Mini chopper’s big message

CFA deputy chief officer Geoff Conway launched the CFA’s first children’s interactive firefighting aircraft in the Dandenongs last month.
The mini Helitak was launched alongside a genuine Helitak helicopter which is stationed at Olinda.
Helitak 13, named Little Lex, has been developed by CFA’s Yarra Area as an interactive children’s display to help deliver community education fire safety messages to local communities.
It has been designed and built by Presto Industries and is the first of its kind in the state.
“Helitak 13 is modelled on the Helitaks used for fire bombing during bushfires by both CFA and DSE,” said Mr Conway.
“The Helitak plays an integral role in fire suppression.”
Helitak 13 Little Lex has battery back-up which powers flashing lights at the push of a button, as well as helicopter sounds.
It has real gauges, two microphones, a radio and control stick built into it.
The mini aircraft also comes with a 1.8 metre banner of photos and information about Helitaks and their many uses during the summer bushfire season.
Mr Conway said: “Helitak 13 Little Lex will provide both Yarra Area brigades and the community safety team with an additional resource to be used at displays, fetes and other promotional activities as part of their community safety education strategy.”
The mini Helitak is lightweight and can be moved easily by its own trailer, which was partly funded by CFA Knox group of brigades, and it holds the weight of two adults and one child or three children at the same time.