Mount Isa helicopter fleet prepares for flight

In Mount Isa, John and Suzy Logan have been flat out doing annual maintenance of their fleet of 11 R22 helicopters. 

The Logan’s started Barkly Helicopters in Mount Isa six years ago to service company and private properties around the region.

They also employ eight local pilots who are working towards a mid-March start to the mustering season. 

“When each helicopter reaches 2200 hours they need to be rebuilt. Last year we had one chopper in the workshop getting a rebuild throughout the year, but this year they have all been rebuilt,” John Logan said.

“With December/January rain we usually start doing a few paddocks close to town in February, but that hasn’t happened this year.

“I think people are just waiting for workers to return, so we are preparing for producers to want to start the second week of March.”

Covering a radius of 300 nautical miles (555 kilometres), Mr Logan has mustered a wide range of stock including multi bred cattle, horses and camels.

Mr Logan said all stock responded differently, depending on how they had been handled.

“If choppers go hard and fast pilots are less likely to get them to where they want to go,” he said.

“If you take your time, let the cattle get up, have a stretch, have time to find their calf and slowly walk off you have a better chance of controlling them.

“Cattle that haven’t been mustered in several years can get a bit flighty, but again it comes down to patience.”

Covering a broad clientele, Mr Logan has seen producers progress and purchase their own helicopters, taking a toll on his business.

“Pretty much any business that has over 6000 head of breeders end up buying their own,” he said.

“It does take an affect on our business, but we will still survive for a bit longer.

“It has definitely changed to when I first started there was only four or five helicopters in the country.”

Barkly Helicopters will continue to contract muster until October, before breaking for the wet season again.