicopter nearly ready

The new helicopter leased to the Hawke’s Bay Helicopter Rescue Trust should be operating by Thursday.

The new machine arrived damaged from Japan and is being repaired and fitted with rescue equipment.

Based at the Hastings hospital, the helicopter will be manned by full-time pilot Bruce Harvey, chief crewman Phil Harman and medical director Forbes Bennett.

Mr Harvey has more than 12,000 hours’ flying experience and is a qualified instructor. Mr Harman has been an active crewman for eight years and the trust’s training officer for six years.

Mr Harman is a member of the trust dive team.

Trust secretary Noel Houston said negotiations were being held with sponsor, and it was hoped details would soon be available. The trust requires $300,000 a year to operate the helicopter.

The hanger, being built at the Hastings hospital, is expected to be finished by March 20. Most of the labour and materials had been donated to the project.

The helicopter is owned by Hastings businessman Mike Toogood.

Photo caption – Crewman Phil Harman, left, and pilot Bruce Harvey check progress on construction of the rescue helicopter hangar in the grounds at the Hastings hospital.