Goodwood Festival of Speed
Travel to Goodwood Festival of Speed by helicopter
For an unforgettable experience, arrive at the Goodwood Festival of Speed by helicopter.
For four spectacular days, Goodwood presents the ultimate summer garden party – Festival of Speed. Bringing together the best in motorsport, featuring a variety of historic, and contemporary racing vehicles including Formula One cars, sports cars, and motorcycles.
Arriving by helicopter can alleviate some of the pressures that go with driving and the frustration of travel delays. Not only does a helicopter charter allow you to bypass the traffic and crowds, but it will also save you time. Allowing you to spend more time enjoying the festival and all it has to offer.
The world's top motorsports celebration kicks off on Full Throttle Thursday, July 11. Starting with a spectacular fireworks display in front of Goodwood House before you marvel at the rarest cars on display.
On Friday 12th July, witness the competition as the weekend's first timed runs commence. Saturday 13th July showcases the biggest stars and off-road action. The pinnacle of Goodwood Festival of Speed is on Sunday 14th July. Watch legendary cars and drivers compete for glory in the Shootout.
Effortless Travel
Whether you hold tickets for one day or all four! Elevate your travel experience to Goodwood Festival of Speed with a helicopter charter. At GB Helicopters we are well-appointed with the travel logistics when attending this illustrious summertime event. Arrive at the heart of the action with Goodwood heliport located close to the circuit, providing you with efficient and direct access to the action.
Our experienced Operations Team can create your bespoke helicopter charter tailored to you. Call us on 0800 030 4105, email us directly at ops@gbconcierge.co.uk or you can complete the form below and a member of our team will be in touch with you shortly.
Goodwood Festival of Speed Helicopter Charters
Helicopters to Cheltenham
Attend the Cheltenham Festival in Style
11th - 14th March 2025
Get ready, as the countdown for 2025's Cheltenham Festival has already started!
Galopin Des Champs and Paul Townend once again proved themselves to be legends at The Cheltenham Festival 2024, creating unforgettable memories amidst the exhilarating races.
Hire a helicopter to one of the most illustrious horse racing events of the year! The Cheltenham Festival is the perfect event to arrive by helicopter. Taking place at Cheltenham Racecourse with four days of extraordinary horse racing. Arrive in style and witness the magnificent sound of pounding hooves and the thunderous ‘Cheltenham roar’.
Start the celebrations with a helicopter to Cheltenham for the opening of Champion’s Day on Tuesday 11th of March 2025. Add a splash of colour when you attend Day 2 of the festival, where spectators combine horse racing with glamour and fashion. The legendary best-dressed competition takes place on Style Wednesday, famously known as Ladies’ Day the 12th of March celebrating all things fashion.
In addition to an exhilarating racing day, For St Patrick’s Thursday charter a helicopter and expect one of the greatest atmospheres. You will find live music spread all around the festival for a typically Irish affair. Then last but not least, Friday 14th of March is the most iconic trophy in horse racing. Gold Cup Day is the pinnacle of jump racing and is definitely one not to be missed.
Whether you attend one, two or all four days, attend 2025’s Cheltenham Festival in ultimate style.
Hire a Helicopter
Enjoy the most prestigious horse racing events and arrive in your own private helicopter. Hiring a helicopter to Cheltenham allows you to avoid travel delays.
Arrive refreshed for a thrilling day at the races.
Choose from our extensive fleet of twin-engine aircraft, seating from five to six passengers for helicopter transfers to Cheltenham. Choose from one of our classic AS355 helicopters or travel in superior comfort with our AW109 or B249 aircraft.
Book your helicopter charter today! Speak with a member of our operations team at 0800 030 4105 to discuss our charter services or complete our enquiries form below and a member of our team will shortly be in touch.
Cheltenham Festival Helicopter Charters
GB Helicopters provide private helicopter charters for numerous events, like Royal Ascot, Silverstone and Glastonbury. Check out our Social & Sporting Calendar for all major events that perfectly pair with a helicopter charter.
The Apprentice Series 18
Aerial Filming for The Apprentice Series 18
Back for its 18th series, the esteemed entrepreneur show on BBC One marks the return of Alan Sugar, Baroness Karren Brady, and Tim Campbell. Viewers can anticipate another captivating season as a new group of aspiring entrepreneurs strive to impress and compete for the chance to become Lord Sugar's next business partner.
This series will showcase the candidates participating in a range of business-related challenges. The first task will involve organising a luxury corporate hospitality day for clients. Their performance throughout each task will decide their continuation in the series, as they tackle other tasks such as creating a virtual escape room, innovating nutritious cereals for children, a tourism challenge in Budapest, and showcasing their marketing skills in the TV shopping channel challenge.
AERIAL FILMING IN LONDON
Our extensive collaboration with the BBC Creative team spans various projects over the years. Since 2022, we have been working closely with them to capture aerial footage for The Apprentice. The instrumental role played by the GB Helicopters aerial film team's expertise was evident in producing the aerial footage for Series 18 of The Apprentice.
Similar to the approach taken in Series 16 and 17 of The Apprentice. We engaged in discussions with the production team. During these conversations, they outlined their desires and requirements for the shots. GB Helicopters director and chief pilot Will Banks took flight in one of our twin-engine AS355 helicopters across London and the surrounding areas. Our helicopter was equipped with the state-of-the-art GSS C516 compact lightweight gyro-stabilized gimble and RedEpic camera system. Allowing us to capture the aerial footage to be used within the production of The Apprentice.
Throughout the series, audiences can witness the aerial footage we've filmed, seamlessly integrated into transition scenes.
AERIAL FILMING FOR TELEVISION
At GB Helicopters we are no strangers when it comes to Aerial Filming for TV. Our experience includes working on numerous productions, such as Studio Lambert's compelling psychological competition series, "The Traitors," spanning both the UK and US productions in series 1 & 2.
We have also been part of the success behind Netflix's highly popular series "Fool Me Once." Beyond that, our capabilities extend to helicopter stunts such as skydiving, helicopter jumps, and long-lining (external human underslung). No matter how distinctive your vision may be. Our team at GB Helicopters will work with you to ensure to bring your vision to reality.
Discuss your upcoming production with our specialist operations team and see how you can use our aerial film services. Email them directly at ops@gbconcierge.co.uk or complete the form below.
The Apprentice is available to watch on BBC One and iPlayer.
Helicopter Picture Ships for Fool Me Once
Netflix - Fool Me Once
Quay Street Productions' adaptation of Harlan Coben's novel Fool Me Once stars Michelle Keegan as Maya Stern, a flight instructor who is dealing with the loss of her husband, Joe. In an effort to keep an eye on her daughter. Maya discovers her supposedly deceased husband in her home after she installs a nanny cam.
