British Grand Prix 2010: Silverstone Heliport

[Alikado]

Has anyone else heard about HeliAir taking over the running of Silverstone this year?

[thwock]

Yes............and Yes

[Sir Niall Dementia]

Anyone know when the tender came out to run the heli-port???

[Alikado]

It didn't go out to tender as far as I know. I'm keen to find out if someone's trying to monopolise the event.

[thwock]

heli-air Silverstone fee's out
2009 A109 £390 in and out + parking of £60 and handling = £990
2010 A109 £469 in and out + parking of £105 and handling= £1193
The only way to make money out of helicopters is to grab it in landing fee's

Interesting that R22 has gone down from £260 to £100
and R44 from £260 to £200

surely not heli-air looking after their own
:ugh::ugh:

[TorqueTorque]

Looks good to me. Sensible prices, all businesses need to make a profit and from what I can see out there Heli Air seems to be the one company going from strength to strength. I've been dealing with Heli Air for over 10 years and always got over 100% service and value for money. They seem to have the plot sorted. I think those that complain have a secondary agenda or they can't really afford to be in the marketplace. Recession, what recession. Roll on the R66.

:)

[TorqueTorque]

I've been arranging and booking slots for the F1 GP weekend and was told there is a reduced number this year and right now Heli Air is trying to get this increased. If you want guaranteed slots you ought to call them, it's all being handled at Wycombe by Harriett, who's been very helpful; 01494 769976.

[1helicopterppl]

Helair are also rumoured to be starting training from Silverstone with R22.

[Palma]

He is a BRDC member and does not pay landing fees.:)

[TorqueTorque]

I too believe this is training is planned. Starts with R22, followed by R44 and eventually R66. They will also be offering 'experience flying' with Silverstone's car-driving visitors. You know, the likes of drive the sports car round for 1, 2, 3 or more laps. Then do something similar in an R22 with a Heli Air FI. Looks to become a big operation with time.

[Bravo73]

I too believe this is training is planned. Starts with R22, followed by R44 and eventually R66. They will also be offering 'experience flying' with Silverstone's car-driving visitors. You know, the likes of drive the sports car round for 1, 2, 3 or more laps. Then do something similar in an R22 with a Heli Air FI. Looks to become a big operation with time.


Sounds like a sensible use for an airfield!

And the BRDC certainly need the increased revenue stream.

[zip]

I have been dealing with Heli Air for 15 years and they are an excellent company. The Silverstone deal will raise the profile of helicopters by introducing a well established helicopter company to the race circuit. Visitors, race enthusiasts and racing car drivers will get the chance to fly in helicopters on site and then go on to gain a PPL or CPL.

[helihub]

With the recession, corporate entertaining is at an all time low - there were figures of around 50-60% reduction in work Christmas parties last month. Then there is the significant improvements in road connections to Silverstone in the last couple of years. Finally look at the big hike in landing fees and it makes you wonder how few non-Robinson movements they will actually get.

[wokkaboy]

I agree helihub.
Whilst Heli Air may give "over 100% service and value for money" (I never could work out the phrase "over 100%"), let's not get carried away here.

I'm sure they'll give you the best service possible as they take your £469 + VAT A109 fee for landing... and the same again for taking off post race... and £105 + VAT for parking... and £150 + VAT for handling...

Yes Silverstone will take their cut, but £1193 + VAT???

Service with a smile should be guaranteed!!

[TorqueTorque]

Hmmm, I also thought it might be like that but when I heard that over half the available slots have been reserved (as of last Friday) I booked mine.

Operators that don't reserve will be disappointed. :)

[Sir Niall Dementia]

TT;

We keep hearing that Heli-Air haven't yet sorted out what is happening re slots. We wrote to reserve ours and have been told that reservations will be sorted by next month. Come on Heli-Air we are all trying to keep customers happy and you seem determined to just give every one a total cluster f***.

