Helicopters and Superyachts

[Savoia]

Yacht helicopters and helicopter tenders represent a small but interesting element of executive helicopter operations.

Of yacht-borne helicopter owners two of the most well known are Microsoft co-founder Paul Allen and Roman Abramovich who, between them, own a tidy selection of yachts and associated helicopters.

PAUL ALLEN

https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/__dRpfF8qlVM/TVDYBB0jYPI/AAAAAAAABik/hvNjf_-FhQI/900%20-%20Brian%20Spurr.jpg
MD900 asigned to the MY Meduse

https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/__dRpfF8qlVM/TVDY30eEcSI/AAAAAAAABjE/IPouuw-fRTc/Marc%20Marcet.jpg
MD902 N906AF ascribed to the MY Tatoosh

https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/__dRpfF8qlVM/TVDYIxXtOUI/AAAAAAAABio/9EhPkto7gpY/Charles%20Polidano.jpg
S76C N76AF assigned to the largest of Allen's vessels, the MY Octopus

http://www.wirecyber.com/wp-content/uploads/2009/04/e7aba0e9b1bc1.jpg
Rear quarter view of the MY Octopus

NdHTBCz3luQ
N76AF departs Octopus

ydsF-LzNDNA
N76AF departs Octopus while moored in Reykjavik harbour

ROMAN ABRAMOVICH

https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/__dRpfF8qlVM/TVDXjy0yPjI/AAAAAAAABiU/76mfIs5Sks4/135T%20-%20Alfredo%20la%20Marca.jpg
Aruban registered EC135 assigned to the MY Ecstasea

https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/__dRpfF8qlVM/TVDXsnVI1DI/AAAAAAAABiY/uiFUDA_Tk4k/145%20-%20Thom%20Piskol.jpg
EC145 aboard MY Pelorus

https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/__dRpfF8qlVM/TVDXz-0gpnI/AAAAAAAABic/oSteI_AZLwM/155B%20-%20Kevin%20Murphy.jpg
Luxembourg registered EC155 now P4-HEC

http://i.dailymail.co.uk/i/pix/2009/07/18/article-1200525-059F19E5000005DC-40_468x370.jpg
The MY Pelorus

The 'Abramovich's Navy' as it is often referred to also includes the MY Sussurro which is utilised as a 'guest' ship and the MY 'Le Grand Bleu' which he presented as a gift to his longtime friend Eugene Shvidler.

The 'Abramovich Navy' has a recent edition in the form of the MY Eclispse which currently ranks as the world's largest private yacht being some 11 meters longer than the MY Dubai.

[Brilliant Stuff]

Cheers, all very interesting since I like helicopters and boats. I hear though it can be rather boring for a pilot.

[delta3]

Depends how you look at it, but from what I hear the pilots complained that they could not fly enough hrs to be safe....


Golden cage...


No complaints from me about the pictures though keep them coming


m2c,
d2

[JimBall]

I am loving your views from another planet. Great pics. Very interesting stuff.

It's colour-matching the "yacht" with the helicopter that must take so much time!

Nice to see how small an S76 can appear when landed on the stern of a small dinghy.

[Savoia]

Well, it seems as if there may be about four of us who are interested in helicopters and yachts - I supposed its enough to continue with. Just one other person would have been fine with me, lol!

Firstly on the matter of boredom. Yes, if you are recruited full time to fly two weeks in summer and another two in the winter then you're going to get fed up pretty quickly but, the number of scenarios where this is the case are few and far between to the best of my knowledge.

What usually happens is one of the following:

Many yacht owners simply charter helicopters from the locations they cruise and, given that the routine for the vast majority of large yacht owners is the Med in summer and the Caribbean in winter, there are no shortage of operators on hand to provide this service. St.Tropez, Nice and Monaco all serve this market along the magical Côte d'Azur.

Where the owner feels that he needs his own flying tender, the two most common solutions are that the rotorcraft is either placed with an operator near the yacht's normal home port when not engaged in yacht operations or, that the rotorcraft is utilised by the owner for onshore operations in between yachting assignments.

In the case of Allen and Ambramovich; Allen's helicopters tend to stay fairly close to his yachts whereas Abramovich's aircraft are deployed all over Europe on an almost endless routine supporting not only the 'Abramovich Navy' but also the European interests of Abramovich's business empire.

With regard to yacht helicopter operations specifically it would be wonderful if an experienced yacht-helicopter pilot could enlighten us with first hand information of some of the details involved.

On the matter of colour coding between yachts and their helicopters - yes, this is crucial! Many 'Yopters' also wear the vessel's name in much the same way as water borne tenders.

http://www.ships-info.info/design/Princess_Mariana.jpg
The MY Princess Mariana owned by Mexican telecoms mogul Carlos Peralta. Just above the waterline you will observe a discreet double stripe in pale turquoise. The same double stripe is repeated in scale on the on-board EC130. As stated before, this colour coordinating is most important in yacht-helicopter operations. :E

Still lots more information, photos and videos to come and which I shall drip feed into the thread along the way!


.

[Savoia]

Continuing the theme of Yacht Helicopters and before this slips into obscurity .. G-REEM and the MY Kingdom 5-KR:

http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3206/3607021729_6a69080915.jpg
MY Kingdom 5-KR

http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3058/2885049111_05015aa210.jpg
G-REEM aboard Kingdom 5-KR

As JimBall mentioned earlier, getting the yacht/helicopter paint schemes sorted out is crucial. ;)
Here REEM wears Kingdom's colours and also sports the yacht's name across her rear door:

https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-3bi_k-a2F3o/TiprC6ydc5I/AAAAAAAAEDM/c4chH9gqiog/s720/355F1%252520on%252520board%2525205-KR.jpg
REEM aboard the 282ft Benetti built 'Kingdom 5-KR' owned by Kingdom Group Chairman Prince Al-Waleed bin Talal, nephew to King Abdullah of Saudi Arabia. (Photo: Roberto Benetti)

This vessel was formely the MY 'Nabila' owned by Saudi businessman Adnan Khashoggi. While in Khashoggi's possession the yacht was hired by Warner Bros. during the filming of the Bond movie 'Never Say Never Again' (1983) where she appeared as the 'Flying Saucer'. When Khashoggi had her built (1980) she was the world's largest private yacht.

Khashoggi (who is a long time resident of Monaco) had another daughter (Petrina) from his former English wife Sandra Daly who took the name Soraya Khashoggi, however after some query by Adnan over his daughter's appearance and, more specifically after DNA testing, it was discovered that Petrina was in fact the daughter of Jonathan Aitkin. (And I thought we Italians were bad!).

These are just some of the things that yacht helicopter pilots need to be aware of during their discourse with employers!


.

[Brilliant Stuff]

I take it Kingdom lives permanently at that mooring, I am only asking since I noticed her there over the last 8 ish years, or was I just lucky in my three visits to the south of France?

[chopper2004]

Thanks for this thread, the Monaco Heliport is on my to-do list in terms of to-visit, to-fly into at some point soon.From the pictures I've surfed on Airliners.net and looking at the great websites of Heli-Air Monaco, Monacair and Heli-Securitie...surely is a beautiful place.

Anyhow quick question and that is from what I've seen its mainly EC-130B4/155/120B/AS-355/MD-600/900 or S-76 on decks but haven't seen anything such as Bell 407 or 206L4 on a yacht let alone at Monaco.

[Savoia]

I hope, in due course, that one or more yacht helicopter pilots will drop in and give us some first hand stories regarding their operations.

http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4109/5063571222_865dfc2d53_m.jpg

http://www.greeceboatcharter.com/images/stories/samar_-_ext2.jpg

http://www.charterworld.com/images/yachts/Explorer%20Motor%20Yacht%20ATMOSPHERE%20-%20Helicopter%20Landing.jpg

If you are going to drop into Monte Carlo perhaps you might PM BobF who recently joined the Rotorheads community, is resident there, and flys with the Aero Club de Monaco.

Regarding aircraft brands along the Côte d'Azur - I'm not sure if I need to go into too much explanation here. We Italians are fairly proud of our food and Ferrari's but for the French pride is as essential as oxygen!

Not only do the bulk of the world's socialites, celebrities and politicans who visit France make their way (eventually) to the south but most of the French Cabinet are to be found there in August along with a vast number of Brits and, of course, the yachting crowd which nows includes numerous Russians.

The French see it as their duty to display their hardware to the point that were any of the companies along the Côte d'Azur to start using 'foreign' products to any noticeable extent - the government might just issue a decree to the effect that those who visit the French Riviera in France must be flown in a French aircraft and preferably by French pilots! :E

Heli Air Monaco did operate 206Ls but these were swiftly replaced by the Ecureuil as the company grew and I mentioned somewhere else on Rotorheads that one of Colin Chapman's first sponsors, Monaco resident David Thieme of Essex Oil, had a beautiful LongRanger (on the French register and which I think may have been F-BOAK). However, as a resident of France (or any neighbouring territory) to buy a Bell is now seen as eccentric!

[chopper2004]

Savoia,

Cheers for that much appreciated
Best

Chopper2004

[Yellow & Blue Baron]

I have read that the first ever S-76 has been entered on the Swiss register (HB-ZMS) and that this is a helicopter for a yacht!

YBB
http://www.icelandexpress.is/is/upload/images/iceland_express/destinations/swedish-flag-67x.jpg

[Savoia]

YBB: HB-ZMS was previously VP-BIR, an S76B, and was the helicopter tender to MY Lady Moura owned by Saudi businessman Nasser Al-Rashid.

However, she was replaced last year by an S76C++ which, as with all Al-Rashid's aircraft (including his Gulfstream fleet), is on the Bermudan register - in this case VP-CYS.

There are only a handful of yachts with dedicated S76 tenders. Microsoft co-founder Paul Allen's MY Octopus (already discussed on this thread) is one of them and Al-Rashid's Lady Moura (named after his first wife) is another. Another contender for the S76-class tender would be the MY Dubai but, we shall save that story for a future post!

The Lady Moura is approx. 350ft in length, cost in excess of USD 200m and maintains a compliment of 60 full-time crew. She was constructed by the German shipyard Blohm+Voss but her styling (both interior and exterior) was the work of renown Italian maritime architect Luigi Sturchio.

Some of the more well know features of the Lady M is that the vessel's name (appearing at the stern as well as on both facias) is made out of solid gold, she has a retractable roof section and a 59ft dining table designed by the British Viscount Lindley.

http://lh6.ggpht.com/__dRpfF8qlVM/TPVWRWsTpuI/AAAAAAAAAKQ/Kwu_GXENMiQ/s720/MY%20LM%20b.jpg
The MY Lady Moura with her former Yopter S76B VP-BIR on board

http://lh6.ggpht.com/__dRpfF8qlVM/TPVbLpweupI/AAAAAAAAAKY/8_dQBsGKvuo/s720/Lady-Moura-c.jpg
Lady M equipped with her current Yopter S76C++ VP-CYS. Sorry JimL, non-standard helideck markings (again)

http://lh6.ggpht.com/__dRpfF8qlVM/TPVQcnjG2BI/AAAAAAAAAKI/U6AguGcnBMk/VP-CYS.jpg
Nasser Al-Rashid's S76C++ dedicated helicopter tender for the largest of his yachts the Lady Moura. The aircraft wears the owners initials on its tailfin and yes, JimBall, is painted in colours which match the ship

http://lh5.ggpht.com/__dRpfF8qlVM/TPVe7GpfN9I/AAAAAAAAAKg/hVKJZxgug4M/s640/Lady%20M%20d.jpg
The Lady M follows a fairly well-established routine of cruising the Côte d'Azur in summer (with Monaco as her home port) and the regions surrounding Palma de Mallorca during the winter months. While she is based at Port Hercule Monaco she can't actually fit in the port but must use the quay normally reserved for cruise liners

.

