Ireland largest ever mobilisation of helicopters

[Choppersquad]

on the 7Th of July sick children from twenty different hospitals around Ireland will be air lifted to the lakes of blessinton near Dublin for a great days events laid on by the bubblegum Charity. in cooperation with private helicopter owners in Ireland.this is the fifth year this has taken place with the heli count going up each year.four of us "all pilots " take on the task to recruit and coordinate with our fellow pilots the operation.this year we hope to have
fifty helicopters ranging from r44,206,120 ,407,222.s76,109,135 you name it ,it will be there .all owners give there heli for free including the pilot services .Ireland,s air core supply ground and air opps on site each year.i will post this years pics after the event.
has anyone else carried out this type of operation in there country as we are always open to helicopter ideas to give the kids a better day each year .

ps. we hope to lift about 250 kids on the day.weather permitting.

choppersquad.

[Heliport]

Sounds more like a mobilisation.

Great idea. :ok:

[TheFlyingSquirrel]

What an unselfish thing to participate in - I hope the sun shines all day for you.;)

[Brilliant Stuff]

What a lovely thing to do. I wish you tailwind.

[Dave_Jackson]

Would this school bus be of any help?

http://www.unicopter.com/Temporary/Airbus.jpg


Just the addition of a little humor to what is a very considerate undertaking.

[paco]

I've done something similar but only for one handicapped children's home - after thirty years I still remember it as the best day's flying I ever did. Unfortunately, they were too young to do anything more creative than pleasure flights, but it was enough.

Enjoy it, and send us some photos!

phil

[SASless]

I've done flights for terminally ill children and I can assure you it is the pilot that reaps the true reward. Seeing a smile on a young one's face in those circumstances cannot be described adequately. If you ever get a chance to help out....do not hesitate for a second.

I flew a young teenaged boy, Leukemia sufferer, and when I asked about his status three days later, was told he had passed. Odd how one can be struck by the unfairness of life at times.

[MrEdd]

Great going of u lads:D , for sure hope thoose poor kids have a great of a day. :ok:
Hope i someday will get to do something like that. Looking forward to those pic´s.

[Vertical T/O]

Brilliant Day last year. Hope weather is better this year. Here are a few Pictures from last years gathering.
http://i46.photobucket.com/albums/f143/kevanfolan/01072005003.jpg
http://i46.photobucket.com/albums/f143/kevanfolan/01072005004.jpg
http://i46.photobucket.com/albums/f143/kevanfolan/01072005007.jpg

http://i46.photobucket.com/albums/f143/kevanfolan/205afc08.jpg
http://i46.photobucket.com/albums/f143/kevanfolan/3ab21937.jpg
http://i46.photobucket.com/albums/f143/kevanfolan/43802b05.jpg
http://i46.photobucket.com/albums/f143/kevanfolan/01072005009.jpg

[CVR]

What a great day it was, to see the faces on those kids was brilliant, all credit to the organisers, they really do a great job, looking forward to this year again. if anyone out there has a helicopter to spare on that day please give the bubblegum club a call and let them know and help to make the kids day a little brighter. Keep up the good work guys...........Thanks also to vertical t/o for posting some of my photos.:ok:

[Vertical T/O]

No bother CVR. I'll teach you how to do it yet.

[SASless]

Nice to see a FAA N-Registered aircraft there as well. Hope there were lots of warning signs about....knowing how unsafe those things are.;)

[7balja01]

what is the weather like in summer in dublin? im guessing just like over hear!wet! but atleast you dont have the humidity! :{ obviously winter would be snowing, but might it be better to choose spring or autumn next year???-from memory the weather was good when i went over in the beginning of autumn (or was it spring?), but that was over ten years ago!
oh well, i hope it turns out better than last year!
hey, you could always fly them over to france! now the weathers sure to be good there...
cheers, ball.

:ok:

[Choppersquad]

yes the big problem on the day is the wheather but you just have to go for the date you have picked and hope for the best ,we are well into summer ,and it was ok over the last few years fingers crossed.
choppersquad.

