Robbie rental opportunities in Bath, UK

[johned0]

Dear all,

I am working in Bath for a short while and was wondering if anyone could suggest somewhere local to the Bath / Bristol area that I could rent either an R22 or R44 for some evening flying, now that the evenings are longer ?

Thanks very much,

John

[Jonese]

Bristol Airport is about the closest.

http://www.bristolandwessex.co.uk/

You can hire out an R22 or R44 from there.

Cheers

[rotorboater]

Try Cotswold helicopters at Kemble, about 1/2 hour from Bath http://www.cotswoldhelicopters.co.uk/5.html

[Banjo]

www.rotorflight.co.uk is based at Bristol and has taken delivery of brand new R44 as well as R22 Call Paul on 07831 146455

[johned0]

Thanks for all the great suggestions.

There are plenty of options for me to check out. :)

Cheers,

john

[bilderberger]

Question from a flyer from Rotorflight. If Rotorflight (operated by Pauline Chapman), and based at Bristol International Airport have not got an Air Operator's Certificate (AOC), are they flying against the Authorities Regulations, in other words illegally, if they carry fare-paying passengers and land away, drop off the passengers away from base. Or have the CAA given Rotorflight dispensation ! and also would they be covered for insurance ?

[Whirlygig]

From what you have written, it does sound as though they need an AOC. However, without details etc etc, it would be hard to say.

You have a choice; ask the company or as the CAA.

Cheers

Whirls

[The Nr Fairy]

Third choice - ignore the matter since the CAA won't do anything unless they're brought on a silver platter tied with ribbons a watertight case fort illegal AOC work.

[manfromuncle]

I think there's a place called Astra helicopters out that way, google it.

[The Nr Fairy]

Gary Davidson at Bristol and Wessex - if he's still there - at Bristol Lulsgate may be able to help. Astra, as far as I'm aware, is no longer operating since the owner moved abroad, and I'd struggle to recommend them anyway.

Olly Heynes at Cotswold (Kemble based) is good, and there's also places in Gloucester/Staverton - Rise, Heliflight to name but two.

[kneedwondean]

Astra Helicopters/Bristol Helicopters has been bought by Cotswold Helicopters based at Kemble. 32 miles from Bath. Great place to fly out of without the hassle of Bristol and their Commercial Jets(holding for 15 mins while a A320 is on 15 mile finals!)

[ThomasTheTankEngine]

Mr Bilderberger

The type of question you’ve asked can be quite damaging to the reputation of a company or a person, you could have still asked your question without posting the name of the company or the person running it.

If you are going to post the name of a company or person like that then why don’t you print your own name as well? I presume you, just like my self and many other people on here do not wish to be identified.

I don’t know the company in question so I know nothing about there activities.

I would suggest that you or the moderators amend your post

[PITCH LINK]

Try Staverton Airport, Gloucestershire it's about 40 mins from Bath. There are several companies there with R22's, Heliflight has maybe 8 for self fly hire.

Heliflight home page. (http://www.heliflightuk.com/homep.asp?PageRef=1)

[FLY VFR]

Heliflight at Gloucester Airport, straight run up the Motorway, and are brilliant, plus you won't have the risk of being stuck at a holding point for ages at Glos, where as Bristol can sometimes be a real pain!!

http://www.heliflightuk.co.uk/homep.asp?PageRef=1

[johned0]

Thanks all,

While I am no longer working in Bath as often as I was last year I will hopefully get a few spare evenings to try out at least one of the suggestions.

All the best,

John

[biggles99]

Hi John,

what kind of flying do you want to do?

Ken Warn at Avonair is based right by Bristol, and if you want some advanced training in a R44, he's the man.

If you want someone to go with, or a place to go, then Tiger Helicopters at Shobdon will sort you out.

Big Ls

[JBL99]

Astra helicopters are still around and I learn't with them - Think Olly is now part of the business ! www.astrahelicopters.co.uk (http://www.astrahelicopters.co.uk)