[Brilliant Stuff]

I always liked the MY Lady M.

Dubai is using the AW 139s from what I have been told last. With the odd EC365 N3 thrown in.

[Savoia]

Continuing our review of yachts with helicopters we look at the MV Attessa III.

This vessel is the personal yacht of Dennis Washington the Montana-based industrialist and philanthropist and majority owner of the Washington Companies.

Attessa was developed by Feadship with the assistance of De Voogt naval architects. Her interior was conceived by the British designer Andrew Winch. She is a 225ft steel and aluminium displacement motor yacht powered by twin 2,000hp Caterpillar diesels.

Washington has since commissioned a new vessel, Attessa IV, and which might perhaps be the subject of another post.

Attessa spends much of her life along the Western seaboard of the United States but also frequents the Caribbean and Europe.


https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/__dRpfF8qlVM/TWfatj3Pt1I/AAAAAAAABwk/pYEgzkbu6pY/ext%202.png.jpg
With her helicopter tender aboard

https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/__dRpfF8qlVM/TWfamyoHvkI/AAAAAAAABwY/FppYWKgYBfU/EC130B4.jpg
Attessa utilises an EC130B4 painted in colours matching the ship and replete with the vessel's name on her tail

https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/__dRpfF8qlVM/TWfbB2mwg9I/AAAAAAAABw4/-ebwIs0pqI4/on%20board%20attessa.jpg
65WC on-board

https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/__dRpfF8qlVM/TWfa6y3UdPI/AAAAAAAABw0/aFIUGIODo2Q/N165WC.jpg
65WC delivers a guest to the ship

https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/__dRpfF8qlVM/TWfabjXgDeI/AAAAAAAABwI/gnEtKTCD7Wk/attessa%20in%20port.jpg
Just to put things in perspective, Attessa (centre) is a relatively small yacht compared with some of her contemporaries

edObQJBoSPU
65WC lands on-board Attessa while she is moored at Marina Del Ray

S.

[Savoia]

.
A small sampling of fast boats with their rotary-wing companions - usually deployed in the filming/photography role.

http://farm6.static.flickr.com/5187/5576472168_d0eb2977e3_z.jpg

http://farm6.static.flickr.com/5292/5576472174_e1236ce520_z.jpg

http://farm6.static.flickr.com/5266/5576472182_73fe4899cb_z.jpg

Have many more images of a similar nature which I might be able to drop into the thread over time.

Those of you who can reacll the 80's TV series 'Miami Vice' will doubtless remember one of the lead characters, Don Johnson. Johnson is a keen powerboater :ok: (great fun by the way and if you haven't yet given it a go then I thoroughly recommend it) and used to employ an Agusta 109A Mk II to trail him during his competitions. The craft carried two rescue divers fully suited-up ready to be dropped in the water in the event that their fearless leader required assistance.

Sav

[Savoia]

.
https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/-KHaeNnMqBK4/TiKTTWz69bI/AAAAAAAAD9U/H0N-gY0dhKo/s800/SAMAR.jpg
The MY Samar 'steams' the south coast of the UK where she was both designed and built

The M.Y. Samar is a 2150 tonne, 77 metre, twin-screw, steel and aluminium motor displacement yacht. She is powered by three 2414hp Wärtsilä (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/W%C3%A4rtsil%C3%A4) diesel engines capable of pushing her at around 14 kts (cruise).

She was launched in 2006 and is owned by the Kuwaiti businessman Kutayba Alghanim whose interests include Kuwait's Gulf Bank as well as the family's trading conglomerate Alghanim Industries; a group of 30 retailing, manufacturing, advertising and shipping businesses. Alghanim's father founded the group in 1932 and later became first person to introduce American cars to Kuwait through a deal with General Motors.

Samar, so named after Alghanim's daughter, has been associated with two aircraft, both serving as on-board tenders and both being Bell 407's. Respectively N407MS ('MS' signifying the Motor Yacht Samar) and N477KA ('KA' being the owner's initials). Both aircraft sport blue tones reflecting similar colours just visible above Samar's waterline. 'KA' additionally wears the yacht's name on her tail.

Registered in the Cayman Islands (George Town), Samar enjoys a diverse sailing repertoire across a diversity of principally European locations.

https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/-7w1U1bR4U6w/TiKTdN6leTI/AAAAAAAAD9Y/PPughi8z5cc/specs%2525202.jpg

https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/-OEOMWnFqiXQ/TiKSGZk-tvI/AAAAAAAAD9c/pnUtxUYcXkk/s640/5063571222_865dfc2d53_b.jpg
N407MS rests atop Samar's helideck in Bergen, Norway


https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/-TOMUDbQgdrs/TiKSH5tW_GI/AAAAAAAAD98/Ue44n8z6Yy0/ka%252520in%252520covers.jpg
'KA' with her covers on

https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/-oGMFy61jSU0/TiKTSMLbipI/AAAAAAAAD-A/CECS_SCj0EE/samar17.jpg
Samar's helideck

https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/-Ftde3o5RUJs/TiKTeuE5LMI/AAAAAAAAD-E/ZXrgx1mbfZo/s512/Samar-Super-Yacht-Devonport.jpg
Rear deck with 'KA' aboard


7kC97lgxBsE&feature=related
'KA' departing Samar while moored in the Port of Amsterdam

[chopper2004]

Many thanks Savoia sharing more photos of those pair of Bell 407 very much appreciated.

Have you seen the MV Atmosphere with its pair of red Bell 407 in your neck of the woods or any high resolution shots?

Thanks again

[Savoia]

https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-6FvPspEPXoY/TieE6xf8bQI/AAAAAAAAEBQ/KaMCIxkAvzY/s720/23585206.jpg
The expedition yacht 'Atmosphere' rests at anchor in an isolated corner of Chile's breathtakingly beautiful Patagonia region while one of her aerial tenders departs in pursuit of high adventure

The M.V. Atmosphere is a 695 tonne, 45 metre, twin-screw, steel and aluminium motor displacement yacht powered by two 838hp Cummins diesel engines.

She was launched in 2006 and is owned by Andres Ergas, proprietor of Nomads of the Seas (http://www.nomads.cl/nomadsnew/intro/index.html), the travel company which promotes Atmosphere's year-round adventures offering some of the world's finest fly fishing, wildlife observation and powder skiing.

https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/-uVX84e1uTeY/TieMXFkuQqI/AAAAAAAAECY/BF4dJv3UN-M/Specs.jpg

Unlike the previous yachts described on this thread, Atmosphere is an expedition (as opposed to luxury) yacht and, if I was to serve in the role of a 'yopter' (yacht-helicopter) pilot, then I think that to be assigned to a vessel such as Atmosphere would be considerably more interesting than the obligatory two weeks per year spent on-board a luxury yacht ferrying guests and shopping to and fro! (A simplification of the routine I know).

Andres Ergas asserts that fishing and nature have been his lifelong passions and which have led him to the Chilean Patagonia (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Patagonia) where Atmosphere now trawls some of the "greatest and most amazing places on earth."

The yacht, which can be hired by the week or booked on a per person basis, sails at night coming to anchor in bays and fiords throughout the length of Patagonia. She sleeps 28 guests in 14 cabins and is equipped with an array of 'toys' and amenities including: speed boats (for para-gliding), zodiacs, jet skis, kayaks, scuba gear, gym, sauna, jacuzzis and more.

Over and above Atmosphere's numerous comforts is her exclusive Patagonian cuisine served by renown Chilean chef, Guillermo Rodríguez, president of the Chilean chapter of Les Toques Blanches and who ensures that guests will "encounter a gastronomic experience of memorable magnitude." One can easily imagine that these delicacies are accompanied by a sublime selection of Chilean wines (of doubtless interest to VFR!).

What sets Nomads apart from other operators is their ability to penetrate the heart of Patagonia. This is what had brought us more than 10,000 miles to one of the most pristine environments on earth. Patagonia, which is split between Chile and Argentina, stretches almost 1,000 miles southwards from Puerto Montt and provides a constantly changing vista of fascination and beauty.

The seas positively explode with life, from the tiniest of krill and other shellfish to sea-lions, penguins, dolphins and whales. Steamer ducks, four varieties of cormorant, turkey vultures, the occasional albatross and the caracara (an indigenous falcon) all helped to create a birdwatching nirvana too.

But, what we are of course interested in are Atmosphere's aerial toys which, in this case, take the form of two Bell 407's CC-PTU and CC-CXT. These craft, adorned in their distinctive red and gold livery, are responsible for transporting Atmosphere's guests to the scene of their adventures including: wildlife watching, fly-fishing, heli-skiing/boarding and heli-dining.

https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/-CIVLkTzzYYU/TieFN6y1iQI/AAAAAAAAEBU/SKJEuTY7K-U/s640/Nomads%252520of%252520the%252520Seas%252520-%252520intact.JPG
By comparison with the first image (above) it is obvious to see that Atmosphere received modifications to her superstructure involving the extension of her helideck in order to accommodate two aircraft

https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/-bWKnBiHNdBU/TieFOdvPgxI/AAAAAAAAEBY/XNMUBPxor1U/nomads_of_the_seas_2.jpg
Atmosphere's two red and gold Bell 407's parked line astern on the vessel's helideck

https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/-gn8FS8637eQ/TieE7Q2BeFI/AAAAAAAAEBc/JdTnX3xEyXc/article-1282750-09C046D4000005DC-548_634x472.jpg
CC-CXT departs with a batch of Atmosphere's guests

https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/-CLvFGlHgsZU/TieFGE8OQ8I/AAAAAAAAEBg/QK2jJgWd-vU/fly%252520fishing.jpg
CC-PTU surrounded by satisfied customers enjoying the experience of remote area fly-fishing

https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/-xwpPF_pvv1I/TieFXIkO9MI/AAAAAAAAEBk/DCMxmtz0a3M/s640/ptu.jpg
PTU drops off more fly-fishing clients. Both aircraft wear the company name on their nose and upper-cowlings as well as the vessel's name beneath the windows of the rearward facing seats

https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/-9RSgKBOSFI8/TieFGH9AVtI/AAAAAAAAEBo/4Oxon1V6p0A/chopper-onboard.jpg
Preparing for departure

https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/-m1iehKtfyLE/TieFG7HHa-I/AAAAAAAAEBs/3lvVtX_0qWE/s640/IMGP0615.JPG
One of Atmosphere's pilots talks with the vessel's helideck crew

https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-EHi15GrFJMk/TieFHKc3JxI/AAAAAAAAEB0/70PLqAd27AE/s720/heliski_sloapes_chica.jpg
Heli-boarding is big business among Atmosphere's guests

https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/-vi5fohWmHyM/TieFT0DuRLI/AAAAAAAAEB8/fqs1qcJRV9I/s640/Nomads-cuisine.jpg
Anyone for Patagonian crab?

https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-gLy4tC05-tU/TieFVCBHxBI/AAAAAAAAECA/75kgJsBs5Zc/timthumb.jpg
Heli-dining across the unique scenery of Patagonia features large among the itinerary of Atmosphere's guests


https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/-ID6IUdfwjow/TieFN_-Bv3I/AAAAAAAAECM/Rd187OpFAlU/s640/landing.jpg
One of atmosphere's Bell 407's lifts-off from the vessel's helideck against a backdrop of dramatic cloud formations

Helicopter pilot Francisco made a quick announcement. 'Is everyone up for a low-level pass of the ship? If you are, I need to see all six hands up!' Six arms were immediately raised. And, with no further ado, our Bell 407 roared down to wave level and completed a high speed fly-by of our seagoing home, the MV Atmosphere.

