Maritime New Zealand has successfully carried out a 2,000km (1,080nm) rescue dash from Auckland to Raoul Island in the South Pacific to rescue a New Zealand Department of Conservation research team stranded after a volcanic eruption. The 10h round flight was performed using a Mil Mi-17 carrying additional internal fuel tanks, which refuelled on the island before returning to New Zealand. A chartered Piper Navajo escorted the helicopter as a safety measure. Raoul Island is 1,000km north of New Zealand.
Source: Flight International