Photo Contest Entries

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Bell 407 set up with PSD, working out of Alexandria, Louisiana to conduct prescribed burns with the US Forest Service in the Kisatchie National Forest. Early February 2025

Madison Stumler

2

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POV from the drill pad, driller walking to the helicopter during an early morning crew change from the drill site to camp. Located somewhere in the eastern Alaska Range mountains in early September. The fall foliage creating a beautiful back drop.

Madison Stumler

6

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AS350 long lining at a drill site, somewhere in the eastern Alaska Range mountains, with the beautiful September foliage back drop.

Madison Stumler

5

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Drillers loading up early morning for shift change off the drill site. Somewhere in the eastern Alaska Range mountains with the beautiful September foliage setting the backdrop.

Madison Stumler

5

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The true backbone of aviation that doesn’t get enough recognition. They work hard and do their best to keep the aircraft in the air. As a chief pilot, I’m very grateful of the folks that work day in and day out to make aviation a success.

Colby Martin

2

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An Écureuil helicopter is pumping water.
For the fire in Brignoles, Var, France.

Hervé Dermoune

2

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Black Edge Aviation UH-60A N274TH Black Hawk departing Karuah LZ to return to firefighting operations north of Karuah, NSW, Australia on the 13th November 2025

Stephen Baldwin

6

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The Dragon helicopter for observation of the fire in Pontevès (Var department) near the security command post, France.

Hervé Dermoune

2

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Kestrel Bell 412EP registration VH-ESB arriving at the forward operating base at Karuah, NSW, Australia while fighting a bushfire at north of Karuah on the 13th November 2025.

Stephen Baldwin

3

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Australian Army Aviation CH-47F passing Redhead Bluff, Redhead, NSW, Australia on the return journey to RAAF Base Townsville after attending the 2025 Australian International Airshow.

Stephen Baldwin

3

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An Super Puma helicopter is pumping water.
For the fire in Brignoles, Var, France.

Hervé Dermoune

2

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The Ecureuil helicopter and the equipment to be airlifted onto the truck for the fire in Pontevès (Var department), near the security command post, in France.

Hervé Dermoune

1

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Passing before landing on a amphibious assault ship by an ALAT Tiger helicopter

Hervé Dermoune

1

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An Écureuil helicopter is pumping water.
For the fire in Brignoles, Var, France.

Hervé Dermoune

1

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Ecureuil and Dragon helicopters are deployed to fight the fire in Pontevès (Var department), near the security command post, in France. Pictured are firefighters with the director of SDIS 83 and the sub-prefect of Brignoles.

Hervé Dermoune

1

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The Dragon helicopter for observation of the fire in Pontevès (Var department) near the security command post, France.

Hervé Dermoune

1

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An Super Puma helicopter drops water during the fire in Les Pennes-Mirabeau, Bouches-du-Rhône, France.

Hervé Dermoune

2

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Two Ecureuil helicopters are pumping water.
For the fire in Brignoles, in the Var department, France.

Hervé Dermoune

1

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An Écureuil helicopter drops water during the fire in Saint-Victoret, Bouches-du-Rhône, France.

Hervé Dermoune

1

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Search and rescue aircraft at rest at the rescue station with sar hmmwv note color scheme in high vis for crew safety and finding units in the Maine woods

Richard Bowie

9

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Training for the aerial demonstration by three Panther ahead of the 30th anniversary of Flotilla 36F

Hervé Dermoune

2

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A Seahawk helicopter from the aircraft carrier Ford landed in the port of Marseille to drop off the port pilot.

Hervé Dermoune

4

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Helicopter winching demonstration between a Dauphin helicopter and the SNSM (French Sea Rescue Society).

Hervé Dermoune

2

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Sea rescue exercise with an EC135 from the National Gendarmerie Air Force

Hervé Dermoune

2

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Departure of a French Navy Panther from the Hyères Naval Air Base

Hervé Dermoune

3

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Helicopter winching demonstration between a Dauphin helicopter and the SNSM (French Sea Rescue Society).