Without realising it, Francisco had set the most exquisite exclamation mark on a week of Patagonian perfection. We had embarked in Puerto Montt, 28 intrepid travellers ready for adventure but unsure what to expect from this voyage into one of the world's most desolate wildernesses.

https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/-HZiN1gBSfRc/TieFNHJEFCI/AAAAAAAAECQ/EmpnaWTxsA4/nomad%252520choppers.jpg
PTU departs the ship on an early evening sortie

y6FE86zSdAg
Nomads of the Seas promotional video

Chopper 2004 wrote: Have you seen the MV Atmosphere with its pair of red Bell 407 in your neck of the woods or any high resolution shots?
Yes, in fact Atmosphere was included in the small sampling of images I posted on page 2 in response to your initial query about shipborne 407's. This post is a more complete response. Regarding sighting Atmosphere in Genoa, Venice or any other Italian port, I might just choke on my Bellini if that were to happen, for while she is technically available for worldwide charter she is now so deeply ensconced in her Patagonian routine that is it hard to imagine seeing her elsewhere!

Regarding high res images yes, I have seven, and if you will PM me your email address I shall gladly forward them.

[9Aplus]

This morning, port of Hvar, island Hvar, Adriatic sea, 9A Croatia
http://i730.photobucket.com/albums/ww304/d9aplus/safety/smMix2010524.jpg
http://i730.photobucket.com/albums/ww304/d9aplus/safety/smMix2010521.jpg
http://i730.photobucket.com/albums/ww304/d9aplus/safety/smMix2010525.jpg
http://i730.photobucket.com/albums/ww304/d9aplus/safety/smMix2010523.jpg
M/Y SAMAR is a 77m (252 foot) steel-and-aluminum Laurent Giles designed luxury motor yacht with studio and interior styling by Joe Thome. She was built and launched by Devonport Yachts of England in 2006. Yacht SAMAR is a very large and luxurious charter yacht which features almost everything that can be offered on a private motor yacht. SAMAR has a helipad, a large Jacuzzi pool, an open bar, large deck areas, a side garage, as well as a movie theater. The luxury yacht is capable of extended global cruising, with a range of 6,000 nautical miles and cold storage provisions for 44 people (including crew).Bell 407
N407MS
cn 53849

[500 Fan]

That EC130 landing in Post #14 seemed a bit overly cautious with a lot of time spent in the avoid curve. I think they need to get a few tunaboat pilots involved. Straight in, no messing. They might spill a few sherrys in the back, though!

‪tuna boat helicopter‬‏ - YouTube

500 Fan.

[HowlingMad Murdock]

Fantastic pics! Thanks to all for posting. The colour scheme co-ordinated yachts and heli's are awesome! As JimBall states 'views from another planet' I have seen one of Abramoviche's heli's at Redhill Aerodrome....nice!:)

[strey]

Nice thread!

Some nice little boats and even better heli's ;)

[InDaBack]

Facinating stuff.... that people should have so much money...? could not even fantasise about having so much wealth to live that kind of lifestyle...

thanks for posting the photos..

[aclark79]

Thanks much, great thread.

When I was in flight school I worked as a guard on a USNS Ship that was being worked on at the shipyard. Paul Allen's yacht came in during the day and I was looking at it that night thinking to myself, "phsaw, that thing isn't so big". Then someone walked in front of the floor to ceiling TV and I got a sense of the proportion of the thing... ... ... its massive.

Keep em coming.

[9Aplus]

M/Y SAMAR 22.07.2011. in front of Hvar
http://i730.photobucket.com/albums/ww304/d9aplus/safety/smMix2010531.jpg
http://i730.photobucket.com/albums/ww304/d9aplus/safety/smMix2010529.jpg

[Savoia]

.
9A+: Having just posted a review of the MY Samar your photos of this delightful vessel during her current cruise of the Croatian coast couldn't be better timed. Well done! :ok:

Coratia has of couse become an increasingly popular sailing/cruising destination over the past two decades and I very much look forward to taking my family there in the near future on what will be our first visit to your country.


500 fan wrote: That EC130 landing in Post #14 seemed a bit overly cautious with a lot of time spent in the avoid curve.

Most of the larger vessels are equipped with helicopter handling dollies enabling the crew (usually pilot) to manoeuvre the craft after it has landed. However, many mid-sized ships (such as Mr Washington's Attessa III upon which the EC130 is landing in the video clip) do not carry such a dolly.

There are a number of considerations to take into account when it comes to the post-landing positioning of an on-board helicopter. These range from the interaction [read distance] of the main rotors to the nearest outcrops of superstructure to the owner's son quipping: "Why wasn't the skid placed on the 'H' when you landed?". Again, on some of the smaller and mid-sized vessels access to certain parts of the airframe can be affected by seemingly small deviations from the 'ideal' landing spot. Pilots aboard such vessels therefore often take their time so as to ensure that they set down in exactly the right place on the ship's helipad.

Re: Tuna boat ops. Yes, many Tuna pilots are quite capable flyers and this would have been a 'fun' job back in the days when the work was largely carried-out by 500's. Now, as you probably know, the Mariner and her four-seat sister have taken over this market.

[SilsoeSid]

Some great pictures being posted, keep 'em coming. Have they been on the Rotoreads calendars before? If not they should be :ok:


That EC130 landing in Post #14 seemed a bit overly cautious with a lot of time spent in the avoid curve. I think they need to get a few tunaboat pilots involved. Straight in, no messing. They might spill a few sherrys in the back, though!

Surely the 'avoid curve' isn't just the low airspeed & high part, isn't it also the high airspeed & low part ? :p

[500 Fan]

The comments about the cautious approach and time spent in the avoid curve were stated purely in jest as a way to introduce the completely different approach made by the pilot in the tunaboat video. It certainely wasn't a criticism of the EC130 pilot. The biggest problem with the EC130 video is the ridiculously small landing pad he is trying to squeeze onto!

500 Fan.

[Savoia]

https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/-7ha8b9kzaQ0/Tiz7L5gY2FI/AAAAAAAAEH0/aQpVFPSDJc0/HYN%252520Logo%252520%25255Bs%25255D.jpg

Gibraltar Civil Aviation Authority ban departure from the M.Y. Calixe


The captain and crew of M/Y Calixe had a run in with Gibraltar authorities earlier this month trying to helicopter their guests off the yacht.

It appears that one aviation official gave the yacht clearance to take off, and then another rescinded the permission just as the helicopter was started.

“It’s a perfect example of the left hand not knowing what the right is doing,” said Rusty Allen, captain of Calixe. “The main issue was the man who gave us the initial permission was not authorized to do so. The authorities have apologized for the problems we encountered.”

In an effort to clarify Gibraltar’s position on helicopters taking off from yachts, Chris Purkiss, Director of Civil Aviation in Gibraltar, wrote a letter outlining the rules. He forwarded it to all marina operators and The Triton.

It reads, in part: “The main problem appears to have been caused by poor communication and a lack of guidance as to who is empowered to approve take-offs from areas other than Gibraltar Airport.

“The Civil Aviation (Rules of the Air) Regulations 2009 Section 6 (a) (ii) allow for take-offs from motor yachts such as Calixe and provides exemption from the 500-foot low-flying rule “when landing and taking-off in accordance with normal aviation practice or air-taxiing”.

“Obviously defining normal aviation practice is somewhat subjective, but in general terms if the helicopter is being operated from the motor yacht when in Gibraltar Territorial Waters to transfer personnel from the yacht to an approved landing site, or vice versa, then this is normal practice; in doing so helicopter captains will be expected to operate to their own operations manual, to have adequate separation from other vessels and to liaise with Gibraltar Air Traffic Control to ensure deconfliction from aircraft operating into or out of the airport.

“However, helicopter operations from inside the marinas within Gibraltar are not considered normal aviation and will not be authorized.”

Capt. Allen said the letter’s reference to operations “inside the marinas” was misleading as Calixe was in the basin with clearance all around when the helicopter started. The issue was resolved when an oil spill boom that had been laid out because of a recent oil tank explosion was moved and the yacht went out to the bay and launched the helicopter.

Gibraltar Airport Air Traffic Control can be contacted by e-mail at [email protected] or by telephone 00350 20053383.

Purkiss can be contacted by e-mail at [email protected] or by phone 00350 20061174 or mobile 00350 56000050.

https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/-Yk3_qrPILJ4/Tiz9NTA7TVI/AAAAAAAAEIg/lWZHDW6ulKs/yacht%252520calixe.jpg
The MY Calixe with her on-board EC120 N406AE

Gib aviation authorities stop helicopter flight off M/Y Calixe | The Triton (http://thetriton.com/article/2011/06/gib-aviation-authorities-stop-helicopter-flight-my-calixe)

https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/-1iy4NhS7fKU/Ti0BUoTxjII/AAAAAAAAEI4/bJP49qYjqHw/SoR%252520Logo%252520%25255Bs%25255D.jpg

A small addition to the ongoing discussion on the MY Samar:

https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/-lM1IqSeAloY/Tiz9EmbuGtI/AAAAAAAAEIc/aDqy5KLN7g8/the_yacht_1185315240_helicopter_x1x.jpg
On-board take of N477KA attached to the MY Samar

[What Traffic]

There's also the Leight Star, owned by Howard Leight (Jr, I believe) and it's associated A109 with a really classy paint scheme.

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v436/josh10524/DSC00970med.jpg

[iuk1963]

great pics! life is tough!!..... :ok:

[Savoia]

Built in 1982 and refitted in 2008, the MY Leight Star owned by Howard Leight, the ear protection manufacturer and both Leight and his son, Howard Leight Jnr, fly helicopters.

