Iranian Offshore Ops
Hi Guys,
Yes - Gulf Helis (Doha) operates several aircraft (412's & a 212) on contract out of Kish Island working eastwards as far as the South Pars Field due north of Qatar. All traffic working in Iranian airspace is mandated to listen out on 121.5 when not in direct contact with ATC - (also used as a general chat frequency by many of the ex-mil Russian pilots ploughing through the area, - many seemingly at random!) - which is monitored by Iranian Radar units at Kish and at other Radar watch stations along the coast, who provide a very efficient service. HSO (Iranian Company) is still (just about - as the last single engine machines are being withdrawn soon) operating their own offshore support helis along the coastline from bases such as Lana Island and Sirri Island - west to Kharg Island - where they are joined by Heli Union's Dauphins. Shortly CHC are expected to commence operations westbound out of Kish to support the Agip (Italian) contract in the South Pars area (1 x S76 with 212 back-up). South Pars Field frequency is 128.55, Salman Field (South of Kish) which includes Sirr Island freq 129.00. Gulf Helis work the north dome (north of Qatar) on 129.2.
Our French cousins from Heli-Union no doubt use their own chat frequency off Kharg.
Try calling on 121.5 first, then switch to then one of the others above, depending on where you are. ( Be aware that many older HSO aircraft only have one VHF box, so are likely to not be listening on one or the other freq!)
Ofshore - you are always better off on 121.5 to ensure that neither the USN or Iranian Military use you as a splash target!
Hope this helps!
Oracle
correction to my last
- it should have read 'Lavan Island' - dexlyxic fingers!