[Choppersquad]

just quick a update for the 7th of july.
we are now up to forty one helicopters for the days event.
if anyone in the north of Ireland can spare there helicopter for a trip down on the morning and back that evening please pm me as we have kids in Derry and Belfast hospitals to collect .
thanks in advance.
choppersquad.

[Colonal Mustard]

Have you told the media about the event, that`ll be a perfect "lift the public" story to finish with after the days doom and gloom,send the beeb or itn an e-mail and ask for some coverage... and btw, hope all goes well and you get perfect weather...ps if you want i`ll do it for you, just let me know...although i wont be there on the day

[SASless]

I have sent a PM and e-mail to a BBC fellow along with contact info for Choppersquad. Maybe something will come of that. Multiple contacts will not hurt Mustard...ring them up!

[Colonal Mustard]

being done as we speak

:ok:

my cousin works at the beeb, he can push a few buttons and pull a few strings so to speak

[Choppersquad]

thanks
guys
i,am sure the bubblegum club charity could do with the PR as the charity is devoted to sick children and children less well off .
choppersquad.

[Flashover999]

This is such a fantastic event!

We have a Hospice nearby that we always support with fund raising events and I think something like this would be a fabulous event for these kids as well.
Am interested in trying to set something up in the Southeast of England and have few questions

1)Are there any insurance issues that need to be covered?

2) Does the Bubblegum club operate nationally or Ireland only?

3) What sort of events do the kids do when they get to the lake?

4) What sort of CAA issues would there be with regards to mass invasion of Helicopters on private land?

5) Do you have any contacts that could answer any questions

6) Do you have to be CPL to do this or can you just simply rent and fly a few kids and helpers into the event? Cant think of a better way of flying an hour building time!!!!!

If you can think of any other questions that would need to be answered then please feel free.

Thankyou in advance

Flash

[Choppersquad]

flash
no problem on answering your questions pm me with your phone number and i will ring you.
choppersquad.

[Choppersquad]

Hi guys
Att. All Irish pilots
only a few days to go ,collection points ,FATO details will be e mailed to you on the 3rd of july
pilots collecting from weston airport, there will be briefing on the morning .
thanks again to all owners and pilots for taking part in this years event.
choppersquad.
p.s now at 48 helicopters taking part on friday the 7th of july.

[bell 430]

Hi choppersquad

I was wondering where abouts near the lakes of blessington will be the landing area?


Many Thanks

[Choppersquad]

hi 430

all the details will be e mailed tonight with pictures of the FATO etc you will find it no problem as it is just off blessington town.the weather looks good for the day "so far ".hope to see you on the day.

choppersquad:ok:

[Algy]

What a terrific event (http://www.flightglobal.com/Articles/2006/07/10/Navigation/177/207728/Flight+TV+Irish+children's+charity+organises+largest+civilia n+helicopter+mobilisation+in.html)- congratulations to everyone involved.

(Still working on the full-screen version - apologies for the delay.)

[toolguy]

Well done! Here is a video on Flight.com website:D
http://www.flightglobal.com/Articles/2006/07/10/207708/Flight+TV+Bubblegum+Club+Helicruise+2006.html

[funfinn2000]

Howya Lads, It was a great day and the glad the weather got better cos it was a bit hairy at the start. I had the use of a 44 on the day and it was a fabulous event.

Anyone got any pics to share????

[Choppersquad]

guys
the 22th of june 2007 is confirmed for this years event.myself or one of the other pilots on the aviation team will be in contact over the next few weeks with this years plan.

thanks
choppersquad

[TheMonk]

:D What a bunch of angels you guys are! :D :D :D :D :D

[Vertical T/O]

Last year was crazy. Hope it runs smoothly this year.

[Choppersquad]

Ya inbound was bit crazy as all the helis arrived back from the pick up points at the one time, but the day itself,and the out bound with country away first and Dublin second went very well.We will hold the Dublin pax,s at weston until all country helis are on the ground at the site this year.This will reduce the problem by fifty percent.Also more ground crew to get your pax,s off more quickly.Each year we will perfect the plan to a higher level.


choppersquad

[Vertical T/O]

Excellent. Hopefully I can take part again. Sounds brilliant.