On board photos of the MY Leight Star (http://www.fraseryachts.com/Sale/sale_gallery.aspx?YachtID=Y2691_MC)

https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-rkT1gKNxysI/Ti-f1D3LDGI/AAAAAAAAEMs/6QOE4zGjf8E/Howard-Leight-High-res-1.jpg
Howard Leight Jnr with the family Agusta 109A Mk II N711HL

The Leight's also used to own an R44 N7186Z:

https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/-xiDFWL0dj9o/Ti-f6uTQV_I/AAAAAAAAENA/_zav7-4sPeQ/LS%2525202.jpg
The MY Leight Star with 86Z on the helideck

However, 86Z was not to be as the craft was involved in an incident on 22nd August 2010.
An excerpt from the accident report reads: On August 22, 2010, about 1819 Pacific daylight time, a Robinson R44, N7186Z, made a forced landing in the water at San Diego, California. Point Zero Corporation was operating the helicopter under the provisions of 14 Code of Federal Regulations (CFR) Part 91. The private pilot sustained serious injuries. The helicopter sustained substantial damage from impact forces. The local personal flight was departing from a yacht. Visual meteorological conditions prevailed, and no flight plan had been filed.
The pilot reported that the engine lost power at 100 feet above ground level (agl), and he heard a low rotor revolutions per minute (rpm) alarm. He inflated the helicopter’s pontoons prior to water impact. After touchdown, the helicopter rolled onto its side. The pilot extricated himself, and was standing on the wreckage when first responders arrived.

http://vtolblog.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/08/leightstar_4.jpg
86Z after the indicent

[Savoia]

.
Flying from Superyachts

https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/-Jt1XsUnO5kc/TjZ1fc1YokI/AAAAAAAAEUg/-ElqBzEYblo/Capitalist%252520Tool%252520aboard%252520Highlander.jpg
Steve Forbes' 'Capitalist Tool' JetRanger rests atop the Forbes yacht the M.Y. Highlander

An article from Business Aviation Lifestyle (http://www.ainonline.com/news/single-news-page/article/flying-helicopters-from-the-worlds-superyachts-2277/)


It’s one of the world’s more exclusive clubs, made up of pilots whose job in the growing world of luxury superyachts is helicopter operations.

No one seems to know exactly how many pilots are actively engaged in this calling, but best estimates put the number at barely 50, based on the fact that no more than 50 superyachts worldwide can support helicopter operations.

Flying helicopters from superyachts has never been a particularly large club, but in recent years it has expanded, as demand by the super-wealthy for super-yachts has grown and yacht owners have come to see an onboard helicopter as a necessity rather than a convenience.

In years gone by, the truly large private yachts of a size capable of supporting a helicopter landing deck–roughly 150 feet minimum from stem to stern– were often converted from cargo or oceanographic survey vessels or, in a few cases, ocean-going tugs. A few had already been equipped for helicopter operations. Others had helicopter decks added as part of the shipyard conversion process.

Today, it is rare to see a superyacht launched that does not have a helicopter deck because more and more buyers are having a helicopter deck incorporated into the original design to enhance the yacht’s value in charter operations and resale.

Almost an Aircraft Carrier

When Microsoft co-founder Paul Allen took delivery of his new, 412-foot-long Octopus (see post #1 of this thread) early last year, it came with a helicopter pad on the bow and a larger helideck aft. If there is any doubt as to the size of this vessel, and the importance its owner places on helicopter operations, consider that it also has a hangar capable of accommodating a Sikorsky S-76. The ship has often been observed with an S-76 on the aft deck and a smaller MD Explorer on the forward landing pad.

According to industry insiders, as many as 200 yachts worldwide are outfitted with helicopter decks. But they agree that despite having an “H” painted somewhere on the deck and claims of being helicopter-capable, only about 50 meet most civil aviation requirements and most of those are yachts not regularly engaged in helicopter operations.

A 200-foot-long yacht has a beam of about 36 feet, barely sufficient to support helicopter operations. “The smallest yacht I know of with a helicopter pad was about 110 feet long, and it was very tight,” said Mark Elliott of International Yacht Collection (http://www.iyc.com/) in Fort Lauderdale, Fla.

Owners of yachts that do not have a helideck cite a number of reasons for the absence. One is that they are unwilling to give up to helicopter operations a limited amount of sea-going real estate that might be devoted to an additional stateroom or two, or an outdoor bar and Jacuzzi. As for yachts already in service, an afterthought helicopter deck is, almost without exception, said one yacht designer, “an ugly appendage,” no matter how convenient.

Finally, a lot of smaller yachts with narrow beams are not suitable for helicopter operations. “The landing rejection environment usually does not meet the public transport requirements of the civil aviation authorities in most countries,” said Nigel Watson, founder and chairman of Heli Riviera (http://www.heliriviera.com/HeliRiviera/welcome.html) in Cannes, France.

Only a handful of the latest superyachts have both a helicopter deck and built-in hangar. With this in mind, a number of designers are working on a portable hangar that can be easily and quickly erected, broken down and stowed. “Maybe some sort of pressurized dome that would be practical for long ocean passages, and that would look nice,” said Watson.

Protecting the helicopter from the elements–in particular the corrosive effects of salt spray during extended periods at sea–is a major consideration. Fresh-water washdowns and maintenance checks are more frequent for helicopters engaged in yacht operations than those that are primarily shore-based.

In ports where facilities do not permit larger yachts to dock, the vessel’s helicopter allows the user to avoid the time-consuming process of being ferried ashore and then driven to a destination. The helicopter also permits a higher degree of privacy and security, which many high-profile yacht passengers and guests consider critical.

As they do in a shore-based environment, yacht-based helicopters also transport equipment and supplies and provide aerial sightseeing and emergency medical evacuation.

By far most of the helicopters used in yacht operations are owned and operated by the vessel’s owner. But not always. Watson, an English expatriate with both home and business in Cannes, can provide helicopters and/or flight crews for yacht owners, but his service comes primarily in the form of operational support.

Watson, 47, is ideally suited to his calling. He served five years with the Royal Navy, three years with the navy of the Sultan of Oman and 11 years in the luxury yacht industry. He has been a yacht captain and holds commercial helicopter and fixed-wing ratings.

Among Heli Riviera’s current clients is a yacht owner whose assets include a “substantial flight department” that wanted nothing to do with flying a helicopter on and off the yacht and frequently subcontracts with Heli Riviera to provide pilots and training and manage the yacht helicopter operation.

Pilot Training Is On-the-Job

Pilot training for helicopter operations on a yacht is, for the most part, an on-the-job process, “unless you flew for the Navy or Coast Guard,” said Elliott.

Watson recommends at least five hours of training in helicopter operations from a shipboard deck, and his company provides a service that matches new and experienced pilots for this purpose. There are no civil aviation regulations regarding pilot training, but according to Watson, lately insurers have been taking a closer look at yacht operations, and expectations of training and experience are therefore likely to become more structured and more formal.

Contrary to the popular perception, said Elliott, it is actually easier to land on and take off from a yacht that is moving into the wind than one that is at anchor or tied to a pier. Elliott described the process of landing aboard a helideck on a vessel at rest as akin to balancing a spinning plate on the end of a long wooden dowel.

Elliott, 48, knows of what he speaks. He obtained his fixed-wing ticket at the tender age of 16, was a yacht captain by 19 and was flying helicopters by the time he was 21. Now he works for International Yacht and runs his own helicopter charter business with a JetRanger “in New England in the summer and the Caribbean every winter.”

Yacht flying, he said, is as much a lifestyle as a job. A pilot isn’t going to build a lot of hours. Most average less than 200 hours a year, some much less than that. “It’s not necessarily the job for a young guy who wants to build hours,” concluded Elliott.

Watson added that it’s more a bachelor pilot’s existence, “and not a bad one at that. You see the world at someone else’s expense and you get to play with some pretty nice toys. You just have to accept that you’re not going to be flying very much.”

As for older pilots with family responsibilities, “They’re probably going to find it difficult to handle the long separations,” he added.

The annual salary, said Watson, is “a little above that in the average marketplace,” which for a corporate helicopter captain in the U.S. is in the $55,000 to $60,000 range. Watson said for a pilot with an A&P license, salaries start as high as $7,500 a month. It is not unheard of for a pilot who has been with the same employer for some years to enjoy an annual salary in excess of $150,000. But it is rare.

The higher pay suggests that much more than flying may be expected of a pilot engaged in yacht operations. Sometimes it is. Sometimes it isn’t. A small number of pilots are involved exclusively in flying. “The primo pilots on the big yachts do nothing but fly,” said Elliott. “They don’t even wash ’em.”

A much larger number of pilots have additional duties aboard the yacht, ranging from maintenance to onboard fuel system management. It is not unusual to find pilots assigned duty as officer-of-the-deck during periods that the yacht is moored offshore or tied up at pierside, or on the vessel’s bridge while under way.

The pilot may also be required to supervise training for deck personnel in landing, takeoff and refueling procedures. In cases where there is an onboard refueling system, the pilot’s duties may also include maintenance and training and supervision of the deck crew in fueling operations.

The yacht owner’s pilot is also required to possess certain personal characteristics, not the least of which is tact and charm. “A yacht pilot,” said Watson, “is expected to be a combination of Tom Cruise and Father Christmas–confident but deferential– and personable.”

Meeting International Regulations

According to Watson, designers and builders always make an effort to adopt commercial aviation standards as a basis for helicopter deck design and construction, but having a deck that meets commercial aviation standards is only the start of regulatory considerations.

The pilot of a helicopter engaged in yacht operations must become familiar with the regulations of the civil aviation authorities of dozens of countries. It becomes particularly demanding in the Caribbean and Mediterranean, where a yacht owner may require transport from an airport in one country to a private location in another, as well as to and from the yacht.

It isn’t always convenient for pilots to keep abreast of changing regulations in myriad countries, nor do they have the contacts in various government agencies to facilitate the timely issuance of permits.

In France, for example, permits are required from that country’s naval authorities for the operation of helicopters on and off yachts, whether at anchor or at sea, while within French territorial waters. Further, French authorities require that offshore helicopter landing surfaces meet specific standards. Watson explained that the standards are “specific to each vessel, helicopter type and aircrew, and if there are any changes to any of these, the operator must resubmit the permit application.”

Heli Riviera provides a service to help pilots and yacht owners meet regulations and operational standards worldwide, and as the number of superyachts carrying helicopters continues to grow, Watson expects demand for the service will also grow.

Neither Elliott nor Watson appears to have any regrets about his years as a helicopter pilot operating from moving targets. “I worked on Big Eagle (later Nadine) as both captain and pilot and had extreme freedom as both. The owner, said Elliott, would call and simply say, ‘Take us on an adventure.’” We would be anchored in Villefrance (on the French Riviera), waterskiing one moment flying to the Alps to snow ski the next.

“It is a glamour job, and when it’s right, it’s great!”

[Savoia]

.
The helicopter-yacht community is a pretty small slice of the rotary-wing industry and accurate information and up-to-date images can be hard to come by, especially in the more 'remote' cruising grounds, typically the Indian and Pacific Oceans but also among many lesser known waters. Anyone with access to such material please do drop a post on the thread and expose us to this intriguing profession!

And .. if you've enjoyed the images here so far then why not check-out Jeremy Parkin's Superyacht Images Collection (http://www.flickr.com/groups/helicopters-superyachts/) selections from which, I am sure, will end up on this thread over time.

Oh and Jeremy, if you're reading this, my congrats on a brilliant news website. Bravo! :ok:

[9Aplus]

Yesterday evening in sunset.... EC135 on ?
In front of Hvar
http://i730.photobucket.com/albums/ww304/d9aplus/safety/EC135Mix2010682.jpg

[wiganairways]

A photo of G-REEM as she was before, operated by Clyde Helicopters as G-CHLA and being used by Strathclyde Police.

http://farm6.static.flickr.com/5060/5558010993_0c43436769_z.jpg

Mind you, this could be classified as being on the water as the pads jut out into the River Clyde, remember and arm the floats, just incase :cool:
Wonder if they know it operated for Strathclyde's finest?

WA

[Vizsla]

Is the "Bearcat" lock on landing system still used ?

