Chopper Squad
| Industry | Television production |
|---|---|
| Headquarters | Sydney , Australia |
Chopper Squad is an Australian television drama created by the Reg Grundy Organisation for the 0-10 Network. The narrative centers on a helicopter rescue unit operating out of Dee Why beach in Sydney.
Pilot
The pilot episode was broadcast in Melbourne in November 1976 and later in Newcastle in August 1977, preceding the series premiere by a significant interval until April 1978. Between the pilot and the full series, several casting revisions took place, including the exit of Rebecca Gilling, Max Osbiston, and Tony Bonner. Additionally, the last names of characters Phil and Tim were modified.
Series
After the pilot, two seasons consisting of 26 episodes were released from 1978 through 1979. Early during the series, the helicopter rescue base transitioned from Dee Why Beach Surf Life Saving Club to Palm Beach Surf Lifesaving Club.
In 1988, Network Ten Sydney re-aired a selection of first-season episodes on weekend afternoons to capitalize on viewer nostalgia prior to the evening news broadcast. These reruns were eventually replaced by episodes of Fantasy Island. The full series was last shown on weekday mornings in the early 1990s and has not been televised in Australia since then.
Main cast
- Dennis Grosvenor portraying Jebbie Best
- Robert Coleby as Barry Drummond
- Eric Oldfield playing Phil Trayle
- Jeanie Drynan as Georgia Beattie
- Graham Rouse in the role of Roley
- Tony Hughes as Tim Gray
VH-UCH
The Bell 206A model VH-UCH was featured exclusively in the pilot episode.
VH-FHF
During the main series, the Bell 206B "Jet Ranger II" VH-FHF was utilized. This aircraft was initially operated around 1977 by the Westpac Life Saver Rescue Helicopter Service, an initiative founded by Surf Life Saving Australia with sponsorship from the Bank of New South Wales (currently Westpac).
Following its tenure with the rescue team, VH-FHF was purchased by PHS, professional helicopter services. It remains active today, serving as Firebird 301 for the Government of Victoria and providing tourist flights at Uluru. The Jet Ranger VH-FHF was subsequently re-registered under VH-PHF.
The registration VH-FHF was later assigned to an MBB Kawasaki BK-117B-2, presently operated by the NSW Rural Fire Service.
Home media
As of 5 June 2019, there has been no official DVD release for this series.
| DVD title | Format | Episodes | Discs/Tapes | Region 4 (Australia) | Special Features | Distributor |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Chopper Squad (Season 01) | N/A | 13 | N/A | N/A | N/A | N/A |
| Chopper Squad (Season 02) | N/A | 13 | N/A | N/A | N/A | N/A |