Providing Picture Ships
Quay Street Productions contacted our operations team at GB Helicopters. After initial meetings, and a visit to view the different aircraft in our fleet. Production decided that the AS355 Twin Squirrel met their needs. In terms of the 'on film' appearance and the ample cabin space the aircraft offered for the cameraman and director. Using two aircraft maximised the flexibility to the production and have the ability to shoot in two places at once. Two of our pilots were dedicated to the task, Captain’s Jonny Stocken and Dan Hagan. They both were briefed and carried out various scenes both on and off camera.
During the production of Fool Me Once, our AS355 helicopters were captured in several places and reinforced the helicopter pilot background of lead actress Michelle Keegan. While filming Fool Me Once, our AS355 helicopters appeared prominently in multiple scenes, enhancing lead actress Michelle Keegan's portrayal of a helicopter pilot.
Barton Aerodrome was a key location in filming. While briefings occurred on the ground and one aircraft remained stationary, our aircraft seamlessly flew through the captured frames.
Throughout the series, our aircraft appear in several episodes in various phases of flight. Filmed from the ground and from within. One instance includes landing in a clearing in Delamere Forest, following an unexpected helicopter based car chase.
Overall, GB Helicopters played a crucial role in the production of Fool Me Once, providing both aircraft and pilots for the filming process.
GB Helicopters Operations for Fool Me Once
As part of our risk assessment process, GB Helicopters Director and Chief Pilot, Will Banks, conducted a recce to Delamere Forest. He travelled by road to verify there was adequate cleared space for the aircraft to land and depart safely. He also checked the suitability of the landing site for the aircraft.
Throughout filming, for this project, we obtained the permissions necessary to allow us to achieve the required footage. This includes landing permissions from Forestry England for Delamere Forest.
The booking of helicopter landings at Manchester Barton Aerodrome was expertly handled by our operations team, who also coordinated with Quay Street Productions ensuring all relevant parties were informed about the necessary filming tasks.
Fool Me Once was released on 1st January and is available on Netflix.
GB Helicopters - Aerial Filming Enquiry
Our operations team is ready to assist you with any requirements you may have for your next production. You can contact our operations team by emailing them directly at ops@gbconcierge.co.uk or by completing the form below.
Game Shooting Helicopter Hire
Field Sports Helicopter Hire
At GB Helicopters we have a rich history of providing exclusive travel solutions for field sports. Our team are familiar with the typical day practices of a shoot and maintain extensive experience taking clients to shoot locations and lodges throughout the UK.
Within the UK, the shooting season is carefully regulated to allow populations to flourish, breed and move around areas to feed and overwinter. The game shooting seasons differ across England, Scotland, Wales, and Northern Ireland. Take a look at the most popular game shooting seasons below for a helicopter hire.
THE GLORIOUS TWELFTH
The glorious twelfth is the twelfth day of August. The grouse shooting season commences and elite teams travel to Scotland and the North of England in pursuit of this spectacular sport. The 12th of August becomes one of the busiest days in the game shooting season.
Grouse
England, Scotland, Wales
12th August – 10th December
Northern Ireland
12th August – 30th November
EXHILARATING PARTRIDGE SHOOTS
Taking place throughout the UK, partridge shooting has been a popular field sport since the 17th Century. The UK is a paradise for partridge shooting from the idyllic terrain to the impressive countryside both offer a haven for partridges.
Partridge
England, Scotland, Wales
1st September – 1st February
Northern Ireland
1st October – 31st January
PHEASANT SHOOTS TRADITION AT ITS FINEST
The crisp autumn air and the changing of leaves, remind every shooting enthusiast it’s time for a pheasant shoot. Pheasant shooting is often seen as a classic British countryside fieldsport with many fantastic shoot locations throughout the UK. To get through all the UK's exhilirating pheasant shoots can be a lengthy mission, reduce the time it takes to get to them when you hire a helicopter.
Pheasant
England, Scotland, Wales
1st October – February 1st
Northern Ireland
1st October – 1st January
SPEND LESS TIME TRAVELLING
Our exclusive twin-engine fleet will complement your day's shoot. Reduce the travel time and difficulty of arriving at country estates and lodges across the country when hiring a helicopter for your field sports activities.
At GB Helicopters we hold strong relationships with game shooting venues, throughout the UK which helps to maintain landing permissions.
Hiring a helicopter for your next shoot will allow you to spend less time travelling and more time on the terrain.
Speak with our expert operations team today, remember to tell us if you would like to bring your Gun Dog with you.
Game Shooting Helicopter Charters
Special Operations Platform
Film and TV purposes
Our TSOP specialist operations platform is designed to make helicopter missions easier, safer, and more efficient. Whether you are in demand to use the benches for action, drama or entertainment purposes, the opportunities are endless.
Explore your visions and ensure the final shot of your production provides viewers with exciting and daring scenes. Are you in demand for your cast to perform a special force’s operation? Make use of our specialist operations bench as a sniper platform or complete an enhanced search and rescue mission. Heli-borne snipers can serve as aerial patrols for convoys and raid teams while providing aerial support for missions. While completing courageous operations, create a compelling and thrilling scene for your viewers.
Create a dramatic entrance for presenters, whilst engaging audience anticipation. Provide a spectacular and adventurous opening or closing title, whilst the presenters sit on the exterior of a helicopter as it glides through the sky.
Allow viewers to grasp their seats and set a daring challenge for contestants participating in a reality show. Secure the contestant onto the specialist operations benches and assess their abilities.
Involving the ‘TSOP’ as part of aerial stunts will surely add to dramatic effects. No more CGI or receiving less for the image you initially had for your production. Here at GB Helicopters, we are excited to introduce our specialist operations platform for aerial film and TV uses.
There are countless purposes for the special operations bench, and we are always open to exploring. No matter how adventurous or unusual your requests are we will do our best to fulfil them.
Our specialist operations platform can be paired together with either our H125 or AS355 aircraft.
Time Efficient
Taking only five minutes to install. The benches are externally mounted to the rear of the cabin and fuselage area, with jack points, unique clamps, and brackets.
Safety Measures
Built with an aerodynamic design and provides dual seating. The TSOP allows four individuals to be positioned and secured to the benches. Once installed, the platform allows up to 500 lbs capacity on either side of the platform. The stable platforms have anchor points for a safety harness/belt.
Safety is paramount to us; we will always adhere to safety regulations in line with the CAA.
To use our Special Operations Platform email our operations team at ops@gbconcierge.co.uk or call us on 0800 030 4105
Series 17 The Apprentice
The Apprentice
At the start of the year, we saw the return of BBC One’s most popular entrepreneur show, The Apprentice. Staring the nation’s favourite businessman, Lord Sugar for series 17.