SND

[TorqueTorque]

SND

I've got a feeling if there's an issue over the number of slots this will be very close to the heart at Heli Air. They will see the need for as many slots as possible. I called them earlier and they have not yet reserved one slot for themselves; professional operators and other clients are being given total priority. I know they want to keep the 'customers' happy as I do in my business. They have nothing to gain by being tardy, quite the reverse. I don't think your attitude is right, nor your closing remark in ***s. Why don't you just call Heli Air personally tomorrow? You may be pleasantly surprised.

[toptobottom]

TorqueTorque - you need to be smarter at remaining anonymous ;)

[TorqueTorque]

TopToBottom - thanks for the advice, genuinely appreciated. I really don't need to remain totally anonymous as I always speak the truth.... so if you want to gain the inside track, just ask away....

:O

[Alikado]

"...no slot allocation until the end of February" is the Heli Air response when you phone them.

[md 600 driver]

TorqueTorque says

Hmmm, I also thought it might be like that but when I heard that over half the available slots have been reserved (as of last Friday) I booked mine.

Operators that don't reserve will be disappointed.

Alikado says
Slot allocation Silverstone 2010

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
"...no slot allocation until the end of February" is the Heli Air response when you phone them.

Which one is it why can some book and some cant?

[TorqueTorque]

I think this is just a play / confusion on the words 'reserved', 'booked', and 'slot allocation'. In the final analysis the administrators handling it all take the bookings / reservations as they come in and will confirm slots as soon as they can. Best that all enquiries are directed to H A Wycombe.

[finals06]

I am reading all of this with interest and wondered why it is that Heli Air are unable to confirm slots at present? Surely as operators themselves they appreciate the need to know exactly what the situation is. I understand there are ongoing discussions with the CAA. What is the problem??

[TorqueTorque]

The race course has changed shape and there's a new part to the track. This has moved the FATO which has lead to debate / discussion over the volume of slots. Do trust / believe that HA is doing all that is possible to sort this asap.

[verticalhold]

I'd love to trust/believe HA. My prior experience leeds me to be believe that HA have bitten off more than they can chew and will not care about other operators.

My opinion of them remains low. Silverstone operators have always known slots by now. The situation needs sorting.

Torque Torque you should declare you interest or remain silent.

[TorqueTorque]

Only trying to explain why there's a delay. Some people can't see the woods for the trees, or they just don't want to. You've been told the truth, the whole truth, but silence is golden as they say (whoever they are). Just call when you need an update, otherwise I will remain quiet.

:ugh:

[fluffy5]

I think Heli air need a chance to sort out there slot system, It is their first or second time in having ago at this. I'm sure the previous operator when they first took the contract were not perfect.
But as for training, flying experience and driving. It has been done before, for the last ten years and does generate positive input into the industry, however the general amount of turn over of poling R22 and R44 in experience flights for 30 minutes or less just does not bring in positive profit.

fluffy

[finals06]

Not being funny, but what experience do HA have of running a heliport of this sort of scale?

[Sliding Doors]

Not being funny, but what experience do HA have of running a heliport of this sort of scale?

Answers on the back of a postage stamp? :p

Given the track changes and the changes to the FATO you'd have thought using the previous experienced guys would have been the most sensible option :rolleyes:

I too fear HA are well out of their depth :{ Hope I'm proved wrong, but the early signs aren't reassuring.

[cyclic_fondler]

Given the track changes and the changes to the FATO you'd have thought using the previous experienced guys would have been the most sensible option

Do we know if any of the previous experienced guys bothered to tender for this?

I doubt if it's HA intention to mess anybody about with the slots whether the slots are for the big operators or the private pilots flying their friends in.

It seems from reading previous threads about HA, people treat them like marmite, either you like them or you hate them!

