Royal Flying Doctor Service (RFDS) Operations at Rockhampton Airport

Recently, we ventured to Rockhampton Airport, and spent some time looking through some of the local operators that call the Airport home. One of the more prominent hangar buildings on the General Aviation (GA) side of Rockhampton Airport houses the Royal Flying Doctor Service (RFDS) operations office and hangar.

We were fortunate enough to be given a tour by one of the pilots based at Rockhampton, and sitting in the warm Rockhampton sun, was one of the RFDS's recent acquisitions in the form of Hawker Beechcraft B200C King Air VH-FDI.

The aircraft is one of three RFDS King Air aircraft that are based at the Rockhampton hangar - VH-FDR VH-FDW are the other aircraft.

VH-FDI is one of three recently acquired King Airs that feature the larger rear cargo door, coupled with on-board loading winch designed for easier passenger/patient loading and unloading.

These new build aircraft from the manufacturer that are destined for the RFDS, are flown to Australia as a bare-bones aircraft, which then undergo a 4-6 month fit-out by a specialist company before entering service as an air ambulance.

After returning inside the RFDS hangar, Hawker Beechcraft B200 King Air VH-FDA was receiving maintenance in the immaculately maintained facilities at Rockhampton.  Moreover, the staff were going about their duties in a thoroughly professional manner. A full credit to the RFDS.

Sincere thanks to all of the staff at the RFDS Rockhampton Base for their time and courtesy during our visit.