We saw the candidates sell and run bespoke tours on the magnificent Caribbean Island of Antigua. They have created advertising campaigns for electric motorbikes, and branded and packaged dog food, naming a few of their projects.
The line-up gradually reduced from 18 to the winning contestant. We witnessed toe-curling negotiations, firings, and a number of disgruntled clients followed by the announcement of who was to become Lord Sugars’ next business partner.
GB Helicopters Tasked with Aerial Filming
Now, we have enlightened you on some of the projects the candidates worked on during the production. Discover GB Helicopters’ involvement in series 17 of The Apprentice.
In 2022 we collaborated with the BBC Creative team on various projects, including series 16 of The Apprentice. We accomplished and exceeded the producers' expectations when conducting the aerial filming, and they contacted us again.
Following discussions with the producers, they specified their desired shots. We were required to capture aerial shots across London and popular landmarks of the city. Our twin-squirrel AS355 helicopter was the ideal aircraft for this project.
To conduct the aerial filming for The Apprentice, we rigged the helicopter with our GSS C516 compact lightweight gyro-stabilised gimbal. The GSS C516 can be fitted with a range of camera and lens payloads. To carry out the aerial filming for The Apprentice, we paired the GSS with our Red Epic camera and the Canon 30 – 300 lens.
You can watch the aerial footage we shot for The Apprentice throughout series 17 as crossovers between scenes.
Bespoke Aerial Film Services
At GB Helicopters we have provided aerial filming services to the film, TV and commercial industries. Covering a range of aerial film services such as air-to-air filming, live broadcasting and aerial stunts, we’ve covered everything. And if we haven’t already, discuss it with our team to explore your visions.
Contact our operations team today to use our aerial film services for your next project! Complete the form below and a member of our team will be in contact with you shortly.
Aerial Film Services
The Apprentice series 17 is available to watch on BBC iPlayer.
The Peoples Postcode Lottery
The Peoples Postcode Lottery’s advert
It was great to be working alongside director Marcus Liversedge at ITV’s Creative team again for The Peoples Postcode Lottery. We previously collaborated with him at last year's Brit Awards, where we flew the legendary Liam Gallagher to the award show as part of his stage debut.
Collaborating with ITV's Creative production team and The People’s Postcode Lottery, our team was tasked to conduct aerial filming for this project. Aiding to produce the 2022 Christmas edition of the advert.
Our Involvement and equipment
The spectacular red aircraft, supplied by us! Perfectly complemented the production of the Peoples Postcode Lottery advert, as it paired with their brand colours. Our chief pilot and director of GB Helicopters Will Banks was the pilot of this aircraft. Performing low-level flying, Will soared above The Peoples Postcode Lottery’s red lorry, following along its path.
To acquire productions required footage for this project, putting his pilot skills to the test. Will ensured to keep the aircraft at a minimum of 10 metres apart from the lorry as he flew along the lorries route.
We handed the task of capturing shots of the red picture ships to one of our experienced pilots. Flying in one of our twin-engine AS355 helicopters, rigged with our GSS C516 system fitted with our Red Epic Dragon to conduct the aerial filming.
To achieve incredible shots of the helicopter and lorry in a single frame, the pilot shadowed both the red aircraft and the lorry. The twin-engine pilot flew above both, capturing fantastic shots of the picture ships in a single frame.
Permissions required
We hold a permit from the CAA to conduct low-level flying. The aircraft operated at a low level no closer than 10 meters from the lorry. While ensuring the shot of the helicopter and lorry was possible in a single frame. The 10 meters from the lorry and red helicopter included all aircraft parts, including the rotors. Our AS355 aircraft remained a minimum of 200’ separated from the red aircraft and lorry throughout production.
Aerial Filming Services
BBC One Ambulance
Aerial Filming For Ambulance
Following series 9, BBC One Ambulance returns for its tenth series, focusing on the North East Ambulance Service. Since 2018, our crew has been performing aerial filming for the production of Ambulance. For series ten, we followed our amazing ambulance and paramedic crews from the sky across the North East. Series 9 and 10 are the first time BBC Ambulance has focused on the North East Ambulance and emergency response team.
How did GB Helicopters' participate in the production of BBC One's Ambulance?
Flying overhead in one of our AS355 twin-engine helicopters, we followed the emergency response teams to significant incidents across the North East. We equipped our twin-engine aircraft with our cutting-edge GSS C516 lightweight camera system and our RED Helium camera to capture the required footage.
Combining our ultra-high-definition camera systems, we flew overhead convoy with several emergency response vehicles and filming crew. This allowed us to capture the required footage of the North East ambulance service attending emergency scenes.
Additionally, we filmed overhead views of the Tyne River, Tees Transporter bridge, and scenic views. This footage captured can be seen throughout the series as transition scenes.
This series shows us a small fraction of what our paramedics attend to at heart-wrenching scenes. 24 hours 365 days a year.
Production and permissions required
GB Helicopters collaborated with Dragonfly Television and the BBC who produced the BAFTA Award-winning documentary series Ambulance.
The permissions required for this production were covered under the permit we hold from the CAA permitting us to fly at low levels.
Ambulance Series 10 air's every Wednesday on BBC One and is available on iPlayer.
Contact our operations team to use our aerial filming services by completing the form below.
Aerial Filming Enquiry
Gordon Ramsay's Future Food Stars
Gordon Ramsay is well known for his choice of language. With this in mind, his new competition series aired on BBC One on Thursday night - Gordon Ramsay’s Future Food Stars. Also known by the acronym ‘FFS’. The show offers 12 entrepreneurs the chance to win a life-changing investment from Gordon Ramsay, who will put £150,000 into their business.
Throughout the series we will see a variety of tasks set, challenging the contenders whilst highlighting each of their weaknesses. Each entrepreneur must prove to the formidable chef that their food and drink business is worth the investment. Gordon Ramsay puts his contenders straight to the test, as their first task was to do a ‘leap of faith’ off the cliff edges in Newquay.
The candidates run a business within the catering industry. We meet Amit who has created bottled Indian sauces from family recipes, Matthew who is establishing a zero-waste restaurant. Jen's business, which comprises of low-sugar bottled cocktails, are examples of diverse and unique backgrounds the entrepreneurs come from.
What was our involvement in Future Food Stars?
One of our twin-squirrel AS355s was flown by Dan Hagan during Gordon Ramsay's grand arrival. At Lust Glaze Beach in Newquay, Gordon leaps from the helicopter into the sea performing an aerial stunt. This foreshadowed what was to follow for his candidates.
Together with LecPark, we captured the required shots using their camera system and drone. As a result, we were able to film Gordon Ramsey's stunt whilst also providing us with aerial shots of our aircraft.