[Alikado]

"Do we know if any of the previous experienced guys bothered to tender for this?"Yes, based on their very successful previous nine years. But Silverstone obviously wanted a permanent heliport which I understand wasn't mentioned in their brief so they'd already made their mind up. By the way, the control tower was bulldozed into the ground before all this..."

I doubt if it's HA intention to mess anybody about with the slots whether the slots are for the big operators or the private pilots flying their friends in.As far as slots are concerned - Private pilots AND their friends AND Commercial operators - scary stuff!

[finals06]

Rumour going round that Mike Woodley from Aces High is involved. Bandits at 9 o'clock!:sad:

[iainms]

I think that would be Mark Woodley who works for HA at Wellesbourne !

[j_foreigner]

I heard that Heli Air are now offering booking confirmations for Silverstone slot times. The plans for this year's GP weekend must have been received well by the relevant authorities if they are taking this step?

I hope so, nothing beats flying into the middle of the circuit!:)

[finals06]

I have also heard that commercial operators won't be allowed in until 09.00 local. If that's the case it should make it interesting!http://images.ibsrv.net/ibsrv/res/src:www.pprune.org/get/images/smilies/wbored.gif

[TorqueTorque]

Yes, Heli Air has confirmed that all the recent dialogue with the relevant authorities has been successful to the point that it can now confirm slots for the F1 Grand Prix, please contact HA on 01494 769976.

[LZCUTTER]

You Torque the Torque, now lets see if HA can walk the walk !:p

[TorqueTorque]

Thanks LZCUTTER, I'm sure HA will do its best. After all has been said and is being done, Heli Air is the only authorised heliport operator that can get you into the Silverstone circuit. Heli Air will provide a very good service and (information for finals06) it's totally inaccurate that commercial operators cannot go in before 09:00, but true that non-commercial cannot go in after that time (09:00) or exit before 18:00. Call Heli Air on 01494 769976.

[Minty Fresh]

Silverstone have now been given the go ahead to use the new revised Moto GP "Arena" section for the F1 race as well.

Could make things a little tight for space!!

autosport.com - F1 News: Silverstone to use new track for 2010 GP (http://www.autosport.com/news/report.php/id/81407)

[finals06]

Does anyone know how many gates there will be this year? And what about parking?

[Alikado]

Have HeliAir got CAA approval to operate a heliport yet, anyone know?

[johned0]

I understand the new rules are :

a. Attended the official brief
b. Flown in on one of the Practice days
c. Had a check flight with a HeliAir pilot to prove capability to fly in on GP day.

A and B are fair enough but call me Mr Cynical because the last one sounds like a good way to make an extra few quid :-(

Anyone know if Grandfather rights are allowed for PPLs who have flown in for the last few years without any problems ?

John

[HeliCraig]

The email I have from HeliAir doesn't specifically mention C. It does mention A & B, and that as a result of B they must be satisfied you'll be safe. Seems fair enough to me.

The details of the practice days haven't been released yet; but I would be disappointed if there was anything other than a minimal charge for them given what they are charging for the slots themselves and ancillary bits and pieces; plus the fact the practice day is mandatory. (I suspect they will make money from the practice day if their own SFH customers are also flying into Silverstone!).

HeliAir have always been a fair bunch to me, so I can only speak as I find - if you want clarification give them a call!!

C.

[finals06]

For all those helicopter operators planning their Silverstone strategy for 2010 please have a look at this link.

Graphic showing the trace of Silverstone's new Arena layout (http://www.itv-f1.com/photo.aspx?IM_ID=56893&PG_ID=22)

12 gates, terminals and parking – where? We all need this to work for us as an industry so can somebody reassure us that this will all be all right on the night. Is a heliport as important to Silverstone as it is to us? I ask again - Does this heliport have CAA approval yet?

[David Clarke]

Does this all mean Turweston will be a lot busier, as space does seem to be limited looking at those views.

Dave

[wokkaboy]

At the BHA meeting, Heli Air told operators that slots would be at a premium... book now... helicopters are low on Silverstone's priority list... prices remain high due to limited availability...

