Two D models

Here we have two Hughes 369D model helicopters. Both photos were taken on the same day (05-11-2011) by two travelling enthusiasts. First Pic was shot at Omaka by Andy Heap and the lower one was taken at Tekapo by Blue bus.

ZK-HRF2 with its c/n of 119-0627D is the younger of the two by about a month. It served in the USA as N58355 from late 1979 until heading over to Japan in mid 1986 to become JA9436 . It became ZK-HRF with Rotor Flite NZ Ltd on 11-07-05 and went over to Gisborne Helicopters, then to Helicopters Hawkes Bay in 2007; to Heavy Jet in 2010 and then Wairarapa Helicopters from that October. Its current listed owner is Precision Helicopters Ltd of Urenui from 01-01-2011.

ZK-HVT2 has a c/n of 109-0586D and spent time in Australia as VH-SCQ from mid 1980 until mid 1983 when it nipped up to PNG and became P2-AHE for Rotor Work Pty Ltd at Mount Hagen. It was cancelled from the PNG register in 1993 as sold in NZ but did not appear on the register here until 06-10-2000 with Jame Scott of Fox Glacier. Reading between these lines I would say it sat around at Fox awaiting a rebuilt for some time. It is still with James, trading here as Tekapo Helicopters and is seen on its relatively new pad beside highway 8, just South of the military camp.