Required permissions
To perform the stunt we were required to be granted special permission from the Civil Aviation Authority (CAA). As with all our stunt work, we always ensure we have the appropriate permissions from the CAA before the project begins.
FFS airs weekly on Thursday nights on BBC One.
The Apprentice
BBC One’s most popular Series The Apprentice returned for their 16th series with new and exciting entrepreneurs. We have seen many successes and failures by the candidates throughout the series. All 16 candidates hoped to win Lord Sugar’s approval and his investment of £250,000 into their business.
The series began with high expectations from the entrepreneurs as they boarded a cruise ship in Portsmouth. The contestants' initial task was to create a marketing campaign for an upcoming cruise line.
As the tasks and series progressed we watched the contestants deal with a variety of tasks. The final task before the interview stage, Candidates were required to create and brand, a new baby food, then pitch and sell it to leading retailers.
Last Thursday, we saw Lord Sugar decide who will become his next business partner. Harpreet Kaur and Katheryn Burn were the final candidates, paired with former competitors who returned to assist them in presenting their business ideas.
GB's Involvement
Our line pilot Ian Smith took flight in one of our Twin Squirrels. We rigged our helicopter with our GSS C516 nose-mounted camera system. We also used in conjunction with the GSS camera system, our Red Epic Dragon camera and 30-300mm lens.
GB's contribution to the production of The Apprentice Series 16 was to film aerial shots over London. Popular London landmarks such as The Gherkin are among the aerial shots we filmed for the series. You can watch the aerial footage we filmed in between scenes of Series 16.
The Apprentice series 16 is now available to watch on BBC iPlayer.
Stand Up For Cancer: Celebrity Hunted
Following a two-year break, Celebrity Hunted returned to our screens in January for Series 4. Participating in Channel 4’s Stand Up for Cancer. Eight celebrities now known as fugitives were paired together. To remain undetected whilst on the run for 14 days to avoid getting tracked down by professional Hunters.
Former police officers, intelligence agents and military personnel make up the team of hunters who used their expertise to hunt down the celebrity fugitives.
The celebrities who appeared in season 4 were:
- Ollie Gareth
- Locke-Locke
- Chizzy Akudolu
- Lisa Maffia
- The Vivienne
- Chloe Veitch
- Iwan Thomas
- Richard Whitehead
Permissions requested
A requirement for this project was to submit a filming application to the National Trust. Successfully obtaining these permissions allowed us to complete the required shots by production teams. The permissions from The National Trust allowed us to film aerially above Formby Beach in Merseyside using one of our Twin Squirrels.
Our participation
For episode 6 of the series we had a hunter on board our aircraft who was coordinating with the on-ground team, in attempt to track down the fugitives. We followed and captured shots of the Huey Heli taking off and in flight as part of the production had on board hunters on route to track down the celebrity fugitives.
Our Twin Squirrel aircraft was equipped with our nose-mounted GSS C516 camera and a Sony P1 HD camera paired with a 30-300mm lens to film aerial footage of the fugitives. The camera systems were rigged to our aircraft.
Celebrity Hunted Stand Up for Cancer is available to watch on My4.
Ultimate Hell Week - The Professionals
One of the toughest reality TV shows around has returned to screens in Ireland. Ultimate Hell Week sees eighteen recruits put through an intense selection course that’s been put together by former members of Ireland’s Special Forces. This time, it’s the turn of the professionals. And taking on this daunting course are some of Ireland’s most well-known faces from the world of sport and entertainment.
Over five days, they will endure rigorous physical and mental tests. Pushed well out of their comfort zone, each recruit will have to complete cold-water events, height tests, claustrophobic challenges and interrogation, alongside demanding trials of strength, stamina and determination.
GB Helicopters was brought in to help carry out the cold-water events and height tests. Producing the incredible footage of the stunts, was drone operator Lec Park.
First up was the ‘Heli Jump’. We performed this stunt recently for Celebrity SAS: Who Dares Wins and on numerous Bear Grylls productions.
Flying low and fast over the waters near Cork, two recruits sit nervously in the back. Accompanying them in the cabin is their course instructor and a camera operator. Ensuring there’s unrestricted movement in the back, both the rear and co-pilot seats have been removed, as have the doors on one side. The camera operator now has the freedom to perfectly capture the raw emotions of each recruit in anticipation of their jump into the cold waters.
The second stunt we carried out is one of our favourites, the ‘Long Line’. Officially termed ‘Human External Cargo’, this stunt involves one or two people being suspended on a long line underneath the helicopter. It is another stunt we’ve done frequently with Bear Grylls. It’s also how we made Harry Styles fly in the music video for his hit single Sign of the Times. No CGI required.
For Ultimate Hell Week, this was performed around the spectacular coastline and cliffs of Mizen Head. We began by flying along the coast before sweeping up to a clifftop, one the recruits had just climbed up. Coming to a hover overhead, two of the recruits were carefully secured to the line below. Once safely attached, we lifted them over the edge of the cliff and out towards the ocean. The incredible vistas making this stunt all the more spectacular. The recruits were then dropped off further down the coast, ready for their next challenge.
For those of you in Ireland, you can watch the whole series on RTE Player.
To find out how these thrilling scenes could be part of your next production, get in touch on 0800 030 4105 or at ops@gbconcierge.co.uk.
Celebrity SAS: Who Dares Wins
Once again we find ourselves hovering over the waters just off the Isle of Raasay. This time, Ore Oduba is onboard, carefully perched on the skid of our hovering helicopter. Facing the instructor inside the aircraft, he’s given his instructions on how to perform the dive into the sea...backwards...from 20 ft. He crosses his arms over his chest, and lets himself fall blindly backwards towards the water below. This is no Strictly Come Dancing.
He is one of the 12 new recruits for the latest series of Celebrity SAS: Who Dares Wins.
One by one each contestant is picked up from the island and taken to the drop point. They are flown in low and fast before quickly coming to a hover, simulating a rapid military insertion. They climb out of the helicopter and onto the skid, before psyching themselves up and blindly dropping into the sea.
The stunt would be carried out in our AS355N twin-squirrel helicopter, flown by GB Helicopters Director and Chief Pilot Will Banks.
As with all our stunt work, special permissions from the Civil Aviation Authority (CAA) were required. We always work closely with the CAA when carrying out aerial stunt work, and our continued experience and skill in performing stunts for film and TV productions helped us gain this permission.
The third series of Celebrity SAS: Who Dares Wins started on Channel 4 on 29th August 2021 and is on at 9PM on Sundays. If you want to catch up on the action, you can do so on All 4.
Ambulance - Series 7
Sweeping down the River Mersey, the iconic Royal Liver Building comes into frame. The sun is rising behind it, bringing an end to a night of frantic activity across the city. Paramedics have been racing to people in need, but their work isn’t done, and the emergencies keep coming. It’s just another 24-hours for the North West Ambulance Service. We were there in the sky above to follow the drama for the seventh series of the BBC’s factual series, Ambulance.