However they are encouraging HCGB members to fly in on any day of the Grand Prix for £22 for an R22 and £44 for an R44, plus attend a £30 Qualification Day.

Private R44 = £44
Commercial R44 parked next to it = circa £500
??

:rolleyes:

[HeliCraig]

Wokka - where have you got those figures from? There are massively different to that which I was quoted for a private R44. MASSIVELY.

C.

[md 600 driver]

the helicopter club prices are for hcgb members for private use only

it was on the email sent last week to all members for the events 2010

there was also some restricions which i have printed for you

). These rates apply for all 3 days of the event, and include parking and handling fees. This is the bargain of the year! Conditions: fly in once, park, fly out once, personal use for friends & family only, no fare paying pax., no commercial flights, on race day land before 09.00 and depart after 18.00. Practice & qualifying days are much more relaxed, more available and in many ways, more enjoyable! Silverstone entry tickets are also needed.

[HeliCraig]

Wow... now there is a reason to join HCGB all on its own!

(Little use to me though, as I am bringing 7 friends in in two shuttles - first into Silverstone and then into Turweston. Taking all home from Turweston due to slot times (post 1800) out of Silverstone).


C.

[wokkaboy]

HeliCraig

Yes, as md 600 driver mentioned, those rates are for HCGB members.
I'm all for the HCGB getting good rates, but it's a bit unfair on everyone else.

As stated, a commercial R44 flying in on Sunday, park, pax handling and fly out will be charged £550 + VAT, as opposed to £44 + VAT and a £30 briefing.

Go figure!

[HeliCraig]

No, its worse than that, its a private R44 sitting next to another private R44 who doesn't happen to be a member of HCGB... so lets not think its the commercials being picked on.

Because what I want to do doesn't fit with the HCGB "offer" I pay the same as a commercial.

Now, the fact I could hire multiple aircraft and get a lift back to each one and still be better off... thats wrong!!

[md 600 driver]

helicraig

your not a member of the hcgb [are you] so your wont be getting the hcgb price anyway

it seems to me the hcgb has managed to get a special reduction for its members arriving and departing when the commercial trafic has stopped or does not want slots anymore ,thats sound commercial practice that will reduce the cost of commercial trafic

your private flight is it cost sharing? if so will you will be paying your share to arrive twice and depart twice as both flights are classed as seperate flights for the cost sharing rules maybe least said the better

[HeliCraig]

md 600,

I shall be becoming a member of the HCGB, having spoken to a member yesterday who extolled its virtues to me.

And yes, its a great deal for their members... it bugs me though that even though I am paying commercial rates I am subject to the same slot restrictions as the offer, however I have made my plans around this and only plan to use 1 slot. I'll use Turweston instead of waiting until 6PM to leave.

Cost sharing is not an issue, but thanks for the concern. :ok:

[finals06]

Looking at the circuit redevelopment I find it hard to believe that there will be a heliport of any size at Silverstone in 2010. Corporate hospitality is where Silverstone make their money and the heliport should cater for these big spending individuals and organizations. IF slots are going to be at a premium and parking is going to be heavily restricted (as surely it will be) where is the sense in filling the place up with privateers, especially if they are paying a token fee?
Commercial helicopters have always had to pay a premium to land at the circuit. This I would imagine is what pays the substantial set up costs that must be involved with running a heliport of this scale. If I am bringing in an S76 with landing fees of over a grand a pop I am not going to be very happy if I can’t park up during the race! The alternative – fly to base to park and then battle my way back in to collect my passengers post race sticking another 30 minutes on the flying time and at my expense. Are helicopters really low on Silverstone’s priority list or is all this just a pain in the backside for Heli Air who must be wondering what they have let themselves in for!