Hervé Dermoune

4

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An NH90 helicopter and its crew on the deck of the frigate Amiral Ronarc'h (french navy)

Hervé Dermoune

2

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Training for the aerial demonstration by three Panther (french navy) before the Toulon air show

Hervé Dermoune

2

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Helicopter winching exercise with an EC135 of the National Gendarmerie Air Force

Hervé Dermoune

10

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Two Spanish Tiger and a Chinook departing from the Hyères Naval Air Base

Hervé Dermoune

5

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A British Wildcat departing from the Hyères Naval Air Base for testing

Hervé Dermoune

6

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Start-up of a French Navy Panther helicopter from the Hyères Naval Air Base

Hervé Dermoune

5

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Departure of two Panther helicopters and an NH90 from Hyères Naval Air Base.
Air show celebrating the 100th anniversary of the naval air base.

Hervé Dermoune

5

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An Alouette III helicopter from the Hyères Naval Air Base.
Air show celebrating the 100th anniversary of the naval air base.

Hervé Dermoune

5

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Demonstration by three Panther during the 30th anniversary of Flotilla 36F

Hervé Dermoune

5

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Sea rescue exercise with an EC135 from the National Gendarmerie Air Force

Hervé Dermoune

5

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Helicopter winching exercise with an EC135 of the National Gendarmerie Air Force

Hervé Dermoune

5

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Demonstration between a Dauphin helicopter (french navy) and the SNSM (French Sea Rescue Society).

Hervé Dermoune

7

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Manual ignition of a French Navy Lynx helicopter

Hervé Dermoune

6

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A Seahawk helicopter took off from the aircraft carrier Gerald R. Ford in the port of Marseille, after dropping off the pilot from the port.

Hervé Dermoune

5

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Australian Army Aviation Loadmasters on the ground for a flight of two Chinooks "Chainsaw" arriving in Melbourne for Avalon Australian International Airshow 2025.

Laurence Yang

7

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Bell 214 Helitack 673 arrives low and steady over Warradale Park, settling onto the grass for a brief but vital refuelling stop. The heavy helicopter’s broad rotor blades dominate the frame, frozen mid-turn as ground crew prepare to service the aircraft. Sunlight catches the fuselage, highlighting the work-worn paint and the unmistakable strength of a machine built for demanding conditions. Around it, the quiet suburban park contrasts sharply with the urgency of the mission, transformed into a temporary staging point for aerial firefighting. Every detail speaks of efficiency and readiness — the aircraft positioned with precision, the pause measured in minutes, not moments. Soon, fuel tanks will be full and 673 will lift again, returning to the fireground. The image captures a calm interval between intense operations, showing the essential logistics behind bushfire response and the power and presence of Helitack 673 at rest, but never idle.

Arya Dayabhai

8

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S-64F Skycrane "Isabelle" picking up water in a suburban environment allowed me to get within 30 metres as the helicopter responded to a fire at Donnybrook.

Laurence Yang

11

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Between trees: Erickson Inc. Skycrane N178AC "Isabelle" picks up water with its pond snorkle down in the Werribee River during a fire at Hopetoun Park.

Laurence Yang

10

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An AS 332 Super Puma (HELITAK349) operated by Kestrel Aviation landing at Essendon Fields after night firefighting operations during the Victorian fire season.

Laurence Yang

10

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Australian Army Aviation Chinook A15-312 "Chariot" arrives in Melbourne as part of a flight of two in preparation for Avalon Australian International Airshow 2025.

Laurence Yang

9

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Microflite Bell 212 VH-JJR as 'HELITAK 338' emerges from a 100 metre deep gorge of the Werribee River during operations at a grassfire at Hopetoun Park.

Laurence Yang

8

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Australian Army Aviation Loadmasters on the ground for a flight of two Chinooks "Chainsaw" arriving in Melbourne for Avalon Australian International Airshow 2025.

Laurence Yang

8

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Helitack 679 hovers low over the water at The Cut Golf Course, its rotors whipping the surface into a storm of spray as the snorkel disappears beneath the pond. Seconds later, Helitack 678 follows close behind, perfectly aligned in the airspace, a powerful reminder of coordinated aerial firefighting in action. Beyond the manicured greens, smoke from a bushfire burning in nearby Falcon drifts across the sky, softening the horizon and adding urgency to the scene. The contrast is striking: calm fairways transformed into a critical lifeline, and precision flying unfolding above an otherwise peaceful landscape. Each aircraft pauses only briefly, tanks filling in moments, before lifting away to return water to the fireground. The image captures a fleeting but vital moment — teamwork, skill, and speed — as these helicopters turn an everyday location into a frontline resource in the fight to protect the community.

