Mark Cavanagh, 48, turned himself in to police last month over the theft of the ex-military Kiowa helicopter.

The chopper was stolen from a private hangar at Bankstown Airport in Sydney some time between last December and the beginning of May.

A rare collector’s item and one of only three in Australia, it was found by police on May 6 at Taree Airport and returned to its owner.

Police yesterday confirmed that Cavanagh was a former officer attached to Kempsey police station, who retired last year on sick leave.

The case involving Cavanagh was mentioned at Bankstown Local Court on Wednesday, and was adjourned to Burwood Local Court on August 27.

Cavanagh, who was granted conditional bail at his last court appearance, did not appear in court.

Gary Byk, a helicopter enthusiast who has written a book titled Kiowa in Australian Service, said the Kiowas were heavily used for “battlefield reconnaissance”.

“These were the guys that sneak around and see what’s happening,” he said.

“They would be used in stealth mode and use the natural foliage to sneak up and see what the enemy is doing.

“I remember they used to have open days in the country where four Kiowas would be about five kilometres away in the countryside and would show themselves to the crowd before going to ground.

“About 15 minutes later, they would pop up right in front of the audience to their amazement, no one would have noticed.”