[Alikado]

I understand that parking has now become an issue. We still don’t know how many gates will be available. And be aware that if you pay for a terminal you'll have to pay extra for tables and chairs!
:ugh:

[Flying Lawyer]

http://www.caa.co.uk/css/img/logosmall.gif

FODCOM 15/10: Major Changes to and Detailed Requirements for the British Formula 1 Grand Prix at Silverstone 9-11 July 2010

Applicability: All Helicopter AOC Holders and General Aviation Helicopter Pilots
Issued: 29 April 2010

Link (http://www.caa.co.uk/docs/33/FOD201015.pdf)

[finals06]

At least we all know where we stand now. Not sure where we are going to park!
Interesting survey on this website...
www.flysilverstone.co.uk (http://www.flysilverstone.co.uk)
I wonder what sort of feedback they are getting?

[1helicopterppl]

Heliair received their licence last week. Over the weekend Heliair held a PPL briefing for flying in/out of Silverstone for the GP weekend.
On race day all PPL's have arrival slots before 0800. There are 12 gates on the GP FATO, 20/02.

I attended the PPL briefing held at the Freshair base nr Bicester. I have to say everything was very professional, friendly, good attention to detail. The facilities & lunch were of the highest standard & quality.

In true British style it is very easy to criticise but I'm sure with the committment the Heliair team have under the leadership of Sean Brown, the GP day will excellent, & I wish all at Heliair great success.

[FloaterNorthWest]

The new FATO.

http://i189.photobucket.com/albums/z29/rich902cove/IMAG0057.jpg

http://i189.photobucket.com/albums/z29/rich902cove/IMAG0059.jpg

[tu154]

Note - that is the permanent FATO, the GP FATO will be to the left of the permanent FATO in the triangular grassed area, parallel to the old runway.

[JimBall]

and the helis using the large GP FATO will disperse their pax to the east of the line - see the new buildings and a control tower, behind the red&white barrier. That's the GP heliport for CAT ops. The other one is for private flyers and for use at all other times.

Used it 2 weeks ago and it's a great facility in a cracking location. The best circuit view must be from the top of the Heli Air offices at the permanent FATO. Becketts, Hangar Straight and new Arena circuit bends all within easy distance.

[EESDL]

.....before I start ringing around.....anybody on here know if Heliair control landing for Moto GP aswell?

[HeliCraig]

Yep - they do. The Heliport at Silverstone is a permanent base for them now!!

[EESDL]

That can only be good news if they do not interfere with BRDC member's activities - ie landing at the Farm for smaller events and everyday activities,
can't imagine Heliair wanting to get involved with BRDC members if there is no payment expected.
Will give them a bell to see what lies ahead...thanks.

[max roll rate]

Hi friends and fellow aviators

Just a heads up for you as of this time Silverstone now has a permanent active heliport operated by Heli air its ATZ should be promulgated in the very near future
via the normal channels but for the time being can i suggest you treat it as live if your in the area , there freq is 121.075 Silverstone Radio. A letter of agreement has been drawn up between us Here at Turweston and Silverstone and logged with the CAA to allow safe and user friendly procedures as the 2 ATZ's overlap , where they do over lap Silverstone gives away its area to Turweston. Traffic wishing to join for Turweston via the silverstone overhead may still do so as long as they remain at 1500ft QFE 2000Ft QNH or above and there is no need for you to contact Silverstone if you carry out this procedure , Only traffic inbound to the Heliport or planning to fly in the Silverstone ATZ below the altitudes mentioned above need to contact silverstone. For normal flight information in the local area please still use Turweston Radio 122.175

Regards
Chris Brown (EGBT AD Manager) :ok:

[finals06]

I see that Heliair are holding onto slot deposits! I thought that these would be offset against any final invoice – so what’s changed?? I know that it’s going to be a quiet one but surely this is punishing operators. We were told that there would be limited slot availability and encouraged to speculate. This underhand trick has cost be a grand! Thanks a bunch! Has anyone else had a similar experience?:bored:

[TorqueTorque]

The only deposits not being refunded are those lodged against slots that have been thereafter cancelled.