Arya Dayabhai

7

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Bell 214 Helitack 674 hovers precisely over the water at Warradale Park, its powerful rotors flattening the surface into rippling rings of spray. The snorkel hangs steady beneath the aircraft, drawing water in seconds as the helicopter balances effortlessly just metres above the pond. Framed by trees and open parkland, the scene contrasts raw mechanical power with an otherwise quiet suburban setting. Rotor wash bends the surrounding grass and sends mist drifting across the water, capturing the intensity of aerial firefighting at close range. This brief moment is all business — no wasted movement, no hesitation — as 674 turns an everyday park into a vital supply point. Within moments the tank is full, and the helicopter will climb away toward the fireground. The image freezes that split second where skill, timing, and strength meet, highlighting the critical role of aerial crews and machines in protecting communities during bushfire operations.

Arya Dayabhai

9

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NH90 TTH (french army) heading towards PHA Dixmude (french navy)

Hervé Dermoune

13

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Demonstration flight of the Airbus Racer during the Paris Air Show 2025, captured on June 17, 2025. The aircraft showcases its innovative high-speed rotorcraft design in front of an international audience.

Tom Buysse

9

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Helicopter Transport Services (Canada based operator) Helitanker 5HT, dousing flames part of a few hot spots in Riverside County, CA during the Dale Fire, Summer 2025.

Alex Lipin

9

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Helicopter Transport Services (Canada based operator) Helitanker 5HT, passes over an active uncontrolled wall of fire during the Dale Fire in Riverside County, CA..

Alex Lipin

14

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Siller Helitanker 95B shadowed by Army Nat'l Guard Copter 836, while departing Otay Lakes in Chula Vista, CA during the Border 2 Fire burning in the Otay Mountain Wilderness.

Alex Lipin

11

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CAL FIRE copter 609, a Sikorsky S-70i Firehawk based out of Hemet-Ryan air attack base in Riverside County, CA passing over following a drop on the Dale Fire.

Alex Lipin

9

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Siller Helitanker 95B shadowed by Army Nat'l Guard Copter 836, while departing Otay Lakes in Chula Vista, CA during the Border 2 Fire burning in the Otay Mountain Wilderness.

Alex Lipin

10

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A CAL FIRE crewmember fills up their Sikorsky S-70 Firehawk shortly after landing at a staging area in Lakeside, CA during the Monte Fire in June 2025.

Alex Lipin

8

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A fairly brand new Bell 412EPX from the San Diego County Sheriff's Dept. hovers over a mobile water tank used for aerial firefighting, during an annual wildland drill in North County of San Diego, CA in May 2025.

Alex Lipin

7

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LA County Fire Dept/ Copter 22, filling up with water utilizing a mobile water tank and making numerous trips to and from the Palisades Fire during the January 2025 Los Angeles Firestorm.

Alex Lipin

7

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An Air Resources Helicopters Airbus H125 operating by USFS Keenwild Helitack 535, assisted CAL FIRE with numerous water drops, helping firefighters attack the Monte Fire in Lakeside, CA in June 2025.

Alex Lipin

9

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CAL FIRE Copter 609 taking a dip at Lake Riverside in Riverside County, CA during the Cahuilla Fire as a rainbow appears, reflecting off the water below.

Alex Lipin

8

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Copter 10 operated by the San Diego County Sheriff's Dept. departs an unnamed reservoir in the Carlsbad, CA area during the Claro Fire in June 2025.

Alex Lipin

6

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Leased US Army Apache with Polish emblems hoovering over Vistula River

Bartek Bera

11

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Polish AW101 on the way to Radom Air Show

Bartek Bera

7

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Tatra Mountain Rescuer with his dog working with Polish Air Force SAR helicopter

Bartek Bera

9

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Polish Hind and Mi-17 on the way to Radom Air Show rehearsal

Bartek Bera

10

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Leased from US Army Apache with Polish markings over Vistula river

Bartek Bera

8

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Polish Special Forces Mi-17 on the way to Radom Air Show rehearsal.

Bartek Bera

8

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Polish Special Forces Mi-17 with 23mm gun pod on the way to shooting range

Bartek Bera

8

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Tatra Mountain Rescuer onboard Polish Air Force SAR helicopter during training mission over Tatra Mountains

Bartek Bera

7

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Polish Air Force SAR W-3 during training mission with Tatra Moutain Rescue Service

Bartek Bera

7

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Search and Rescue MH60S from VX31, "Dust Devils" out of NAWS China Lake, CA, training in the Sidewinder Low Level Route. Getting a rotary wing visitor in an area usually reserved for fast movers was a treat!