[TacomaSailor]

In the mid '90s I was at the Fort Lauderdale boat show looking for a biggish sailboat. I was working with a broker whose main business was very large yachts. I started hanging around boats in the early '70s and had done work for several large boat owners. I thought I knew a bit about boats - but a short balding guy with south European accent walked up to the broker and told a story that showed me how little I really knew about high end boats.

The gentleman, in his mid-40s, was closely accompanied by two very large and obviously fit men wearing sports jackets with pronounced bulges under each arm. He began to berate, in a friendly but stern voice, the broker. His complaint was that the yacht the broker had sold him earlier in the year had actually cost several million more than anticipated.

The Bell helicopter that came with the yacht was so unreliable that the new owner had to buy a 2nd helo and employ a second crew just to be sure that he would have one helo that could fly when he wanted it.

He also asked if the broker knew how much it cost to fly the 2nd helo from New York to Miami or Nassau or anywhere in the Caribbean? And... why hadn't the broker told him about all those expenses.

They parted on a jovial note but the broker was not as happy and carefree the rest of the afternoon as we looked at my, by now, rather mundane 60' sailboats.

[Savoia]

.
Full-cost disclosure should be standard practice for any true sales professional. In fact I generally quote 'high', usually to take into account the cost escalations which frequently occur during the oft lengthy period between initial enquiry and closure of sale. Nearly all of my final invoices come in under my initial quotes as I prefer my clients to encounter pleasant as opposed to unpleasant surprises but, that's just me.

The price I pay for giving my clients a smile on their face when they receive their final bill is that, at first glance, my services seem slightly more expensive but, when a final cost analysis is made, they often pan out to be below that of my competitors.


The Bell helicopter that came with the yacht was so unreliable that the new owner had to buy a 2nd helo ..

Surprising, as if its one thing the Bell products are known for is reliability. If however the aircraft was a yacht-borne bird then yes, the possibility of more intensive maintenance is there as a result of exposure to corrosion.

It would be great if there are any yacht helicopter pilots out there who could elaborate on the routine involved in minimising the effects of corrosion for yacht-borne aircraft. Daily fresh water washing, yes, but (at least in the 80's) there used to be a variety of corrosion-preventing sprays (one, I think, for the 206 which involved spraying something into the exhaust stack??).

[Matari]

I would think yacht-borne heli maintenance would be very similar to offshore heli maintenance.

Offshore operators have learned the hard way how to work in salt-air environments. Follow the manufacturer's manuals, of course, but this was the routine for one well-known civil operator:

Start with a bare-metal ship, and wash thoroughly with mil-spec soap. Prime thoroughly. Apply a thin bead of "pro-seal" to every seam and joint...wherever moisture can collect and create dangerous corrosion. Apply a solid, multi-coat paint job.

Apply pressure tape where frequent rubbing or abrasion will cause the paint to be breached (near fuel fill cap, cargo compartments, steps, etc.)

Wash airframe daily. Water wash engine daily. Soap wash engine one a month. Cover stacks and inlets.

Wipe the blades at least once a week with 50/50 mixture of jet fuel and WD-40.

And keep an eye on scratches and dings. They will morph into bubbly white corrosion in no time.

What seems difficult with yacht ops might be the lack of copious fresh water and the "pristine" nature of the helideck. I'd want to wash the ship down daily with good, fresh water. Is that practical on a yacht? On offshore platforms we just drenched the ship, water running all over the helideck into the pad sump drains.

The folks drinking the mint juleps below decks on some of these yachts might not think too kindly of that...

Oh, and I've never heard of spraying anything into the exhaust stack of a C20...would be interested to hear what that was about.

[L'aviateur]

Unfortunately, specific information on helicopter ops will be few and far between. The superyachting world, particularly the high end, involves a lot of privicy and confidentiality agreements. A lot of pilots and employees will be afraid to post for fear of losing their job.
In the last few years I've seen almost 10 people involved in this sector fired for postings on face-book.

It's also an area where pilots can be pressured into operating in situations which are unsafe and illegal. 'I wouldn't do that', I hear you cry, well some do and the others go home quickly. Sad but true.

As for hours, some operations have pilots who work ashore and rotate for periods of 4-6 weeks onboard, and are encouraged to fly a few hours a week whilst onboard.

[Savoia]

.
Matari, your recommendations are sound but, for the reasons you provided, it is unlikely that many yacht-borne helicopters are exposed to all of this treatment - save perhaps the daily wash down. Maybe aboard Paul Allen's craft the MY Octopus (see post #1 (http://www.pprune.org/6027386-post1.html)) with its spacious helideck replete with hangar but, on many of the smaller yachts, I doubt it. Some may of course retreat to shore in order to perform these tasks.


Oh, and I've never heard of spraying anything into the exhaust stack of a C20...would be interested to hear what that was about.

Well, if it wasn't a spray then it was something to do with either or both the exhaust and air inlets. Perhaps the covers were impregnated with something which was supposed to protect the engine from corrosion? [This is me trying to remember the details of an ad I read in the US c. 1980!].

Unfortunately, specific information on helicopter ops will be few and far between. The superyachting world, particularly the high end, involves a lot of privicy and confidentiality agreements.
The thing with PPRuNe is that they can sign up as 'Joe Bloggs' and are not obliged to divulge specific details. What we are interested in is general information (preferably based on experience) relating to yacht-borne helicopter operations.

There may also be some flyers whose past experience includes such ops.

[Savoia]

Superyachts sailing to London Olympics


AS spectacles go, it will be hard to match. When the 2012 Olympics gets under way, London will witness some magnificent world-beaters. There might even be a few record-breakers within their ranks. And the good news? You don't need a ticket.

http://resources0.news.com.au/images/2011/10/03/1226157/209144-superyachts.jpg
Microsoft co-founder Paul Allen's 126m Octopus will reportedly book the biggest berth when the superyachts take over the Thames for the Olympics in July

While the average punter might consider themselves lucky to get a ticket to the badminton preliminaries, and wonder whether the Tube will get them to Stratford without breaking down, the international super-rich will be making their way to the capital aboard some of the largest, most glamorous pleasure vessels the world has seen.

The Thames, normally populated with tugs and tourist boats, will for a few weeks be turned into London's answer to Monaco as superyachts up to 120m long arrive.This will be the finest bling: the sort where three decks is a minimum and no self-respecting superyacht comes without a helipad. Some have submarines.

From Canary Wharf to the Royal Docks and beyond, anywhere that could berth a superyacht has been earnestly engaged in marketing themselves to the world's billionaires. British Waterways, which manages West India and Millwall Docks, has secured deals with the owners of eight superyachts, and is preparing Wood Wharf, adjacent to Canary Wharf, to provide space for another 20.

"The interest has been excellent," said Gareth Stephens, the harbour and waterspace manager. "It has been from all over. We have had a number of American enquiries and a couple from Australia. The docks are going to be a fantastic place next year."

Its largest booking so far is for a vessel about 120m long. He is bound by a confidentiality agreement not to say who it is, but there is speculation that it is the 126m Octopus, owned by the Microsoft billionaire Paul Allen.

Mark Upton, who runs MGMT, a superyacht advisory service, said: "I am told he is a big fan of the Olympics." His company is involved in re-selling berths and is marketing packages that include tickets for the top Olympic events. It also offers a concierge service for superyacht owners, with everything from tailors and hairdressers to sommeliers.

"I am confident that we will see between 30 and 50 very large yachts in London next summer," Mr Upton said. "West India Dock has a few and from what I understand the Royal Docks has taken bookings this week for three or four boats of a substantial size - in the top 15 per cent of the largest yachts in the world.

"I don't expect there to be much in the way of spaces left by the end of November. It will become something of a tourist attraction. It is something that has never been seen before in London and will probably never be seen again. It is very exciting."

Having attracted everyone's attention, not least the paparazzi, the owners of these boats and their guests will be doing their best to keep a low profile. The traditional way of keeping out of the public eye is to fly on and off the yacht by helicopter. The larger superyachts all come with their own helicopters.

Paul Ashton, the editor of SuperYacht World, said: "Even some of the smaller superyachts have touch-and-go helipads, where you are not allowed to switch off the engine. You land on deck, the passengers jump on and are whisked away."

Next summer, superyacht passengers will be more likely to make their way to the Olympics by boat. Mr Upton said he had teamed up with Water Chariots to take people to the Olympic Park via Limehouse Basin in custom-built canal boats. To berth a 25m yacht in Docklands can cost ₤2000 ($3225) a day based on a minimum three-week stay, with higher fees for larger boats.

After its brief flirtation with glamour, will the superyachts head back south? Mr Upton hopes not. He said: "London is a good base to explore the British Isles. It would be nice to persuade some of the yachts to spend their summers a little farther north. It's a nice dream."


Superyachts sail to London Olympics (http://www.theaustralian.com.au/news/executive-lifestyle/superyachts-sailing-to-london-olympics/story-e6frg9zo-1226157224554)


The traditional way of keeping out of the public eye is to fly on and off the yacht by helicopter. The larger superyachts all come with their own helicopters.

Indeed, although unlikely that permissions will be given to fly off the yachts (certainly not those within the restricted zone).

After its brief flirtation with glamour, will the superyachts head back south? Mr Upton hopes not. He said: "London is a good base to explore the British Isles. It would be nice to persuade some of the yachts to spend their summers a little farther north. It's a nice dream."
A dream? Yes. To be honest who would want to loiter in London when the likes of the Riviera, Amalfi Coast and a hundred similarly alluring destinations beckon further south! (No offense to Londoners of course). ;)

[RVDT]

when the likes of the Riviera, Amalfi Coast and a hundred similarly alluring destinations beckon further south!

Which most superyachts have been to a zillion times already.

[Kholiban]

Hi Savoia

Amazing and beautiful photos. Could you please tell us where this one ( pic. called “Anyone for Patagonian crab? “ in post # 18 ) were taken. I love this one:)
Thanks and please continue posting

[SASless]

I would love to be a fly on the wall at the CAA office when the Legal Beagles working for Paul Allen et al.....appear to get the approval for flight ops off their Mega Yacht helidecks!

This won't be like one of the unwashed among us regular ol' helicopter folks showing up asking for blessing for something. I am sure the meeting will be preceeded by multiple phone calls and hand shakes well ahead of the time and not with the Clerks doing the paperwork. There may very well be some phone calls and individual tasking of the clerks by those well up the greasy pole of management but it won't be those seeking the approvals doing it!

Anyone care to take a wager on the outcome of this? I say there shall be approvals granted.

[JAA/FAA Pilot]

Hi SASless, how much you like to bet? I would think the outcome will be the same as in Athens and Vancouver...:ugh:

[Savoia]

Boats from the Royal Marines together with Royal Navy helicopters have been carrying out drills on the River Thames in preparation for the London 2012 Olympic Games


Elite British security teams took to the River Thames as part of a massive security rehearsal to foil terror disaster at the Olympics.
The Metropolitan Police's Marine Policing Unit took to the water in rigid inflatables and fast response boats whilst military personnel flew above in a Lynx Navy helicopter.

Armed officers dressed in black were seen racing up to a Thames cruise vessel in their inflatable boats, before storming it and climbing onto its roof.

A helicopter circled close above the boats during the practice operation.

Assistant Commissioner Chris Allison, head of the force's security operation for the Games, said: "All of our planning is designed to mitigate against potential risks during the summer of 2012, and this is an example of where we will be using specialist military capability to support us.