[timeandtide]

Comments seem conspicuous by their absence so far (which seems to confirm that it wasn't the disaster that some may have predicted).... how was it for you?

Whatever your thoughts or experiences, all pics are eagerly anticipated...

Unsolicited comments on "white shirts and w****r bars"(circa 2009), less so!

[Qualityman]

Well I for one would like to be the first to congratulate Heli-air, and particularly Harriett Lyons, on a job well done.
And before you all start no I don't work for them!! In fact the operator I work for at the GP lost out in a big way when Heli-air got the contract so you could expect sour grapes.
The FATO became incredibly busy in the afternoon, although I do think we were all rushing to get in/out before the "non-existent Air Display" and it's a testament to the professionalism of the CPL(H)'s going in and out and the cool headed ATCO's that there weren't any "incidents". Well done one and all.
Very limited space in the park, but we were all crammed in between two building sites, so the reduced space made the reduced numbers look like the glory days of the 90's.

Congratulations Harriett, hope the boss shows his appreciation! ;)

[Sir Niall Dementia]

Harriet did a superb job looking after the operators' requirements and Helen and all her ATC team dug out and kept everything flowing.

A few points though:

Silverstone refusing to allow operators who were paying a lot of money to be there to brand their terminals, no signs or flags showing your returning pax where you were apart from a converted oil drum by the door. (In our case with a security operative asleep on it on Saturday)

The refuel crew esp those marshalling aircraft in should have been in hi-viz, the dark Heli-Air shirts were sometimes difficult to see in bright glare, and much as I hate the hi-viz laws they are there and we are required to follow them.

The back track lane was very narrow, and may have been below the legal min width.

There were a lot less aircraft parked than I expected, but I heard a general comment from about ten pilots on Sunday that the standard of marshalling could have been better, the lad who marshalled me knew all the right signals, but tried to park me far closer than was comfortable to a light helicopter. In the past we had the Battersea marshals who are known and trusted by us all, maybe a few of them mixed in, or some training from them would have boosted confidence.

To the air trafficer who sounded tired of pilots asking to back-track on Sunday afternoon, its a PITA to us as well, but it is done for safety, if you read this and would like to PM me I'm quite happy to bore you rigid with performance charts which demonstrate exactly why its' done.

I would be interested to see what the event looked like on the Birmingham, Brize and Luton radars, we used to fly the event transponders off, and certainly most TCAS equipped aircraft this year were switching their units off as you couldn't hear ATC over the bloody bloke shouting "Trafffic, Traffic!"

SND

[JimBall]

SND: much as I hate the hi-viz laws they are there and we are required to follow them.

The CAA recommends hi-viz airside - that's all. There is no law - it's up to the individual location.

[tomotomp]

Just found this on the HSE site

The selection and use of HV clothing are covered by the Personal Protective Equipment at Work Regulations 1992. In practice, this means that HV clothing will be mandatory for the majority of people whose work involves them spending time in or around aircraft. Workers in this category will include aircraft marshallers, loaders, baggage handlers, and refuelling engineers. Occasional visitors to these areas, such as the flight crew performing pre-flight checks, security staff, supervisors and managers, will also need to be considered.
:ok:

[Grand Ops]

I agree with SND's sentiments, but add it would be favourable to most operators (iam sure) if there were to be a wash up of this years event, so that improvements could be made for next year (if there is to be a heliport next year and they havent built corporate on it by then!).
A number of aviation colleagues present on Sunday in the circuit aired concerns, and mainly all the same ones, so i think it would be justified if CAA/BHA/Heliair/NATS etc were to sit down with the operators and discuss this years event, so that we can all strive together to make sure that our operations remain safe, expeditious and fluid for next year.

Whats everyone elses view?