Andrew Lewis

11

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MH53E Super Stallion from the 3rd Marine Aircraft Wing shoots the moon while returning to MCAS Miramar, California after a training mission at Marine Corps Mountain Warfare Training Center, Bridgeport, California

Andrew Lewis

6

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Los Angeles County Fire Department's Copter 22, a Sikorsky S70i, makes a water drop over fire crews during The Hawk Incident in Acton, California on August 14, 2025

Andrew Lewis

8

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I did a special shoot of the United State Coast Guard Sikorsky MH-60T Jayhawk helicopter on the Otay Mountains in San Diego County, California. We got permission to drive on a BLM land dirt road which got me near the top of mountain. I then hiked up a brush filled hill to get to the right location. The road driving up was very bumpy and close to extremely steep drop offs.

Marty Wolin

9

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I took this picture of the AS365N3 Dauphin helicopter during deck-landing training on the VN Partisan. The French Navy leased the aircraft from the Belgian company NHV Helicopter Services.

Roelof-Jan Gort

9

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I took this picture of the AS555AN Fennec helicopter of the EH03.067 "Parisis" during a MASA / Air Security mission over Paris. In the back of the aircraft, you can see the commandos with sniper rifles.

Roelof-Jan Gort

11

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I took this picture of the AS555AN Fennec helicopter of the EH03.067 "Parisis" during a MASA / Air Security mission over Paris. In the background, you can see the commandos holding the "FOLLOW ME" sign. They use this to contact other aircraft if radio communication is unsuccessful.

Roelof-Jan Gort

9

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I took this picture of the AS365N3 Dauphin helicopter from the 34 Flotille/ESHE (helicopter specialization school) after its night-mission training at BAN Lanvéoc-Poulmic, France.

Roelof-Jan Gort

9

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During my visit to the 34F at the Lanvéoc-Poulmnic Naval Air Base, I had the opportunity to fly with the Dauphin helicopter to the VN Partisan to photograph deck-landing training for the helicopters. I took this picture after the pilots dropped me onto the ship's deck.

Roelof-Jan Gort

9

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During my visit to the NHV's facility at Esbjer Airport in Denmark, I had the opportunity to photograph the first hoist training at the test facility in Østerild, Denmark

Roelof-Jan Gort

10

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I took this picture during my visit to the NHV facility at Esbjerg Airport in Denmark. During this visit, I had the opportunity to photograph the first hoist training session with the H175 helicopter at the test facility in Østerild, Denmark.

Roelof-Jan Gort

11

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I took this picture of the AS365N3 Dauphin helicopter during its deck-landing training on the VN Partisan. The French Navy leased the aircraft from the Belgian company NHV Helicopter Services.

Roelof-Jan Gort

11

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Take off from Tanagra Air Base

Vincent Kok

9

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During the Athens flying week this sky crane was at rest

Vincent Kok

13

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A B3 Helicopter departing from Hotel Everest View in Namche Bazaar with passengers after a mountain flight around the Everest Region. Hotel Everest View is a popular rest stop for trekkers on their acclimatisation hike or to enjoy breakfast during the flights program.

Jessica Amity

26

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Former Belgian SAR Seaking MK.48 RS02 during the annual openday at Koksijde Air Base. Since 2021, this magnificent Seaking has been flown and maintained by Historic Helicopters.

Gijs Mouchaers

14

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Wucher Helicopter Austria “Gallus 1”  Emergency medical helicopter  in Lech / Zürs, one of the most beautiful helipads in Austria

Airbus helicopter EC 135 T3 OE-XHM

Gijs Mouchaers

8

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Belgian Federal Police MD902 Explorer, ready to respond to the next firefighting mission.

Tom Houquet

6

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Former Belgian SAR Seaking MK.48 RS02 during the annual open day at Koksijde Air Base. Since 2021, this magnificent Seaking has been flown and maintained by Historic Helicopters.

Gijs Mouchaers

5

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Polish Black hawk S-70I '1305' during an exercise at the citadel of Diest in collaboration with the RNLAF and Belgian Army 3 para & Maot.

Gijs Mouchaers

9

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Belgian Federal Police MD902 Explorer on the way with the Bambi Bucket

Tom Houquet

6

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Belgian Federal Police MD902 Explorer responding to an early morning call

Tom Houquet

5

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LZ northwest of Yakutat, AK. Working with the National Park Service to do some maitenance on their radio repeater system.

