FLYING high with Truenorth Helicopter service is just one of the activities residents can enjoy during this Sunday’s open day at the Tumut Aerodrome.
Gracing the skies of the Snowy Valleys region now for 25 years Truenorth will open its doors wide to show all who wish to come along and see what this company offers in services.
Truenorth first started its services at Rosewood and Tumbarumba in the shire’s south but moved into Tumut about 15 years ago (2014) and since then has grown to what it is today.
Starting with two helicopters, the service now boasts four units of its own plus houses further helicopters for other companies.
Their Tumut base can also act as a refuelling depot for smaller planes and helicopters which need refuelling during longer flights.
Truenorth is more than just a joy flights provider – experienced pilots are ready to fly within 15 minutes if a bushfire or other emergency takes place.
Not only are their helicopters able to water bomb tough fire spots, but they can help out when a rescue/search is required – people do get lost in the high-country bushlands.
At Sunday’s open day [static display of current aircraft] on board will be the pilots, ground crew, refuelling staff – all there to talk about what they do.
From 10.30am to 11.30am there will be the chance to take short 10-minute flights. There is a discounted cost to these flights and should be booked.
At around 12 noon there will also be demonstrations on winching, water bombing (1pm) and the company’s training regime.
Members from the Tumut Aero Club will also be on hand cooking up a delicious barbecue, coffee, tea and cakes/slices for those who want a quick lunch (at a cost) and to talk to visitors about their club events and the scholarships they offer young inspiring would-be pilots.
Other static displays and the chance to learn more about the individual organisations will be the RFS, SES, Fire & Rescue and, although not confirmed, NSW Police.
The open day starts at 10am and with demonstrations, talks, helicopter inspections and lunch the activities will finish around 2pm.
But for those who want to extend their experience of helicopters and flying further scenic flights can be booked for later in the day.
Truenorth not only are on hand for emergency assistance but during their normal workhours transport landcare crews in and out of the National Park area.
Part owner and operator of Truenorth, Bridget Ryan explained that the Forestry Department often need crews flown in and out of remote areas for activities such as spraying hawkweed and other noxious weeds.
“We will fly in a crew, along with the chemicals, wait until the area they are spraying is completed and then either fly the crew back home or take them to another location to continue working,” Ms Ryan said.
“It is all part of our contract work.
“We also do aerial surveillance when required for instance we did a feral pine survey last week up in the national parks identifying where they are,” Bridget said.
If you have a fascination for helicopters or just want to learn more about the services that Truenorth offers come along to the open day – talk to the staff, look inside a helicopter, and if you are really into flying, book a flight – to get that Truenorth experience.