The new series shows the immense challenges faced by the North West Ambulance Service during the second wave of the coronavirus pandemic. Taking the viewer to heart of the NHS are the courageous frontline paramedics, as they respond to emergencies across the North West.
Series seven will concentrate in and around the cities of Liverpool and Blackpool. Covering an area of more than 5,400 square miles, they respond to an average 4,000 emergency calls every day. It shows in detail the harsh reality of the shifts of the call-handlers and ambulance dispatchers as they make decisions in the highly pressurised environment of the control room.
While the crews are accompanied by the production team on the ground, we provide a sense of scale from above. Capturing wide aerial shots of the city and iconic landmarks to close tracking shots of the emergency vehicles as they hurtle through the city.
Equipment
For this project we flew one of our AS355NP’s rigged with our GSS C516 gyroscopic camera system. For shooting during the day, we used our RED Epic Dragon camera with the Canon 30-300mm telephoto lens. At night, we switched to the Sony P1.
Produced by Dragonfly Television and the BBC, it was first broadcast on BBC One in 2016. Since then it has proved to be very successful, winning a BAFTA for 'Best Factual Series' in 2018 and receiving several National Television Award nominations.
Helicopter ER
Helicopter ER takes you inside the hi-tech cabin of Helimed 98 & 99 of the high-speed, high-stakes world of a rapid response air emergency service. The programme follows the Yorkshire Air Ambulance, who cover 4 million acres and a population of approximately 5 million as they respond to real and extreme emergencies throughout Yorkshire. This gives everyone watching an insight into the amazing air ambulance team, the outstanding doctors and the paramedics that save lives on a daily basis.
Our Airbus AS355 twin-squirrel helicopter, carried out the filming using our GSS C516 camera system. Due to the unpredictable time of day an emergency can happen, we film both day and night shoots. Filming takes place with the Red Epic Dragon during the day and the ARRI Alexa Mini or Sony P1 at night, all fitted with a 30-300 Canon lens.
Following in close proximity to the air ambulance as it lands and takes off from various sites around Yorkshire, including helipads at hospitals, is a key part of the filming for Helicopter ER. The CAA have granted us a long-term certificate for low-level flying permission, which is perfect for productions as it enables us to get closer to the action.
Created by AirTv, Helicopter ER is broadcast on the Discovery Networks channel, Really. The latest series, 6, aired back in January 2021 and is available to watch on the Discovery+ website.
Warbird Workshop
Warbird Workshop has returned for a second series for the UKTV channel, Yesterday. Following a group of engineers and aviators as they endeavour to restore some of the most historic warplanes ever to grace our skies.
Produced by Air TV, the first episode of the new series features a WWII Hawker Hurricane. Modified into the world’s only two-seater version of the aircraft. After months of painstaking restoration work, the experienced warbird pilot Anna Walker, flew over the countryside around Biggin Hill with its first passenger. We followed in our AS355 helicopter, equipped with our GSS camera system, capturing the magnificent machine’s return to the skies.
We then had the privilege of filming Guy Martin training and flying this wonderful machine for his new two-part series, Guy Martin's Battle of Britain. The show would see Guy undergo similar training to RAF pilots before the Battle of Britain.
The Hawker Hurricane is now available for you to experience for yourself down at Biggin Hill. With flight times ranging from 30 to 75 minutes, you can feel the raw power of a historic WWII fighter plane and even take the controls! (if the pilot allows it). You can read more about this on their website.
The fourth episode features the restoration of a 1930’s Morane-Saulnier MS.315. However, it ran out of fuel resulting in an emergency landing on a pebble beach. The plane was taken to a wartime bomber base in Lincolnshire and after the restoration was completed, we were there to film its first 40 minutes test flight.
You can watch the first and second series on the UKTV website.
Guy Martin: Battle of Britain
Originally known for his successful motorcycle racing career, Guy Martin has also become a talented television presenter. Before he retired from professional racing, he was already involved in several documentaries revolving around the world of engineering, racing and aviation.
The 39-year-old from Grimsby was named after Guy Gibson, a distinguished RAF bomber pilot who became the first Commanding Officer of No. 617 Squadron. This squadron led the famous “Dam Busters” raid during WWII, so it is no surprise that he already has a couple of documentaries involving military aircraft. Those being Guy Martin’s Spitfire and Guy Martin: Last Flight of the Vulcan Bomber.
Despite the chaos going on in the world last year, he managed to put together a new ambitious project: Guy Martin’s Battle of Britain. The programme was to see Guy learn to fly a WWII Hurricane against a pursuing enemy aircraft.
Documentaries like this simply cannot be made without aerial filming. Over the years we have become renowned for capturing military aircraft in flight. Our first project filming historical warbirds was the Hollywood blockbuster Dunkirk. Since then, we have worked on some other huge projects such as Spitfire: The Feature Documentary and its upcoming sequel, Lancaster. We have also filmed several episodes of Warbird Workshop and the departure of the Silver Spitfire out of Goodwood, as it started its flight around the world.
Working with warbirds is something we absolutely love doing. So, when we were approached to provide the aerial filming for this project, we jumped at the chance. Capable of a higher top speed, our H125 helicopter would provide the platform for our GSS C516 gyro-stabilised system and Sony P1 camera with a Fujinon 42x lens. This full HD and lightweight setup would be controlled by our expert camera operator Mike Parker.
Flying out of the very familiar Biggin Hill, we would be following and filming two aircraft. The role of the enemy aircraft would be filled by a Buchon ME109 that is carefully and diligently maintained by The Aircraft Restoration Company. It would be flown by its owner, John Romain. Guy Martin would have the chance to fly in the only two-seat Hurricane in the world. The 1942 Hawker Hurricane IIB would be flown by the hugely experienced and talented pilot, Anna Walker. The aircraft is owned and operated by The Heritage Flight at Biggin Hill.
With perfect weather over the former RAF WWII airbase, we took to the air and started filming the Hurricane as it started its engine and taxied to the runway. Once in position and ready to go, Anna throttled-up and the Hurricane tore off down the tarmac. Alongside in the H125, pilot Will Banks put the nose down and accelerated to keep up with the classic warbird. Running perfectly next to the Hurricane, its wheels gently lifted off the ground before it accelerated beyond our top speed.
Once all the aircraft systems checked out, Will rendezvoused with the Hurricane and we began filming the close ups. Flying in close formation at 2,000 ft over Sevenoaks, Kent, we filmed shots of the Hurricane performing various manoeuvres and captured Guy Martin trying his hands at the controls.
