1956 - Helicabs
In 1956, Trans‑Australia Airlines became the first major Australian carrier to operate helicopters, marking a bold step into a new era of aviation. The airline purchased three Hiller 12C helicopters as part of a government‑supported programme to explore the commercial potential of rotary‑wing aircraft in Australia.
The first of these, Hiller 12C VH‑THA, holds a special place in history as the first commercial helicopter to operate in Australia. Its arrival signalled the beginning of a decade of experimentation, innovation, and pioneering work in remote operations, scientific research, and urban transport.
TAA’s helicopter fleet played a vital role in expanding the nation’s understanding of how helicopters could support industry, government, and the public. From mineral exploration to Antarctic research and city‑to‑airport transfers, these aircraft demonstrated the versatility of rotary‑wing aviation long before helicopters became commonplace.
One of the Hillers was assigned to TAA’s commercial division, where it launched the innovative Helicab service — a rapid shuttle between Essendon Airport and a floating helipad on Melbourne’s Yarra River. This service was decades ahead of its time and remains one of the earliest examples of urban air mobility in Australia.
Antarctic Operations
Two of TAA’s Hiller 12Cs were selected for one of the most challenging aviation environments on Earth: Antarctica. In support of the Australian National Antarctic Research Expeditions (ANARE), the helicopters were shipped south aboard the supply vessel Nella Dan.
The Hillers were loaded onto the Nella Dan for the long voyage to the Mawson base, where they would support scientific research, coastal surveys, and resupply missions.
Operating helicopters in Antarctica was an extraordinary undertaking. The Hillers were exposed to extreme cold, unpredictable katabatic winds, and the constant risk of whiteout conditions. Despite these challenges, they proved invaluable for short‑range transport and reconnaissance.
Both helicopters secured on the deck of the Nella Dan as it headed south.
VH‑THC operating on the ice near Mawson Station.
Both TAA helicopters on the Antarctic ice — a rare and remarkable sight.
One of the most dramatic episodes in TAA’s helicopter history occurred during the 1960 Antarctic summer. While conducting coastal survey work, a Hiller was involved in an accident on the ice. The incident was later documented by Captain Peter Ivanoff, a TAA pilot who went on to serve 40 years in commercial aviation.
Captain Ivanoff was the pilot involved in the accident. Read the story of the accident
All pictures below are of the Heli-South expedition.
Outback Survey Operations
The third Hiller 12C was allocated to the Commonwealth Department of Mineral Research, where it played a key role in the exploration of Australia’s remote interior. Throughout the late 1950s and early 1960s, helicopters were still a novelty in the outback, and their ability to reach inaccessible terrain made them invaluable for geological surveys.
The aircraft operated extensively in the Northern Territory and north‑western Australia, supporting mineral prospecting, mapping, and hydrology studies. At Humpty Doo near the Adelaide River, it assisted in water resource investigations — work that contributed to agricultural development in the region.
One Hiller was deployed to Mount Isa for mineral survey work and was later chartered by Consolidated Zinc for extensive exploration across Cape York Peninsula. Consolidated Zinc eventually acquired its own helicopter, VH‑BHI, which TAA maintained under contract.
1956 - Melbourne’s First Air Taxi
The Helicab service was one of TAA’s most innovative ventures. Designed to provide rapid transport between Essendon Airport and Melbourne’s CBD, the service reduced a 30–40 minute coach ride to just 8 minutes. It was marketed as the fastest way to travel between the city and the airport — a concept decades ahead of modern “air taxi” services.
A Hiller landing on the floating pontoon helipad on the Yarra River.
1961 - The Next Generation of Helicab
Although popular, the original Hiller helicopters could carry only two passengers plus the pilot. To improve capacity and efficiency, TAA replaced the Hiller with the Bell 47J‑2C in 1961. This sleek, turbine‑smooth helicopter could carry four passengers and offered improved comfort and reliability.
The Bell 47 became the next generation of Helicabs, operating between the Yarra Heliport and Essendon Airport. Its distinctive bubble canopy and elegant lines made it one of the most recognisable helicopters of its era.
The Bell 47J‑2C on the grass at Essendon Airport.
Ultimately, the development of Melbourne’s freeway system, the opening of Melbourne Airport in 1971, and rising operating costs made the Heli‑Cab service redundant. However, during its years of operation, it proved moderately profitable and extremely popular, offering passengers spectacular views of Melbourne’s skyline, parks, and Port Phillip Bay.