"This exercise is not in response to any specific threat, but is part of our planning to pre-deploy certain specialist assets to bolster our operation."

Video (http://www.telegraph.co.uk/sport/olympics/9025494/Marines-practice-for-Olympic-terror-threat-on-River-Thames.html)

Yes, if only all terrorists would hold their craft that steady while being boarded by special forces. But .. a most enjoyable turn by the Navy Lynx over the vessel in question!

[ecureilx]

Since it is related ..

Chris Hemsworth's wife Elsa Pataky plummets down a steep water-slide just hours after announcing pregnancy | Mail Online (http://www.dailymail.co.uk/tvshowbiz/article-2088569/Chris-Hemsworths-wife-Elsa-Pataky-plummets-steep-water-slide-just-hours-announcing-pregnancy.html)

A few pics of a nice craft .. somewhere in the background ..

http://i.dailymail.co.uk/i/pix/2012/01/18/article-2088569-0F84D50300000578-24_634x421.jpg

[Savoia]

Ecureilx: This is the motor yacht "Plan B" (known more commonly as PB) a former Australian Navy survey ship launched in 1973 and decommissioned in 1998. She was converted into a luxury expedition yacht and now spends most of her time in New Zealand waters (although she sometimes ventures Stateside and elsewhere). In 2007 she went through a refit.

She is 160ft long, of steel construction, powered by two Paxman diesels producing a combined 3360hp, can cruise at 14kts and has a range of 5000 statute miles.

Both the vessel and her on-board helicopter are registered in the Caymans.

Plan B was initially equipped with a Bell 407 but, as you can see, now sports an EC145. Both aircraft carried/carry the same registration (permissible under Cayman rules) VP-CPB.

https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/-I8xtPjziTfM/TxlBSgJtAmI/AAAAAAAAHbg/E6k99390MYw/s800/CPB%252520aboard%252520PB.jpg
Plan B in the days when she carried a 407

https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/-He1HHFF5SzI/TxlBTDsC20I/AAAAAAAAHbk/pX7JZRfuDU0/s800/Mesa%252520AZ%252520July%25252006.jpg
Plan B's initial helicopter tender seen here in Mesa, Arizona in 2006 (Up until last year this craft was sitting around in Switzerland [for almost a year I think] awaiting a new owner!)

https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/-cNGBf2LUHnc/TxlBWegz_NI/AAAAAAAAHbo/sytM2xZwXJ8/s720/VP-CPB%252520Aboard%252520PB%252520in%252520Miami.jpg
Plan B's current helicopter tender an EC145 seen here in Miami last year (2011)

[spinner79]

I saw on page 2 that it was a UK registered helicopter G-REEM on a yacht.
one thing has been nagging me quite a bit. so here are some questions

I did not think it was allowed in JAA registered aircraft to land on a helideck with a performance class 3 helicopter. How do they work around this ?

and are N registered allowed because they are FAA ? even if the fly in JAA land ?

[Savoia]

Spinner: This is an ideal question for RVDT and or JimL.

In the meantime what I can say is that REEM is one of the few British registered helicopters engaged in yacht-borne operations. Most are registered outside of Europe. You can read more about REEM and her vessel, Kingdom 5-KR (used in the James Bond film 'Never Say Never Again'), one page 1 (http://www.pprune.org/rotorheads/458113-helicopters-superyachts.html).

One wonders what distinction EASA makes between private and commercial operations to and from private yachts?

[JimL]

spinner79,

This is not a helideck but a ship operation - mostly conducted as private operations (or corporate - a type of private operation). As such there are few regulations world-wide that would prohibit operations with singles (or twins operating in PC3).

In any case in 2005, and in deference to operations in the GOM, the ban on PC3 operations to helidecks was removed from ICAO Annex 6 Part III, Sections 2 and 3, and JAR-OPS 3. These operations would, of course, be conducted with exposure to an engine failure during take-off and landing.

For CAT (not these of course) there remains a restriction for operations over a hostile environment to be conducted in PC1 or 2.

So, no ban.

Jim

[Savoia]

This is an appendage to post #1 (http://www.pprune.org/6027386-post1.html) in which we looked at this vessel:

http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7055/6914774445_3290172c9e_b.jpg
Paul Allen's MY Octopus complete with S76 as seen in the waters off Reykjavik on 4th August 2010 (Photo: TCC)

[helihub]

Here's a batch more for you all to enjoy

http://www.superyachtfrance.com/images/lancement/couach21/21-Open.jpg

http://i.pbase.com/g1/42/865742/2/109630893.Pl2IqTTn.jpg

http://www.buyexploreryachts.com/images/used/maupiti-top.jpg

http://www.yachtforums.com/forums/attachments/oceanfast-yacht/6800-floridian-ex-aussie-rules-refit-complete-floridian-3.jpg?d=1117223311

http://www.brandjes.nl/pictures/05_helideck/01.jpg

http://cdn-www.airliners.net/aviation-photos/photos/4/8/6/1380684.jpg

http://www.yachtforums.com/forums/attachments/delta-yacht/8508d1123249315-review-deltas-164-expedition-triton-triton-static-aft-shot.jpg

http://anemos.hr/files/2612/8811/1848/avangard_yachts_004_avangard_ii_001.jpg

and a concept drawing for a very large yacht.....

http://www.yachtforums.com/forums/attachments/yacht-renderings-plans/4844d1104772768-lars-modin-design-paheli.jpg

[HeliHenri]

Thanks Helihub,

I like the first yacht with the R22, seems a toy for the son to look like the father :)

[Savoia]

G-BZVZ, the McAlpine supplied TwinEcureuil, went onto the Cayman register along with the MY Ilona a good number of years ago now:

https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/-h5zftxVVFsc/T0Of9snHu2I/AAAAAAAAH98/xMRxW8DXr4o/s800/AS355N%2520VP-CLF%2520Naples%252030%2520Jun%252006%2520%2528Guido%2520Ricc io%2529.jpg
AS355N VP-CLF, the helicopter tender attached to the MY Ilona, as seen over Naples on 30th June 2006 (Photo: Guido Riccio)

[GANNET FAN]

I have had the photographer's permission to show these two clips. Thought you might like to see them.

Mark OConnell Photography | Helicopter landing on Prtincess Mariana (http://markoconnell.photodeck.com/-/galleries/superyacht-videos/-/medias/2153e90c-4707-11e1-8718-19430dbca9ad-helicopter-landing-on-prtincess-mariana)

Mark OConnell Photography | Helicopter landing on Prtincess Mariana 2 (http://markoconnell.photodeck.com/-/galleries/superyacht-videos/-/medias/c061129a-4707-11e1-93a5-052a6f85fa02-helicopter-landing-on-prtincess-mariana-2)

[topendtorque]

Olympics Yachts Bah.

The main game is a beautiful mare Black Caviar, when she gets to Royal Ascot in a couple of months.

Around the stables they call her 'Old Nellie'.

[Savoia]

As a lover of horses and flat racing you will have no argument from me TET although I love yachts too!

BC is an exceptionally fine mare and I would love to see her run. I would, without hesitation, place a wager on her.

[Savoia]

A footnote regarding the aerial tender for the MY Ilona, the AS355N VP-CLF; this craft tends to remain aboard the vessel and is accommodated below deck in a small 'hangar' which is accessed via a pneumatic lift which operates in much the same way as the aircraft elevators used on some aircraft carriers.

http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7198/6925056329_c4096b48d9_b.jpg
The AS355N VP-CLF on board the MY Ilona in Port Louis Marina, St. George's, Greneda on 30th December 2008 - with blades folded and ready to descend below deck

[Savoia]

A majestic national flagship to represent Britain on the world's seas came a step closer today

http://i.dailymail.co.uk/i/pix/2012/07/19/article-2175620-141DD897000005DC-479_964x685.jpg

In a rare show of unity, both David Cameron and Ed Miliband have given the project their backing.

More (http://www.dailymail.co.uk/news/article-2175620/All-aboard-UK-flagship-In-rare-display-unity-Cameron-Miliband-Mail-campaign-majestic-vessel-fly-flag-Britain.html)

[RVDT]

Ciao Sav,

Your pix of Ilona and VP-CLF seem to be a bit out of date now.

Good to see they got rid of the previous arrangement and its shortcomings.

Looks a bit tight and I hope the park brake works as advertised! Checking the TRGB oil level must be fun.

1Ia9IZ5bYXI

[9Aplus]

Today in front of Hvar (R. Abramovic, Eclipse, Dauphin behind)

http://i730.photobucket.com/albums/ww304/d9aplus/safety/IMG_1811.jpg

http://i730.photobucket.com/albums/ww304/d9aplus/safety/eCLIPSE.jpg

[robin303]

Must be nice:

http://i174.photobucket.com/albums/w83/robin303/Ship-1.jpg

[John Eacott]

Robin303,

If you're going to use one of my photos, at least have the courtesy to give credit?

[Savoia]

9A+: Very nice! :ok:

Another shot of the MY Eclipse (the world's largest superyacht) as well as her EC155, on page 1 (http://www.pprune.org/rotorheads/458113-helicopters-superyachts.html).

Its astonishing how popular Croatia has become over the past two decades - bravo! :D

Robin: It is a good idea to credit photos whenever possible .. especially when they are the property of such an esteemed member of the Rotorheads community - lol! ;)

John: Can you please identify the vessel and location as she's not a ship that I am immediately able to place!

[9Aplus]

@Sav really appreciate your positive comment....
What we are missing is local regulations for out of airport
helicopter landing in accordance to best EU practice :*

Same day bit later....
http://i730.photobucket.com/albums/ww304/d9aplus/safety/IMG_1823.jpg

http://i730.photobucket.com/albums/ww304/d9aplus/safety/IMG_1832.jpg

[RVDT]

Sav,

Anna - EC135T2+ M-WHAT


http://photos.marinetraffic.com/ais/showphoto.aspx?photoid=247826&size=full

[John Eacott]

I took the shot from the walk up the hill at Portofino, back in 2008. Unfortunately another of the 11,000 photos that Apple was being paid to host until they shut down MobileMe in June :sad:

http://www.eacott.com.au/gallery/d/5128-2/DSCN2733_JPG.jpg

[Thone1]

Just out of curiosity:

What are the limitations to those helicopters being parked outside in such a salt laden atmosphere?

Cheers,

Tom

[Savoia]

RVDT many thanks. :ok:

John, you've been to Italy, Bravo! Well, that makes you alright then! ;)

Thone1: You will probably get a more sensible response from the learnéd RVDT but, for now, this is what I can offer:

To the best of my knowledge there is no prescribed limitation governing exposure to salt water environments - where for example a manufacturer stipulates that a craft may only spend "X" number of days at sea.

However, operators tend to employ a variety of responsive and preventative 'maintenance' measures in an effort to combat the effects of salt water corrosion. The primary responsive measure tends to be that of hosing the craft down with fresh water and of washing the engines (usually with a mixture of fresh water and detergent). The frequency of washing varies widely among operators with some religiously washing everything on a daily basis while others do so less frequently. To be fair to those who wash less frequently it does depend somewhat on circumstances. Some environments are more corrosive than others while the weather also plays its part as does the craft's tasking (there is less imperative to wash down if the craft has made a single sortie to the ship and is overnighting at a local airport for example).