As we entered the evening golden hour, Anna and Guy were joined by John in the “enemy” Buchon ME109. Trailing behind the Hurricane, John would now ‘engage’, and Guy would try to lose the Buchon from his tail. The two warbirds accelerated off into the distance as Guy tried to evade and escape the pursuing enemy. They began a dance in the sky, gaining altitude before diving below us, all while Will and Mike filmed from a distance, keeping them both in frame.
When the chase was over and we had completed the shot list, Will followed Guy back to Biggin Hill. With the sun going down, we took advantage of the brilliant light to capture the Hurricane in the warm evening glow. Will then be positioned low at the far end of the runway to capture the Hurricane gracefully touching down to finish off a successful shoot.
Helicopter Stunt Work with Bear Grylls
Over the last 15 years, Bear Grylls has produced a whole host of survival and adventure programmes. Pitting himself against the elements for our entertainment, he quickly grew in popularity. This allowed him to start taking some the world’s most famous people and placing them well outside their comfort zone.
His hit US show, Running Wild with Bear Grylls would see him challenge some of the worlds most famous actors and actresses to perform dangerous stunts. From Zac Efron, Channing Tatum, and Ben Stiller, to the then sitting President of the United States, Barak Obama.
For series two, we would assist Bear in putting American actor Michael B. Jordan through his paces in the Welsh Highlands. Flying them both out over the sea in our AS355 Twin Squirrel helicopter, Michael and Bear would rappel out of the hovering aircraft, and then drop into the water before having to swim to the shore.
In series three, in a remote part of Wales, we would lift a jet ski with a twin-squirrel and drop it in the sea for Spice Girl Mel B to swim out to in her final challenge. Earlier in the episode she had to assist Bear with some controversial pain relief, which we will leave for you to look up!
Adventure in the UK
Following its success in the US, Bear would produce a UK version featuring a selection of famous Brits called Bear’s Mission With…. While most of Bear’s programmes see him travel all over the world, this one would take place solely in the UK. We are always eager to get involved when Bear shoots in the UK, so when the opportunity to feature in all five episodes came to us, we jumped at it.
First up was the two-time world heavyweight boxing champion, Anthony Joshua. Being a world class professional athlete, Bear would certainly have his work cut out giving the boxer a challenge. Anthony would be tasked with climbing Commando Ridge in Cornwall. Getting him to the bottom of this breath-taking cliffside is where we came in. With a rope ladder attached to the belly of our AS355 helicopter, and Bear and Anthony attached to the end of it, we flew them both to the base of the ridge. From there they could tackle the former WWII Commando training ground.
That’s a new one…
Next up was actor and comedian, Rob Brydon. This one started off like any other project. Our task was to fly Rob and Bear over an ice-cold lake, where they both would then jump out of our hovering helicopter into the freezing water below. Nothing out of the ordinary there. However, later in the episode, Rob and Bear spy a sheep trapped in a quarry. After carefully corralling the sheep and fitting it with a harness, we were called in to lift it out to safety. This was definitely a new one for us. While technically it was no different from any other long line work we’ve done, the pilot is normally in constant communication with the person on the end of the line. But not this time.
The third episode would feature the legendary Star Wars and Harry Potter actor Warwick Davis. For his stunt he was fitted with a safety harness before being hooked to the long line attached to our helicopter. We then lifted him into the sky, much like we did with Harry Styles, to finish off the episode.
For the final episode in the Bear’s Mission With… series, England Football Manager Gareth Southgate was to be put through his paces. Taking place in Dartmoor, we flew Bear and Gareth to a remote location in the national park, where he would then rappel out of our hovering helicopter, some 20ft off the ground.
One of Bear Gyrlls’ most recent survival programmes was Netflix’s You vs Wild. The interactive series would see him take on a range of missions where the viewer gets to decide which routes he takes along the way. After we drop Bear off on a beach in Wales, his adventure begins, and you start deciding his actions. Part way through the episode we help extract Bear with a long line stunt. But in order to see this you’ll have to make some wrong decisions and put him in harm’s way.
Outside of his TV programmes we also worked with Bear for the launch of the new Land Rover Discovery. This event saw him rappel out of our hovering helicopter onto the top of a small replica of Tower Bridge made from Lego. Rappels require expert precision while keeping the helicopter as still as possible in a hover. This stunt was made all the more difficult by taking place at night. You can see a small clip of this stunt here.
Most recently we performed a skydive stunt with Bear and his son Jesse for his YouTube channel. You can read more about this stunt here. Our growing experience and safety record is what has kept Bear Grylls coming back to us time and time again. Helicopter stunt work is something we love doing and you can read more about our service here.
Bear Grylls: Skydive with a Twist
Bear Grylls has been entertaining us with his survival challenges and hair-raising stunts for over 15 years. In that time, he has produced a wide range of adventure programmes where he pits himself, and often celebrities, against the elements.
Those celebrities are often challenged to perform the very same stunts Bear is known for, and a lot of those have involved the use of a helicopter. Our unique skills and experience at providing helicopter stunts have led to us to have become a regular appearance over the years. These include rappelling Michael B Jordon into the sea and rescuing a sheep out of a quarry with Rob Brydon.
In September he came to us with something new, he wanted to skydive out of one of our helicopters at 10,000 ft. In true Bear Grylls fashion, this wasn’t going to be enough, to add an extra level of jeopardy to the challenge, he wanted to climb down out of the helicopter and hang from the skids. He planned to not do this alone; his son Jesse would be joining him in the stunt.
For most people this would but enough, but not for Bear. Hanging off the bottom of a helicopter 10,000 ft in the air simply would not be dangerous enough for the British adventurer. So, in preparation for the jump, he challenged Jesse to pack his parachute for him. Blindfolded! Packing someone else’s chute is a massive responsibility and to do so blindfolded, well, that’s just Bear Grylls for you.
After Jesse had packed Bear’s parachute, they joined Will Banks at our H125 (G-TVGB) and got ready to lift. They began the climb up to 10,000 ft where Will brought the helicopter to a hover ready for the skydive.
Capable of a maximum altitude of 23,000 ft (7,010 m), the H125 has no trouble getting to this altitude. However, in 2005, it broke the world record for the highest altitude landing and take-off at 29,029 ft (8,848 m) on Mount Everest.
Sliding open the door, Bear climbed down out of the helicopter while Will kept the aircraft steady, and then lowered himself further to hang off the skid. He was shortly followed by Jesse before they both let go and hurtled towards the ground.
A minute of freefall later and Bear’s parachute opened without a hitch, as did Jesse’s. But Bear’s challenge wasn’t over just yet. There had to be a winner in this stunt, and that would be whoever landed closer to a target in a nearby field. Landing much closer to the target, Jesse was the clear winner, leading Bear to cheat by running to the marker with his parachute still deployed.
