“It’s definitely a people-magnet, there have been people here all weekend.” The machine, which weighs about seven tonnes without a load, is used for heavy lifting work all around the country and was also quick, cruising at 150knots (around 180kmh), he said. “We had the call that they were leaving Whangamomona now, and by the time I turned round to have a look, they were coming over the hills,” he said. The helicopter is due to leave Stratford Aerodrome on Monday morning, but Furmage said he was hopeful it would be back to take part in the club’s open day on Saturday.