Preventative measures may include spraying generous portions of the engine compartment and even components such as the swashplate and other areas with WD40 (or similar substance). In the 80's there was a product available in the form of engine exhaust blanks the inner surface of which was impregnated with some fluid (I don't recall what) which released a vapour into the engines and which (so it was advertised) offered a measure of protection against corrosion.

As you are doubtless aware .. salt builds up on pretty much everything when you are at sea and so another preventative measure is the use of comprehensive aircraft covers to protect against the accrual of salt.

But, as I say, there are others more qualified to comment on this subject.

I'll share one little secret with you though; when sourcing aircraft for my clients, I have in the past flatly refused to purchase those craft which have been 'at sea' as I just didn't have the confidence to be held liable for the potential effects of corrosion the signs of which may have escaped the pre-purchase inspection .. or were yet to manifest!

https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/-dvovYy5KpHk/UFWPcyJdNoI/AAAAAAAAJps/3EjlrJjToT4/s714/EC135.jpg
A yacht-borne EC135 wearing her protective covers

[skadi]

To the best of my knowledge there is no prescribed limitation governing exposure to salt water environments - where for example a manufacturer stipulates that a craft may only spend "X" number of days at sea.

As far as i know, the engine manufactors require a daily engine wash if operated in salty conditions?

skadi

[Thone1]

@Savoia:

Thanks for the info.
I am indeed aware of salt accretion, flying military naval helos.
I´m just wondering how civvies tackle that issue.

Thanks again!

Thomas

[robin303]

Whooh there cowboy. I didn’t take credit for that photo and all I did was post a picture that I downloaded back in Oct of 2008. It is a beautiful picture that most of us helo guys would dream of. Come on I see a thread on yachts and helos and I’m not going to post a cool pic you took and I don’t even know who the heck you are. Give me a damn break lol. Anyway thanks for the pics and keep it up.

[RVDT]

Thone1,

On the particular model in the recent pictures, and no doubt others would be similar, there is a Corrosion and Erosion Control Guide (CECG) manual.

In addition some of the manufacturers have woken up to the fact that superyachts are a form of free advertising (envy, endorsement of the product etc etc blah blah).

Subsequently there are additional measures that can be optionally introduced at manufacture. ECD for instance offer complete internal painting of the frame with polyurethane before assembly as one example.

[Algol]

I spend a fair bit of time in Antibes, whose Marina is very popular for super yachts. They run a lot of yacht crew courses there. I've often toyed with the idea of gaining a yacht skipper rating. Then you could double up as yacht skipper and private jet pilot, haha. Let's not forget the Gulfstreams and Falcons need drivers too.

From what I hear from the yachties in Antibes, many of these boats are only used a few weeks a year.

[Savoia]

Robin303: Not quite the response I would have chosen but there we are. If you enjoy yachts and helicopters then you might like to check out this (http://www.flickr.com/groups/helicopters-superyachts/) gallery which was put together by Jeremy Parkin, owner of that great helicopter news site Helihub (http://www.helihub.com/).

Thone1: Would you like to share some of the techniques you employ in your navy. I would be most interested to hear about it.

Algol: You might not be surprised to discover that over the years there have been a number of corporate jet and helicopter pilots who have acquired their Master Mariner's certificate and 'pilot' the yacht also!

Yes, many owners only utilise their craft for a couple of weeks a year. There are exceptions of course and among some of the 'bigger names' Roman Ambramovich, Paul Allen and Dennis Washington all tend to use their vessels more frequently. Some owners spend several months at sea each year - although these tend to be few in number.

Of those who use their yachts infrequently some choose to make their craft available for charter and this can sometimes add a couple of additional weeks utilisation each year.

[Thone1]

@RVDT: Thanks for the info!

@Savoia: Without going into too much detail: Aircraft outside the hangar for no more than 24 hours (never pre-planned. No hangar - no park).
Regular wash down if parked inside a hangar. Engine washes, obviously.

Not too restrictive, but our helicopter was bulit for that sort of thing.

[CaptainSAC]

Nice to see all the photos! I will comment on a couple of things but can't give many details of who we are, where and when, due to the dreaded confidentiality agreement most of us Captains to have to sign. But simply:

We run an EC135T2 on a 72m with a fully rated heli-deck, including ground power transformer and a 15k litre tank refuelling system. We have no corrosion problems with the helicopter at this time. The blades are taken off on crossings across the "Atlantic" and stowed in purpose built long "blade racks" (with plenty of supports!) in dedicated storage lockers, then the whole "bird" is shrink wrapped before departure.

We use tons of WD40 to protect all moving exposed parts and have other waterproof "daily" covers that are used when ever the helicopter is not being used and we are at sea between long distance ports. We do flush the turbines out with inhibiting sprays and wash all salt off when any is spotted, virtually on a daily basis. We have no shortage of water onboard as we have water-makers onboard that can make 24 tons of water a day, every day!!

All exposed nut heads and threads have been covered in our own patented sticky "goo" by the engineer and pilot. We carry a full time pilot ( when the owner is onboard) who also acts as the honorary 4th engineer with the other 3 yachts engineers, and he is also responsible for helping us maintain the AV and IT systems onboard when not flying or resting. He is never bored!! We employ an extra person to "Co Pilot" and "mechanic" for us when we go "off piste" so to speak, a case in point that we have just spent 5 weeks in PNG flying virtually every day with no technicals and with zero no starts.

If you want to get into the business, owners are now hiring ([email protected]) and it can be rewarding if you get on the right program. Its never boring and always challenging. We have just done 650 hrs on the (new in 2010) airframe that we have, and are very pleased with it. Our next stop is the Philippines. Looking forward to it!!

[Savoia]

C-SAC: A warm welcome to the thread.

We are most receptive of those actively engaged in 'heli-yachting' and who are willing to share their experiences with us.

Thank you too for the notification of the pilot vacancy both on this and the job thread - this should be a wonderful opportunity for someone interested in such operations.

PNG is a unique yachting destination and has some wonderful aquatic life especially off the coast of New Britain and New Ireland. There are also some great sport fishing grounds in the Bismark Sea off the coast of Madang and Karkar Island and many other destinations besides, so enjoy!

Please keep us posted with your activities and, if possible, the odd photo! :ok:

Rgds

Sav

[toptobottom]

CaptainSAC

Welcome to the forum :ok:

I appreciate your confidentiality obligations, but even if the aircraft first flew on Jan 1st 2010, it would have flown an average of 2,800 miles each and every month since then.

Even if the owners were in residence throughout that entire period and didn't sail anywhere at all, it seems like a lot of flying hours... Where do they go?!

:confused:

[CaptainSAC]

We did 90hrs in the first 3mths months. That will set you off right!! We all use the helicopter, not just him when the owner is onboard. Its a tool to help us out and luckily he has a very mature "no expense spared" attitude about it. We don't have to make a profit or answer to shareholders, so his attitude is, whats the point it sitting on the deck gathering dust when we could be using it!! He uses it all the time he is onboard, so it could be a 20min "pop" out to a dive site to meet the dive tender, a few people out to a BBQ on a sandy spit of land, or a full on 200nm trip back to the airport Island, to do guest transfers, and a trip later on that day to do a stores or spares run. One of our last trips was with 500 toilet rolls from Palau, back out to the yacht down island. Like I say, my pilot is never bored!!

[Savoia]

9k_e8tdgSjU
EC130B4 N165WC landing aboard Attessa IV

For more on N165WC as well as her former mother ship, Attessa III, check out page 1 (http://www.pprune.org/rotorheads/458113-helicopters-superyachts.html).

[Gwellbeing]

"Platinum Princess" yacht (http://inequalityreduced.********.com/2009/01/worlds-largest-giga-yacht-concepts.html)
LOA: 3140 ft / 940 m
Latitude: 400 ft / 120 m
Altitude: 534 ft / 160 m (incl. keel)
Floors: 41
Design: Jens Lages Incorporated
Year: 2008
http://www.yachtforums.com/forums/attachments/yacht-designers-discussion/22910d1205167035-new-yacht-design-2008-pp-design-s-jpg

[RVDT]

An interesting concept.

But has been flogged to death on other forums as of "no substance".

[Savoia]

http://farm4.staticflickr.com/3769/11016334185_2c21c67477_b.jpg
EC145 M-SRNE departing Portland's Hillsboro Airport in Oregon, USA, for Bellingham Airport in Washington State on 13th July 2013 (Photo: Russell Hill)

M-SRNE was doubtless northward bound in order to be re-united with her mothership .. the MY Serene.

http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7346/11016436696_5882b64f87_b.jpg
The Italian-built, Russian-owned 440ft MY Serene which is 'home' to M-SRNE

[Brilliant Stuff]

Why does it say Nick Baker on the aircraft?

[Ascend Charlie]

He's the brother of Martin Baker, and he designed the helicopter ejection seat.:ooh:

[Blind Pugh]

Nick Baker was a senior yacht broker involved with the commissioning of Serene. He sadly passed away having battled lung cancer despite being a lifelong non-smoker. Having been diagnosed, he set up a charity named "AquaLung" and sailed the atlantic singlehanded to raise funds which aided the institute for cancer research.

[nomorehelosforme]

A great looking EC145 and an even more amazing MY Serene, the helicopter looks like a little toy on that ship! Great combination though!

[Brilliant Stuff]

Cheers Blind Pugh.:ok:

[Hairyplane]

Did you notice the billowing tablecloths on the deck beneath the pad?
What if........?!

Hairy

[Dufo]

N165WC on Atessa (smaller one) post - how do you land on a space this tight? :sad:
I imagine there's no clearance for flare.

Pardon my ignorance, I am just a fixie driver.

[GoodGrief]

Helicopters don't need a flare for landing.
Famous critique from Instructor to student during training:" If you have to flare at the end, you were too fast".

[Carbon Bootprint]

The MY Serene is quite impressive indeed! I found this in an article featuring the vessel when it visited Seattle earlier this year:
The Serene has two helicopter-landing platforms and a hangar, along with a storage area for a submarine that can dive to 300 feet.Full article here (http://seattletimes.com/html/localnews/2021652428_sereneyachtxml.html)

[Peter-RB]

Having watched the Heli land on the Attessa it is a really good and controlled landing, but it seems to need to be near'er to the Hard bits further forward so they lift again, if they plan a ship to that sort of luxury and toys being available why dont the architects/designers build in a motor/hydraulic driven deck that can be extended to recieve and then powered in really close when the rotor has stopped turning, it only needs a breath of wrong direction wind to spring up and that rotor would be mincing things or bodies,... if the Riva Speed boat on the below deck is where it is..that must have been winched or powered in by some sort of moving floor so whay not the Heli!

Only asking ..?:ouch:

Peter R-B
Lancashire

[allwornout]

I must have gotten on the wrong railway track as I always thought that helicopter jobs were tough jobs, in the soul-draining heat or freezing cold, flying to the maximum every month, creeping over high mountain passes at gross weights in turbulent downdrafts and swirling fog, lifting loads that shouldn't be lifted, flying through cells that you'd rather not fly through, and living in countries where if you happen to land outside the fence you won't be going home that month or maybe that year and that sort of thing. This heli-yatching is not like that at all. Is it a real industry or are these pictures just photo shopped? If it is not a dream, then how does a fellow go about finding addresses to apply to or do you just have to know the owner or stumble into him at the Harley dealer in Monaco?

Do they only hire unichs as I suppose there may be a few concubines on board the ships?