Performing this skydive stunt required us to be granted special permission from the Civil Aviation Authority (CAA). As with all our stunt work, we always ensure we have the appropriate permissions from the CAA before the project begins.
The H155 Joins the Fleet
A new aircraft joins the GB Helicopters fleet, the Airbus H155. This luxury aircraft is one of the most technologically advanced helicopters in the world. It will serve our VIP charter clients and is based out of Stansted Airport.
The Gold Standard
The H155 is the epitome of luxury helicopter travel. With a level of comfort and refinement that you'd find in a private jet, it caters primarily to the VVIPs. It can carry up to six passengers in full leather seats, in one of the most spacious cabins available in its class. This, combined with its interior soundproofing and shrouded Fenestron tail rotor, provides one of the quietest, smoothest and most comfortable rides possible.
It also boasts one of the largest cargo holds for helicopters of this size. Allowing you to carry that much more with you, making it ideal for airport transfers or getaways to anywhere in the country and northern Europe.
It has a cruising speed of 155KTS and a range of over 400NM, making it the fastest and longest range helicopter in our fleet.
Safety Built In
Designed and built with enhanced safety in mind, the twin-engine H155 features an all glass cockpit, advanced avionics and autopilot assist the pilots in their job of keeping you safe. This makes the helicopter IFR capable, meaning it can fly safely and comfortably at night and in adverse weather conditions.
London Based
With its home at Stansted Airport, it is ideally located for people flying into and out of London for business or pleasure. Within minutes of taking off, it can be over central London and land at London Heliport moments later. This makes the H155 perfect for picking up important guests from London's airports and bringing them to you in style.
Aerial LiDAR with Central Alliance
On the east coast of the United Kingdom lies the North York Moors National Park. Sat between the towns of Middlesbrough and Scarborough, the park covers an area of 1,436 km2 and meets the North Sea with a 42 km strip of heritage coastline. Like a lot of the UK’s coast, this stretch is prone to erosion from the sea.
As part of ongoing efforts to reduce coastal erosion and prevent landslides, Central Alliance came to us to help them survey the Moors’ coastline. They had been tasked with finding out how aggressively the cliffs were being eroded. The data collected would aid in the assessment of whether stabilisation of the cliffs would be required.
To carry out this assessment quickly and accurately, the use of LiDAR was to be deployed using our AS355 helicopter. Standing for Light Detection and Ranging, the process involves continuously firing a laser at the ground and measuring the returns. These returns allow the recording of a variety of things like ground profiles, building details and different analysis for vegetation such as tree height and leaf mass, among many others. In this case, the LiDAR was used to generate a ground profile of the North York Moors coastline.
New Technology
The level of detail required for this assessment could only be achieved with the use of a helicopter. While other options are available, such as fixed wing and UAV platforms, helicopters remain the only vehicle capable of carrying the equipment required to record at the highest levels of detail. A helicopter also allows low altitude flights that provides even greater detail to be recorded.
Traditionally the large LiDAR unit is mounted on the belly of the helicopter. However, Central Alliance brought with them their new, custom built LiDAR pod. This much smaller unit could be mounted on the nose of our helicopter, using the same arm we use for our camera systems. Despite its size, it still contained the LiDAR sensor, an Inertial Measurement System (IMS) and a PhaseOne camera. Being nose mountable also made it much quicker and easier to install.
Filming for Heathrow: Britain's Busiest Airport
At the start this year, before the world became a very different place. We were granted unprecedented access to the UK’s busiest airport to film for ITV’s Heathrow: Britain’s Busiest Airport. For its sixth series, we gained permission to fly lower and closer to passenger jets than in any previous series.
The decision to allow us to hover tens of feet over the taxiways of one of the busiest airports in the world was not one that was taken lightly. Months of planning, phone calls and meetings took place in preparation for just two days of filming. We had to demonstrate that we were not only capable of capturing the desired footage, but to do so with complete safety.
The stakes were high. The consequences of an accident could be catastrophic. However, given the low altitude we would be flying at, collisions were a risk. Risk factors included taxiing aircraft and even airport service vehicles going about their daily routines. While these scenarios were very unlikely, many other minor incidents could still have had a severe knock-on effect. Near misses or disrupting the flow of traffic around the airport could lead to significant delays. Delays cost airlines thousands of pounds and disrupt passengers' travel plans.
Any of those would have obviously been completely unacceptable, so along with diligent planning beforehand, came constant communication between Will and air traffic control during the shoot. Every aircraft arriving and departing were informed of our presence. As our aircraft carefully manoeuvred its way around the taxiways. We were informed of the aircraft around us as we updated them on our actions.
So, there was a lot going on for pilot Will Banks. Communicating with air traffic, keeping complete situational awareness of other aircraft and vehicles around the helicopter, 20ft above the tarmac, all while talking to Mike the camera operator and positioning to get the shots.
The shot list for this project was extensive. And with only a small window of time to acquire them, the pressure was on. Fitted with the GSS C516, RED Epic Dragon and a 30-300mm lens, Mike and Will took G-TVGB and went about capturing everything from wide shots of the airport to closeups of pilots in their cockpits. But with this aerial filming project, there were no staged shots or events to capture. It was entirely on Will and Mike to find the shots they needed.
The result was nearly five hours of stunning footage that was to be used throughout the 12-episode series.
Heathrow: Britain's Busiest Airport is available to watch on ITVX.
Throw back to our first helicopter abseil
Helicopter rappelling has usually been left to the military and armed forces with specialist training and experience. When we were approached by producers of the “Running Wild" TV series back in 2015 to fly Bear Grylls and celebrity guest Michael B Jordan, before they abseiled out of the helicopter. We were excited to be part of the action and aimed to push operator boundaries to achieve our clients wishes.
The helicopter abseil granted by the CAA was the first permission to be given for this kind of stunt within the UK whilst operating under an AOC.
While the cold, windy weather could not have been more perfect for the series producers. The weather added to the tasks already stringently laid down performance requirements. Having proven the ability to hover on just one functioning engine in the event of a failure of either engine, the CAA granted approval.
The abseil could not have gone any smoother. We were delighted to be a part of the chaos as both Bear and Michael rappelled down the wire. As they both dropped into the murky sea they were greeted with roaring waves crashing over them. The pair started their 24 hour adventure in style; Running Wild with Bear Grylls Season 2, Episode 7.
Since then, we are proud to have completed an array of helicopter stunts and aerial filming sequences across the TV sector. This has included a high volume of helicopter abseils, people jumping from the helicopter and people being flown on a longline underneath the aircraft with an additional filming aircraft capturing the action. The most notable stunt was for Harry Styles debut music video “Sign of the Times” which won Brit Award “British Artist Video of the Year 2018”.
