Relief rescue chopper flies in to help Rotorua

Relief rescue helicopter pilot Todd Dunham with the relief rescue helicopter. Photo / Ben Fraser

It might not look the same but the Rotorua public can rest assured the white bird is just as good as the regular BayTrust Rescue Helicopter.

A relief rescue helicopter landed in the city on Wednesday afternoon and was fully operational that night. It is the same aircraft the Rotorua crew used when their previous helicopter underwent maintenance and safety checks so is a fully certified air ambulance.

"It's given us all the normal capabilities," said Rotorua pilot Barry Vincent.

"It's winch capable and has the equipment for night vision goggles. We've used it in the past.

"We're pleased we're back up and running to provide the community the service they want us here for."

Rostered on with Mr Vincent this week is Todd Dunham, who is usually based at the Trustpower TECT Rescue Helicopter in Tauranga. He is one of a pool of pilots based between Tauranga, Hamilton, Taupo and Palmerston North who relieve pilots when they are on leave.

"Todd has been relieving in Rotorua for the last four years so it's very much business as usual."

The relief helicopter will be based at the Rotorua Hospital hangar until the normal helicopter, which was damaged in a heavy landing on Saturday, can be repaired or replaced. Internal and Civil Aviation Authority investigations are underway into the incident.