[whatsarunway]

Vertical,

you could take one of those Aberdeen machines and the rest of us could stay in bed!:p

[Vertical T/O]

Good thought. I will ask for the laugh, sure why not. I would surprised if you get out of bed at all. Kinda sounds like work.

[CVR]

Ah no vertical, his car was outside the office the other day, he must have been at work, (or maybe it just broke down) no.... he must have been at work, hummmm............:hmm:

Hope there is a good turn out of machines this year,

Fly Safe and Enjoy

[Choppersquad]

Guys
The Bubblegum helicopter request letters are going out over the next few days .please insure they get to the owner of the helicopter if you receive one,as we need to assign the helicopters to hospitals across Ireland asap for june 22th.


thanks
choppersquad:ok: :ok:

[Choppersquad]

Guys
if anyone is based in the north of Ireland.please let me know as we have a collection of kids in Derry,and Belfast general Hospitals,hope you can help.

thanks
choppersquad

[Vertical T/O]

If anyone needs a pilot for a R44 or a Squirrel I am free. PM me.

[Cullear1]

I am based in the North of Ireland and would be very happy to provide heli transport from some of the Norths hospitals for the event. please pm me for my details.

[TiPwEiGhT]

Can be available to fly if anyone needs a pilot. PM if interested. TiP:ok:

[maxvne]

Choppersquad
G-DACN Agusta 109 Grand based very close to Derry im sure they wouldnt mind helping, the Pilot is located in Dublin.
Max

[Choppersquad]

Guys
just a update for this years event

Type of aircraft confirmed carrying kids on the day.

s76,155,120,135,130,,407,222,119,r44,b206,109,350,206L.

we are past thirty helis and counting.:ok:


choppersquad

[s61Oneday]

Is this event taking place again in 2008?

[Choppersquad]

Hi Guys,

Firstly apologies for not updating you sooner. The 2008 Bubblegum Helilift will change format this year. We will be operating at Durrow Castle giving the childeren a trip around the local area. This will insure all 180 kids get a spin in a heli. The bubblegum club will insure the children arrive from the hospitals to Durrow castle. Nurses will escort the children while on the aircraft as normal, and NO -they will not be wearing their uniforms!Ground opps will be hopefully the aircore. John Mc will give a briefing on the morning.The reason for discontiuning the collection of the kids from the hospitals is purly the weather. We can insure all children receive a trip in the heli by turning operations on and off through the day if the weather is up for question by providing the trip on site.:ok:

We hope Irelands helicopter owners and pilots will attend once again supporting this great day out laid on by the Bubblegum Club .:D
I will give you more updates soon.Please pm me if you can attend.

Thanks again.
choppersquad

[funfinn2000]

I will be there and I am sure alot of pilots will be too, the only problem is if we have any helicopters left to fly.

[iainms]

We have a R44 I would be pleased to join in, please PM me the details or how to contact you !:ok:

[eurocopter beans]

i would be interested in lending a hand, could you PM me please?

[Choppersquad]

Thanks Guys
I will give you a call soon,if any one else is free on that date please give me a call also.

Thanks
Choppersquad.

[iainms]

What happened ?:confused:

[RavenII]

Any news? I would like to come.

[Choppersquad]

The Bubblegum Heli lift 08 is set with 200 paxs to lift on the day .The machines this year are a mix of 120,s 109s 407s 350s 206s 119s 222s. we can not use R44s this year as we need min 4 paxs per heli.Thanks to all owners/pilots of R44 for the offer.

Choppersquad.

[Choppersquad]

Guys
The day went great with all kids getting a spin around Castle Durrow.You know what we do every year so rather than show you photo,s .Please have a look at Bubblegum Club - Index (http://www.bubblegumclub.ie) and click on ( the bubblegum effect.One brave young girls trip to London ) I think you will understand more clearly why Irelands Helicopter owners and pilots step forward every year to be part of a special days events layed on by the bubble gum club .:ok:

Choppersquad.