If you are thinking of performing a helicopter stunt for your latest production, contact our operations team. They will be happy to discuss your requirements and options to make dynamic aerial sequences. At GB Helicopters we always maintain the highest level of safety on task.
For more information on helicopter abseils and aerial stunt work for TV and Film or contact our operations team on ops@gbconcierge.co.uk or call 0800 030 4105.
Helicopter Business Travel
It isn’t every day that your commute makes it to the papers for positive reasons.
Most Monday morning commutes are mundane, frustrating and tiresome according to the latest TUC study. Statistics state there are over three million commuters who travel over two hours each day within the UK; so its no wonder that it's not always a pleasant experience.
But, unlike everyone else, one of our passengers managed to capture some amazing shots of England’s capital as it loomed in fog. Beautiful, stunning images which even made it to The Telegraph, The Times and The Sun.
The fog caused further commute delays on the ground but above the clouds our clients were able to get across the UK quickly and efficiently. Staying relaxed and focused for the day of meetings ahead, they also managed to absorb the scenic surroundings, encapsulating just one of the beauties of business travel via helicopter.
Although The Shard and other high-rise buildings were captured peaking out through low lingering fog is not an everyday sight, a calm comforting environment, and beautifully scenery remains one of the many benefits of utilising helicopters for executive business travel.
Business helicopter charters are fully flexible and work around your schedule and needs.
Allowing you to maximise your time in the office or at a meeting. It also allows you to visit multiple sites in one day, cover large distances in limited timeframes, and avoid the heavily congestive roads and rail during the peak commute times.
Many of our business charter clients choose to do the London commute from Manchester or surrounding areas. Taking merely 1 hour. Our twin-engine helicopters can also support the added convenience of taking you door to door* so there are no airports, waiting lounges or other unnecessary distractions on your journey.
The privacy allows you to relax, in the comfort of the luxury leather interior or utilise the time for reviewing your meeting notes and business planning.
If you are interested in how business helicopter charters could benefit you and your business, contact our operations team at 0800 030 4105 or email us at ops@gbconcierge.co.uk.
* Minimum of 30m2 clear space for landing.
Load-Lifting with Moors for the Future
Nestled between Sheffield and Manchester lies the beautiful Peak District National Park. Since becoming the United Kingdoms first national park in 1951, it has become increasingly popular, and now receives around 13.25 million visitors every year.
While the Peak District provides a wonderful destination for walkers, climbers, and mountain bikers, it also plays an important role for the environment and climate. Large parts of the national park are covered in peat, which is now known to be a huge store of Carbon. Should the peat degrade, this Carbon would be released into the atmosphere, contributing to global warming. It is also home to vast array of wildlife and provides a variety of ecosystems for them to thrive in.
It is important that these national parks remain accessible for the public to enjoy, whilst also being protected and restored. For the last 18 years, this crucial work has been carried out by Moors for the Future. They promote the park for public and recreational use while also maintaining and restoring the moorlands. They also work to help enhance habitats, improve water quality, reduce wildfire and flood risk, and tackle climate change.
A part of their conservation work involves stabilising and revegetating bare peat. Exposed at the surface and with nothing to hold it in place, bare peat is very susceptible to erosion from the weather, walkers, and animals. It also plays a key role in flood management. One way to help this is to plant heather. Heather brash, which consists mainly of heather cuttings, is used to cover the bare peat across the Peak District. Once it takes root it holds the peat in place.
Covering 1,440 km2 and with bare peat spread throughout, the only way to deliver the heather brash to where it is needed is by helicopter. Earlier this year, we were awarded this role by Moors for the Future. We were tasked with load-lifting 1,000 dumpy bags of heather brash to the Kinder Plateau.
Speed is Key
There are several advantages to using helicopters for this role. Firstly, and most critically, moving the brash into the remote moorlands by ground vehicle would cause significant damage to the very land that they are intending to restore. Lifting the brash by helicopter is also significantly quicker. Our load-lifting six-hook carousel fitted to one of our AS355s, allows us to carry up to six bags at once. With a remote release function operated by the pilot, we can quickly drop a bag at six GPS tagged sites in a single trip.
Kinder Scout is the highest peak in the national park, standing at 2,086 ft. As thousands of bags of brash must be lifted and placed over a massive area, and that it all must take place in the winter months, speed is crucial. The quicker the bags can be placed, the quicker the spreading of the brash can be done.
It is a common site to see a helicopter flying over the Peak District in winter, so now if you see one with a few bags underneath, you have a good idea of what it’s up to.
For more of our Aerial Utility Sevices take a look at our Urgent Freight Charters.
Power Line Surveys for Scottish Power & MANWEB
The electricity that powers everything in your home is delivered through a massive network of underground cables and overhead power lines. The overhead lines we can see cover thousands of miles across the whole of the UK, and they are owned and operated by six companies.
One of those company’s is Scottish Power Energy Networks (SPEN). They own and maintain all the overhead lines in Central and Southern Scotland along with those in North Wales, Merseyside, Cheshire and North Shropshire. These networks are referred to as SPEN and MANWEB respectively.
Our four-year contract with SPEN will have us surveying approximately 7,000 towers annually in Central and Southern Scotland and 3,000 towers for MANWEB. This means conducting statutory and thermal power line surveys across their entire network. To accomplish this, we will deploy our twin-engine AS355 that will be fitted with our gyro stabilised 4-in-1 sensor, the SWE-400 Quad. This state-of-the-art system allows us to record High Resolution Radiometric Infrared, Corona Detection, HD Video and Digital Still photography in a single flight. Inside the cabin, the operator has access to the OV171X-HDSDI quad monitor, allowing them to view all four sensors at the same time.
Storm Patrol
This contract also means we will be on standby to perform Storm Damage Patrols during the winter months. For this, we are available 24-hours a day, 7-days a week and can be airborne within an agreed launch window to investigate a reported fault. This readiness is vital to ensure the quick identification of a fault which in turn leads to them being repaired quickly.
As with all the flying we do, we take special consideration to the public as well as businesses when flying at low level. As the majority of overhead lines traverse farmland and fields, disturbing livestock such as cattle and horses can be costly to farmers. Our trained pilots and observers take extra care to minimise any disturbance caused by a low flying helicopter. This consideration also applies in rural aeras and where possible we liaise with landowners to conduct the surveys at agreed times. This helps reduce any unwanted noise from disturbing any special events that may be taking place. Any inspection that is unable to take place from the air is noted and a survey is conducted from the ground.
Alongside our Part SPO authorisations that allow us to conduct aerial utility work, we have our Air Operator Certificate (AOC). This grants us permission to provide our charter services and has already been utilised for SPEN CEOs to be given a tour of their network and to provide the BBC access to cover the work done by Scottish Power.
