This 206 has been based in Ireland for some time now and according to some sources, is engaged in Power Line Survey work here.
D-HAFA Bell 206B
I saw it flying back and forth over Weston on Sunday afternoon, apparently doing some kind of survey work and yesterday it was over Dublin City Centre flying a similar profile, back and forth. Does anyone know who is operating this heli in Ireland or is it being operated by a German operator on a contract for an Irish company, either heli company or electric company? The Irish Jetranger population is very small these days and I'm not sure any are operated commercially any more here.
I would guess that Irish Helicopters Ltd are not operating this machine as they could probably get a PDG Jet Ranger in from the UK if they needed one. As far as I know, Irish Helicopters now operate a Twin Squirrel on Power Line Inspection Duty these days.
Also, can an Irish-Licensed commercial pilot fly this aircraft on such a contract here or would the pilot have to hold a German Commercial License? It's interesting to see a foreign-registered helicopter doing commercial work here. Thanks.
500 Fan.