A SPECIAL visitor stopped in at the Mount Gambier Airport yesterday on her way to Adelaide for the 2018/19 fire season.
Elsie the $30m and nine tonne Erickson sky crane touched down in the region to refuel, causing a spectacle for local residents.
The airport announced her anticipated arrival on Sunday night with many community members heading out to catch a glimpse of the giant helicopter.
Boasting a 9000hp twin-turbine engine, approximately 10,000 litre capacity and a top speed of 215kph, Elsie is a powerful fire fighting machine, but can only travel around two hours before refueling.
Based in Essendon, Elsie was flown to the region by two Erickson pilots before finishing her journey to the state’s capital.
Elsie is a “cousin” to Elvis, a helicopter used to fight bushfires across the country since 2001.
The aircraft’s pilot, Dan Long, has been working with Erickson Incorporated for around four years and was part of yesterday’s transport team.
Mr Long said the helicopter will begin its contract at the end of the month and be an integral part of the state’s fire fighting team for the current season.
“Being inside one of these while you’re fighting a bushfire is a very busy and demanding job,” he said.
“Everything goes by so quickly and a two hour mission can seem like nothing in the heat of the moment.
“One of the things I love about being a pilot of one of these machines is how it keeps you on your toes.”
Although Elsie will not be stationed in the South East, the Mount Gambier Airport has three dedicated aircraft ready for any upcoming bushfires.
Fire danger season officially began in the Lower South East on November 22 with fire bans in place until April 30, 2019.
