By: Ulf Norberg 2004-02-02
This photo was taken by the Swedish pilot Ulf Norberg as he had landed at the heliport in Qaqortoq with this S-61N, nicknamed \'Nattoralik\'.
OY-HAF was constructed by Sikorsky Aircraft Division in Stratford, USA, back in 1965 and was brought to Greenland the same year. It has currently experienced more than 38 000 hours in the air!
At the most Grønlandsfly had eight S-61Ns in service, mainly used for the shuttle traffic on the island. When the government decided to construct 800 meters runways by the most of the towns across the island, designated for the Dash 7 airliner, many of the helicopters went superfluous and only two machines were kept by Grønlandsfly. This one was one of them, and she is still serving the residents together with her sister, OY-HAG.
The S-61s flies approx 800 hours a year each and is mainly used for the shuttle traffic as well as SAR operation. The aircraft houses 25 passengers or 2,5 metric tonnes in freight.
As mentioned earlier this photo was taken at the heliport in Qaqortoq. Located in the most southern parts of Greenland the town is the largest in the South, housing 3 200 inhabitants. Further 300 people live in the surrounding settlements, either at the reindeer- or sheep farms.
