North Denes
Gents,
Let me put a few things straight.
1. North Denes is unlicenced
2. It gets audited by the CAA annually, as an aerodrome
3. It has no restrictions on flying hours or days
4. It has an ATc operation everyday until at least 2300 hrs, extension available.
5. It does have matting under the main runway (but only half of it)
6. only one runway is lit 27/09
7. Yes it has lost a couple of contracts, this has more to do with CHC management in aberdeen than the aerodrome and the staff there, and the fact that a certain member of ex staff has a bit of a mission and is now working for an operator.
North Denes is everybodys favourite travelling destination if you are an offshore traveller. the people are friendly, and make an effort to get to know regular travellers. It is much easier to travel through, than any other heliport. It is far easier to get too.
Yes it does look run down a bit, but for roughly 16000 movements a year it is hardly surprising. Yes it would be the east coast base of choice for SAR ops, the plans are in place.
With regards the concrete runway option, this would be poo-pooed by the local council as the runway is at points below sea level and this would pose a flood risk, there is talk of pad extensions also but again the council may poo-poo, if this is the case i beleive chc would look at other options.
this along with the government now allowing brownfield sites to be used for housing, this would be a very profitable sale if it were to go ahead.
All in all CHC will carry on, there is plenty of work out there, and North denes will continue to be the hub, it is so much easier for operators, for passengers and for freight.
It is CHC who needs to wake up and smell the roses, it should be the pearl to their oyster, not a thorn in the side.