Whirlybird guy with axe (7)

I believe the answer is:

chopper

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'whirlybird' is the definition.
(synonyms)

'guy with axe' is the wordplay.
'guy' becomes 'per' (I can't explain this - if you can you should believe this answer much more).
'with' is a charade indicator (letters next to each other).
'axe' becomes 'chop' (chop with an axe).
'per' put after 'chop' is 'CHOPPER'.

Can you help me to learn more?

(Other definitions for chopper that I've seen before include "Lizzie Borden" , "that's used by a lumberjack" , "that comes down on the block?" , "Air transport" , "Motorbike" .)

I've seen this clue in the Sydney Morning Herald.

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