:)

[JimBall]

tomotomp

You're ignoring the Memorandum of Understanding issued in 06. CAA lays down the safety for flying ops, not HSE.

See (http://www.caa.co.uk/default.aspx?catid=17&pagetype=90&pageid=700):

[AircraftOperations]

What happened to the second "air display" of the day?

[Brilliant Stuff]

I have been told there was allegedly a lot of overtaking going on whilst on finals.:eek:

Can anyone confirm this?

I did Silverstone in the late 90's in a 206 and only on the south-side amongst the big boys and only had gentlemen around me.

[griffothefog]

I did silverstone in 1987, the year Mansell one i think..... It was busy as hell with twins mixed with singles on the light strip and all hell broke loose in the pm when we in the 365's etc asked for a back track...:eek:

ATC just could not cope, and in fact did not understand what the hell was going on.......:{

Have things not moved forward since then ?

We had 206's autorotating on finals to get in first and several were grounded by ATC because of their cavalier attitude :ooh:

We even had a 500 join the circuit with no number/colour on a private hire, just busting in with no formal brief on a wing and a prayer.....:uhoh:

I moved 144 drunken swedes in and out over the day from Cranfield, including positioning to and from N.Denes at a cost of 9 hrs flying.

I have never enjoyed a days flying so much in my life....:ok:

Well done to all that survived.. :ok:

[tu154]

I didn't see any overtaking on finals, but Silverstone is notorious for it.
However there were a few differences of opinion on what constituted reporting the north point first or second time, a couple might have sneaked in without going around the hold, to the disgruntlement of those in the hold. :suspect:

[Francis Frogbound]

TU154;

I was sent to the hold on Sunday PM and when I got there got a "join approved, QSY" that happened to quite a few, it depends on whether there is a gate available/becoming available for you.

There did seem to be some confusion as to where North Point was, and where 1500' were on the Silverstone QNH. I twice found myself No. 2 on finals to an aircraft which had been no-where near North Point, but slightly worse were the aircraft which stopped on the FATO near one of the high numbered stands, spot turned and then taxied to the gate, rather than just doing it all in one move, which has been very much the norm in the past. I find myself way back on the speed curve a couple of times at 200' due to that one.

A wash up would be a good idea. Everyone I spoke to was surprised at how the day went, but a lot of very expperienced pilots had some very useful comments, which Heli-Air could take foprward to next year.

[902Jon]

griffothefog

Just checked my logbook - I was your green as grass co-jo that day. My first of 10 Silverstones - I remember it well as we picked up a load of extra work as a 365C had "become un-serviceable" during the morning.

Good times mate! :ok:

[griffothefog]

Salty,

I remember the whisper mode approach to Cranfield..... or somewhere nearby :{

Work level went up somewhat after that..:ok:

Take care mate,

GTF.

[finals06]

Congratulations to Heliair whose own operation certainly dominated the weekends flying at the circuit, and good luck to them as the ‘official’ heliport operator at Silverstone for all future events.

My own concerns are for the rest of the helicopter industry who will surely be squeezed out of this event in the future. Rumor has it that the long-term prospects for the heliport will see the whole operation being relocated at the eastern end of the disused runway thus further reducing capacity. I can see this becoming a Heliair only operation which is great news for them but worrying for the rest of us.

It has taken 25 years to build up this ‘special event’ to what it is today, impartially benefiting the whole helicopter industry in the UK. It would be good if future plans for the heliport were made known as soon as possible as many of us are already looking to 2011 and taking bookings from our own nurtured and treasured clients.

A wash up and open discussions about the future sounds like a good idea to me!

[Savoia]

tukZy-OvzG0&feature=related

[Qualityman]

Savoia,

It's not like that any more :{

No parking at the circuit, only one helipad outside the track, and nowhere near as many movements!

That being said Heliair have done a great job in the last few years, especially given the problems that Silverstone Circuits have thrown at them. I can't wait to get there this year!

P.