Justin Scheffel

5

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Royal Canadian Air Force Bell 412 on the way to the Abbotsford Airshow 2025

Tom Houquet

7

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Royal Netherlands Air Force Chinook D-601 at GLV 5 during the winter.

Gijs Mouchaers

6

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Spotters in action at GLV 5

Gijs Mouchaers

5

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Nice helipad landing doing more radio repeater maintenance work for the National Park Service on the Chikoot Trail.

Justin Scheffel

5

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Belgian air force NH90 TTH RN-08 18 Squadron

Gijs Mouchaers

6

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UK Army Air Corps demonstration of the AH-64E at the Royal International Air Tattoo 2025

Tom Houquet

4

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Czech Air Force Sokol demonstration at the Royal International Air Tattoo 2025

Tom Houquet

3

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Royal Canadian Air Force Bell 412 on the way to the Abbotsford Airshow 2025

Tom Houquet

5

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Royal Netherlands Air Force ( 300sqn ) Eurocopter AS 532U2 Cougar S-441 takes several members of 3 Para on board after a successful exercise at the citadel of Diest

Gijs Mouchaers

3

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Belgian air force NH90 TTH RN-08 passed by during a training flight over Belgium, flown by the 18th Squadron.

Gijs Mouchaers

3

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Polish Black hawk S-70I 130 in a fast rope exercise during an operation at the citadel, together with Belgian 3 para members and Maot.

Gijs Mouchaers

3

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JGSDF Troops disembarked from CH-47JA Chinook were running to holding position during air assault demonstration in Kisarazu Airshow.

Tsukasa Katsumata

4

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JASDF FE on UH-60J Blackhawk were hoisting PJ and his stretcher during SAR demonstration in Komaki Airport.
Another PJ on ground supported the stretcher with a string to stabilize it.

Tsukasa Katsumata

5

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AW139 "Toyama" of Toyama Pref. was approaching. 
He conducts various missions includes mountain SAR, disaster relief and aerial fire fighting.

Tsukasa Katsumata

6

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Two JASDF PJs were synchronized rappelling from UH-60J Blackhawk during SAR demonstration in Komaki Airport.
The conduct rappelling, hoisting and para jumping to approach survivors.

Tsukasa Katsumata

3

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A Singaporean AH-64D Apache departs from Rockhampton Airport at sunset during Exercise Wallaby 2025. Hosted in Australia's Shoalwater Bay Training Area, Exercise Wallaby is Singapore’s largest overseas unilateral exercise and has been held annually since 1990!

Emil Cooper

5

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Scattering dried grass with its downwash, UH-60JA of JGSDF was demonstrating a blank firing of .50 Cal in Kisarazu Airshow.

Tsukasa Katsumata

4

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UH-60J of JASDF was performed a flying display in Komaki Airport. 
Besides of Komaki Airport, Rescue Training Squadron in Komaki Airbase provides training for SAR aircrew.

Tsukasa Katsumata

3

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77+03, H145 LUH SAR of the Bundeswehr. The helicopter is based at Niederstetten Airfield. Here you can see it during a Training with the Rescuedogs of "Malteser Hilfsdienst" in bad weather conditions

Jonas Braun

3

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UH-60JA was passing in front of escorting AH-1S in combat demonstration in Akeno Airshow.
Camp Akeno is one of the primary Helo bases in Japan.

Tsukasa Katsumata

5

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77+03, H145 LUH SAR of the Bundeswehr. The helicopter is based at Niederstetten Airfield. Here you can see it during a Training with the Rescuedogs of "Malteser Hilfsdienst"

Jonas Braun

3

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Mass formation flight of JGSDF Helos were departed in Kisarazu Airshow.
This spectacular formation is a hallmark of the airshow.

Tsukasa Katsumata

4

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85+05, CH53 GS  during a trainingflight in southern Germany. The Helicopter is based at Laupheim Airbase.Here u can see it during a Trainingflight, practising rolling landing

Jonas Braun

4

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HH-60W of 33rd RQS demonstrated hoisting in Kadena America Fest 2025.
The squadron converted from Golf-model to Whiskey-model, and it was the first display after the conversion.

Tsukasa Katsumata

3

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Nato Helicopter NH90 of the Bundeswehr during a training in Germany. The Helicopters are based at Niederstetten. It was a 4-Ship Formation. Here u can see 2 of the 4 Helicopters landing on a little grass strip.

Jonas Braun

4