Background

EFM was engaged to manage the transport of a Bell 412 helicopter and associated equipment from Mudgee, NSW to our client’s Terminal in Sydney for export. Due to the high value and sensitive mechanical components of the aircraft, the operation required careful planning, specialised equipment, and strict adherence to safety and handling procedures.

Brief

The objective was to safely collect, load, secure, and transport one Bell 412 helicopter and its associated components from MKR Choppers, ensuring the cargo was delivered damage-free and ready for scheduled loading on Tuesday, 16 December 2025. The movement involved out-of-gauge dimensions and required permits, precise lifting operations, and vibration-controlled transport to protect the helicopter’s transmission and engines.

Delivery

To minimise shock and vibration, the helicopter was transported using a truck and trailer fitted with air ride suspension. An out-of-gauge permit was secured in advance, covering an over-height of +1.02 m and an over-width of +28 cm on the left side.

Loading operations commenced at 0600hrs at MKR Choppers, following a site safety briefing conducted by MKR’s Manager and Chief Engineer. A crane sub-contractor arrived at 0700hrs, and all flat racks were inspected with no damage identified. Using soft slings, MKR personnel positioned the helicopter for lifting, and the fuselage was safely craned from the end gate without incident.

The fuselage was bolted to a metal frame and placed on rubber matting to prevent metal-to-metal contact. Timber chocking was installed around the frame to eliminate movement during transit. Associated equipment and crates were carefully positioned on the flat racks, with final boxes bolted to crate bases for added stability. The landing gear and tail section were loaded, bolted, and securely lashed.

A total of ten 2.5-tonne nylon ratchet straps were used across two tiers to secure the fuselage and crates, with all lashings applied to designated flat rack lashing points. Final lashing was completed at 12:10hrs, and the transport departed the MKR premises at 12:15hrs.

Result

The Bell 412 helicopter and all associated equipment were successfully delivered to the end point Terminal in Sydney on schedule, with no damage reported throughout loading or transport. The cargo was positioned in an undercover laydown area and prepared for planned vessel loading, demonstrating EFM’s capability to manage complex, high-value, and out-of-gauge air freight logistics with precision and care.