[Savoia]

AWO: Yacht-borne aviation (specifically helicopters) has been around since the early days of 'helicoptering'. Initially these were naval and coast guard exploits (and I am thinking of Anton Fletner's Kolibri which landed on German U-boats in the early 40's .. and there are other examples too).

In the civilian market I am guessing that 'helicopters-used-as-tenders' would have gained momentum with the development of large private yachts (aka superyachts) which have the capacity to accommodate a helideck. These emerged in earnest in the mid-to-late 70's with yacht-borne helicopters becoming more popular during the 80's and really 'taking-off' (so to speak) in the 90's, but there are certainly earlier examples, particularly of course on private exploration and fishing vessels.

There is an article about flying from yachts on page 2 which you can read here (http://www.pprune.org/rotorheads/458113-helicopters-superyachts-2.html#post6611411).

'Yacht flying' is an 'established' practice and there are several companies which specialise in providing and managing such services. One such company is Luviair (http://www.luviair.com/about/) of which Nigel Watson (ex-RN and ex-Sultan of Oman's Navy) is CEO. Another firm is HeliRiveriera (http://www.heliriviera.com/) and several executive operators (such as Starspeed) have a 'yachting division' catering for those with yacht-borne requirements. At Starspeed this is headed by Gary Butcher (http://www.starspeed.co.uk/Pilots/gary-butcher.aspx). The firm also has 'ex-yachters' such as Richard Poppe among its staff. You can contact any of these companies if you are interested in learning more about flying in such a role.

Yacht-borne (or yacht-based) flying is probably ideal for someone wishing to retire as, for the most part, the work is undemanding but (and it is a big but) this does vary according to the set-up of each particular operation. These days helicopter pilots in this role can be given a variety of functions to perform .. some, for example, are also the yacht's captain (as was the case with Nigel Watson above) while others are also the licensed aircraft mechanic and still others take-up different duties on-board the yacht.

A number of helicopters with regular 'yachting' duties are mainly used by the owner for onshore requirements so that the 'sojourns at sea' are merely temporary assignments within the overall flying requirement.

As with anything, find out as much as you can beforehand. Yacht-based flying (as glamorous as it may appear) is not always the easy ride it may seem and it certainly isn't everyone's cup of tea.

[Ant T]

Superyacht Vava 2 is in Stanley (Falklands) this morning. Owned by Swiss billionaire Ernesto Bertorelli, according to Wiki. Has a helicopter on the back, under wraps - was wondering if anyone here knows what type it is.
Will try and post a photo later.

[Self loading bear]

Superyacht Vava 2 is in Stanley (Falklands) this morning. Owned by Swiss billionaire Ernesto Bertorelli, according to Wiki. Has a helicopter on the back, under wraps - was wondering if anyone here knows what type it is.
Will try and post a photo later.
On internet from 2014:
https://www.flickr.com/photos/gillfoto/14483684298/
HB-ZLU AS350B3e

SLB

[Ant T]

Thanks SLB. That fits the shape that I saw. Have a couple of good photos of it now -

http://i1206.photobucket.com/albums/bb450/antt10/Vava2_1.jpg

http://i1206.photobucket.com/albums/bb450/antt10/Vava2%20heli.jpg

[9Aplus]

Greetings to high skilled professional operating N registered Bell 407 from MV Samar.

Violation of general safety and local 9A air law are just small sacrifice on your safety culture.
Take off and landing from mooring within old city is prohibited within civilization, you know.
While this was city with theater, on your place now days called Manhatan, may be only few wigwams present.

PS
if you do not mind, go kill yourself somewhere else

[helimutt]

Depends how you look at it, but from what I hear the pilots complained that they could not fly enough hrs to be safe....


Golden cage...


No complaints from me about the pictures though keep them coming


m2c,
d2
Question for everyone:- What would you say is enough hours to be safe if you sit around a lot?

[helimutt]

Greetings to high skilled professional operating N registered Bell 407 from MV Samar.

Violation of general safety and local 9A air law are just small sacrifice on your safety culture.
Take off and landing from mooring within old city is prohibited within civilization, you know.
While this was city with theater, on your place now days called Manhatan, may be only few wigwams present.

PS
if you do not mind, go kill yourself somewhere else


Obviously English cannot be your first language, but to to state 'go kill yourself somewhere else'????? really? How do you know the operator or pilot doesn't have a specific exemption for flying there?


Oh and the prize for the worlds worst website ever goes to :-
www.heliFOR.eu :D

[9Aplus]

You are free to support cowboys...
But this one is reported and will be prosecuted in accordance to law.
Thank you for promoting that web site :D

[helimutt]

Firstly, the last thing I would do is support a cowboy/dangerous operation. Anyone who knows me knows this to be the case. I asked how you knew that the correct exemptions weren't in place. I also wondered why you'd actually state 'go kill yourself elsewhere'. That is not the sort of thing i'd expect to hear on this forum nowadays. But hey, its a free world eh?

ps I was hardly promoting a website that doesn't work. its sh*t.

[9Aplus]

You are my hero.... no exemptions for N register under EASA. But you Mr. Expert with s*it knowledge already know that....

[SASless]

I must have gotten on the wrong railway track as I always thought that helicopter jobs were tough jobs, in the soul-draining heat or freezing cold.....

Show up late with the Morning Newspapers, the fresh fruit, and talk out of turn to the Girlfriends.....and see how hot and cold the Boss runs!

[Nige321]

Firstly, the last thing I would do is support a cowboy/dangerous operation. Anyone who knows me knows this to be the case. I asked how you knew that the correct exemptions weren't in place. I also wondered why you'd actually state 'go kill yourself elsewhere'. That is not the sort of thing i'd expect to hear on this forum nowadays. But hey, its a free world eh?

ps I was hardly promoting a website that doesn't work. its sh*t.

It's a bit of an insult to websites to call it a website...

[atakacs]

Complete thread drift but just researched that yatch. Quoted to cruise at 12knt with max speed 16... You don't get much for 600k€ / week these days!

[9Aplus]

That yacht is kind of "meat market" therefore speed is irrelevant, that boat is source of all sort of troubles, every summer.

For above folks...
Amazing, parked web site is problem, "professionals" operating like cowboys - pushing the all other in danger, are not.
You both must be the WEB experts :D

[Nige321]

Greetings to high skilled professional operating N registered Bell 407 from MV Samar.

Violation of general safety and local 9A air law are just small sacrifice on your safety culture.
Take off and landing from mooring within old city is prohibited within civilization, you know.
While this was city with theater, on your place now days called Manhatan, may be only few wigwams present.

PS
if you do not mind, go kill yourself somewhere else

Are you trying to say a helicopter did something you don't like in Manhattan.
Clever trick, considering the Samar is in the Adriatic...

[atakacs]

Are you trying to say a helicopter did something you don't like in Manhattan.
Clever trick, considering the Samar is in the Adriatic...
I think he is implying this happened in Croatia

[9Aplus]

Sure it is in Adriatic, inside Croatian territorial waters,
but some "smart web designers" have no clue about 9A meaning.
Old city of Hvar, harbor area - is the place of incident.
Bad luck, because some local aborigines, know few articles from air law :E

[Hughes500]

9A plus

I think it might help to get your point over if you could get someone to put your meaning in English that we can all understand.
I would agree that the website doesnt actually work.

[Ascend Charlie]

9A Minus, stop talking in code.
Explain what happened, and we might be able to comment on what should or should not be done. Simples. Tcchhhsk!

[9Aplus]

@Hghes5 @AscendC
Violation of general safety and local 9A air law are just small sacrifice on your safety culture.
Take off and landing from mooring within old city is prohibited within civilization, you know.
a) you are not able to understand above?
b) that web site and company are dormant since 4 years ago, reason: the team is contracted to work
on one specific not yet disclosed vertical project.
WEB may be live again, soon. But all that is not relevant to this case, except for some old wa**ers here.

To all otheres
Regarding the pprune, case is closed.
Case is reported in real world ;)

NOTE: Personally I like helicopters on yachts, but all must be done in proper & decent way.
Low lever flyovers over the city may attract few people on board,
but also bring serious consideration in community opinion, about vertical transport and operations.
Therefore all "cowboys" must be reported to competent authority.

[belly tank]

As Ascend Charlie has stated. The specific references and details of what you are alluding to would help in the discussion. Then those that wish could make an informed opinion.

[GrayHorizonsHeli]

with my tin foil cap on, I have understood the following...........I guess someone requested to buzz the "tower" and upset some locals???

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vdHBsWXaHN8

[9Aplus]

https://cimg4.ibsrv.net/gimg/www.gmforum.com-vbulletin/720x960/39948866_1782906295120330_3249886394356596736_n_b7d211e357be 1ca273c7c0181a7cccbf139f3bb7.jpg
Who cares, ha :D

[[email protected]]

Thank goodness they didn't put my real name in there:)

[SASless]

Buzzing the Control Tower at a military airfield in a Hollywood film is a far different thing than what is discussed here.....whatever it is that is being discussed as that still seems to be in doubt.

[helimutt]

Buzzing the Control Tower at a military airfield in a Hollywood film is a far different thing than what is discussed here.....whatever it is that is being discussed as that still seems to be in doubt.

Sorry but laughed out loud at that.

[GrayHorizonsHeli]

sometimes i think the jest of jokes get lost on some people. the pprune effect I guess.

[ShyTorque]

If the alleged incident has already been reported to the relevant authorities, it seems pointless to post about it on this forum.

[helimutt]

Is that because its a fact rather than a rumour? :)

[nomorehelosforme]

The AW139 (https://twitter.com/hashtag/AW139?src=hashtag_click) is not a small helicopter... but a 142-m (466-ft) yacht can sure make it look like one. Impressive footage from Tom van Oossanen of the Nord

https://twitter.com/verticalmag/status/1326967554594795520

[9Aplus]

"Novogradnja 487" aka Ultramarine / Quark Expeditions

nice and safe helipad in between the bridge and funnels...

https://cimg5.ibsrv.net/gimg/pprune.org-vbulletin/1960x1155/ultramarine_35e2d1fc71d36aea31ad0c5ea2b8587c5ed71702.jpg

[RVDT]

nice and safe helipad in between the bridge and funnels...

I hope you are being sarcastic - probably the worst configuration possible.

[Ant T]

On the Quark Expeditions website it looks as if it has two helidecks, one aft and one midship, looks as if the hangar is in between the two helidecks, and they plan to have two aircraft.

[9Aplus]

See here, looks so fancy in 3D

https://cimg7.ibsrv.net/gimg/pprune.org-vbulletin/1200x600/ultramarine2_1ab18aa19e5ffd9ad10aadb293b6894318738584.jpg

Fortunately they place the right one behind... but the second hangar opening force the use of that in the middle too.

https://cimg5.ibsrv.net/gimg/pprune.org-vbulletin/2000x1124/ultramarine1_ee376269edcd63e817979b0ba256d1101d0b3679.jpg

H145 D2 type
Just wondering what Starspeed people thinks about all that?

[Robbo Jock]

In the 3D rendering, that second hangar opening does not appear to be as useful as one might hope.

[9Aplus]

Some pools on super yachts can be transformed to helipad by building a movable floor that drains water and raises when it’s time to land.
In this case, they may consider to built movable H structure which can move at last 6-8 m out exposing the TLOF area...during the calm weather conditions only.