Established 2003, RAC WA its first rescue helicopter based in Jandakot, Perth. A second helicopter was launched in 2016 based in Bunbury. Managed by the Department of Fire and Emergencies Services (DFES), WA. Operated by CHC Australia
The Western Australia Department of Fire and Emergency Services (DFES) and RAC Rescue have a close partnership in operating the state's emergency rescue helicopters. DFES is the government agency responsible for managing the service and provides the funding for its operations. The Royal Automobile Club of Western Australia (RAC), a member-owned organization, is the key sponsor of the service, contributing significantly to its funding and public awareness. While DFES and RAC are the primary partners, the helicopter operations, including the provision of pilots, engineers, and maintenance, are carried out by a separate commercial operator, CHC Australia. This three-way partnership ensures that the helicopters are available 24/7/365 to respond to a wide range of emergencies across Western Australia.
The Western Australia Department of Fire and Emergency Services (DFES) and RAC Rescue have a close partnership in operating the state's emergency rescue helicopters. DFES is the government agency responsible for managing the service and provides the funding for its operations. The Royal Automobile Club of Western Australia (RAC), a member-owned organization, is the key sponsor of the service, contributing significantly to its funding and public awareness. While DFES and RAC are the primary partners, the helicopter operations, including the provision of pilots, engineers, and maintenance, are carried out by a separate commercial operator, CHC Australia. This three-way partnership ensures that the helicopters are available 24/7/365 to respond to a wide range of emergencies across Western Australia.
News about RAC Rescue |
CHC Upgrades Western Australia RAC Rescue with AW139s
02-Sep-25 - RAC Rescue, an air ambulance operated by CHC Australia 24/7/365 from Jandakot and Bunbury in Western Australia, receiving three new Leonardo AW139 helicopters #WesternAustralia
Western Australia New Ambulances to Arrive in 2023
01-Jun-22 - Leonardo confirmed order of 3 new AW139 helicopters for the Western Australia’s Emergency Rescue Helicopter Service (EHRS) for delivery in early 2023 and to be operated by CHC Australia #WesternAustralia
Royal Perth Hospital New Heliport
31-May-22 - Western Australia Royal Perth Hospital new 788m2 heliport opened after a $10M invest. It can take two helicopters at any time #Perth
New CHC AW139 for Western Australia DFES
25-May-22 - The Department of Fire and Emergency Services (DFES) Western Australia signed 12-year contract with CHC for 24/7 emergency rescue helicopter services. Three new AW139 will replace current Bell 412 by end 2023 #DFES
CHC’ Bell 412 SAR Crew Recognized in Australia
19-Oct-17 - Bell 412 ‘Rescue 651’ crew from Western Australia’s Rescue Helicopter Service, operated by CHC, recognised with Commendation Award for their mission with vessel ‘Fatal Attraction’ on November 6, 2016| More News ... |  |
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Models RAC Rescue List of helicopters |
| C/N | Version | Built | In this Org | In other Org | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 32012 | aw139 | 2023 | VH-8AR : RAC Rescue, op by CHC Australia |  I-PTFN  VH-8AR | |
| 32013 | aw139 | 2023 | VH-8AU : RAC Rescue, op by CHC Australia | - I-EASG VH-8AU | |
| 32019 | aw139 | 2023 | VH-8AW : Jandakot Airport, Perth, Western Australia. Now 'RAC Rescue' yellow  | I-PTFT VH-8AW | |
| 36100 | 412ep | 1994 | VH-EPK : RAC Rescue, by 2015; Jun17 noted at Bunbury |  XC-JCU  N412HH VH-EPK VH-EPK | |
| 36312 | 412ep | 2002 | VH-EWA : RAC Rescue op by CHC, noted 2010, pictured : pictured (pic2) | VH-EWA VH-EWA | |
| 36274 | 412ep | 2001 | VH-VAA : RAC Rescue (DFES WA) /Rescue 653 op by CHC;
reached 10,000 flight hours w+ | VH-VAA VH-VAA |
