VH-INV    Bell 47J-2                                   (c/n  2627)

                                 
         
                                   Acquired by Ansett-ANA in March of 1963, this Bell 47J was operated by their Helicopter Division.
                                   Greg Banfield's shot (above) was taken at Mascot in August 1966.   In July of 1963 it became the
                                   first aircraft to visit Melbourne’s new Tullamarine Airport, when it took part in an inspection with a
                                   parliamentary delegation.    During September 1963 it escorted two R.A.N. auxiliary cruisers from
                                   Hume Weir some 2,225 km down the Murray River, to commemorate the opening of the Murray River
                                   to paddle-steamer navigation, in 1855.    It was sold to Helicopter Utilities in March 1968, and regis-
                                   tered to their subsidiary Airfast Services Pty. Ltd.  It was sold/transferred to Fiji in December 1969
                                   becoming VQ-FBL (and then later to DQ-FBL).