Bell 222 over Oxfordshire lately?

[Simon853]

I've spotted what looks like a blue+white 222 (could be a 230, it was at about 3 - 5000') going easterly near the Oxfordshire/Buckinghamshire border a couple of times over the past few weeks. Since these are quite rare birds in this country just wondering if it's a new one on the scene. Where's it from?

Si

[Aesir]

This si the only B222 I know of in UK.

http://www.starspeed.co.uk/images/bellext1.jpg

From Starspeed aviation. Not really Black/white though!

[Simon853]

Yeah, it wasn't G-NOIR. I've seen that one before. I work in west London and I think I've seen it a few times following the A40 in from Denham.

If I remember correctly, it had a white cabin and blue tail. (Could have been the other way around.)

One thing that's always foxed me though is: The BHAB lists only 2 of type in the UK (last year), and I know G-NOIR is one of them. But there seems to be many companies in the UK offering 222 services. Do they all simply lease the same machine?

Also, the BHAB says it lists "all helicopters in the civil register". Is that true? Does it include both private and commercial ownerships? Or does it only include BHAB member's machines?

If I see it again I'll train my six mega-pixels at it and try and get the reg. (If the pilot's reading, don't worry, nothing to be concerned about, I'm just a curious enthusiast.)

Thanks,

Si

[Ned-Air2Air]

Probably the white and blue VP registered Bell 430 that was at Helitech last show. Nice machine.

I was told its a private owner and is based there in the UK.

Ned

[Fortyodd]

Not this one then???

http://www.caa.co.uk/docs/GImages/G-vond001.jpg

[Simon853]

Nope. It was definitely blue and white in equal measure.

I was wondering if it was one of the old police 222s, (G-META/B/C) as it looked a lot like how their older aircraft were painted (before the blue+yellow colours), but they al went to Portugal, so unless one's been bought and brought back by somebody it aint them either.

I think the 430 is probably the most likely candidate, but I'll take a closer look at the top cowling if I see it again.

Si

[RS2]

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v249/Perspective-i/Wton891.jpg

Not the best of photos, but thats both of the 222's I believe are on the UK register.

Didnt JJB get a new 430, does anybody know what colour that is ?

[Scotsheli]

Simon,

Rather than straining your eyes, have a listen. The 222/230 have short, wide chord blades which make a very distinctive thump, not dissimilar to a 214ST; the 430 has a four bladed rotor system which is much smoother and quieter. That's your best means of ID at altitude.

Happy hunting - years ahead of its time the 222 IMHO.

[subarup1]

Blue and White B222 might be N510W, operated in Ireland, comes to the UK for maintenance.

[ppheli]

I'm a little amazed that there are evidently UK industry people who think there's only a couple or so of these things flying around! Here's the full list for 222s and 430s in UK and Eire, (there are no 230s) with links to show a photo for the colour scheme. I challenge anyone to add to this!

UK based 222s
* G-NOIR - dark green with silver stripe - see above
* G-VOND - black with gold stripe - see above
* N800HL - green with white undersides - http://www.airliners.net/open.file/417639/M/

Eire based 222s
* N153H - white with gold/black stripe - http://myaviation.net/?pid=00044646
* N222WX - white with dark green boom spine - http://www.irishairpics.com/database/photo/1004062/
* N510W - white with blue stripe - http://www.airliners.net/open.file/514238/M/

UK based 430s
* N5120 (JJB's new one) all blue - http://www.edendale.co.uk/ANW/BTN.HG9.12.html
* VP-BKQ (white with blue stripes, as Ned said, was at Helitech) - http://www.edendale.co.uk/ANW/BTN.HG21.9.html
* N430CE (JJB's old one, still "just" in the UK but reported sold to US) - dark blue with multi stripes - http://www.airliners.net/open.file/873231/M/

Eire based 430s
* EI-TIP - white with gold/blue stripe - http://flyinginireland.com/eireg.php?Registration=EI-TIP
* EI-WAV - white with dark green boom spine - http://flyinginireland.com/eireg.php?Registration=EI-WAV

We do occasionally get foreign visitors, including a Swiss all blue 430s which pops in through Biggin-on-the-bump, and very recently, a Portuguese one in Cardiff (the only Portuguese one which was NOT with the Met!) - blue with grey undersides - photo of that one is at http://www.jetphotos.net/viewphoto.php?id=191317

Finally, to clear one bit of misunderstanding earlier in the thread, the BHAB data covers everything on the G- register ONLY. Additional to that there are currently 94 foreign registered helicopters operating in the UK at present, and 17 in Eire (excluding G- ones there, of which there are quite a few).

[etd]

It sounds like it was our 222 seen over the last few weeks , we fly from Weston in Ireland to Liverpool and then onwards to Blackbushe. Good Spotting !

[Bronx]

Heli Jet had an N reg B222 at Coney Park Leeds when I was in Yorkshire last year. They use it for charters, get the customer to rent the aircraft from their 'American' company then hire their pilot separately.

Is it that easy to get round the regs in the UK? :confused:

[Simon853]

Liverpool to Blackbushe definitely sounds like it would have been N510W. Colours look like they were probably right too. Thanks for all the help guys.

Si

[JAF0]

add that to the irish list ppheli

N2105J

http://www.irishairpics.com/images/images/1005912F.jpg

[SilsoeSid]

http://photos.airliners.net/middle/8/3/2/514238.jpg

If I remember correctly, it had a white cabin and blue tail. (Could have been the other way around.)

Nope. It was definitely blue and white in equal measure.

Liverpool to Blackbushe definitely sounds like it would have been N510W. Colours look like they were probably right too.



http://www.irishairpics.com/images/images/mdwyer_n510w_01M.jpg

http://www.irishairpics.com/images/images/1007409M.jpg


With Si's positivity, I guess she has had a recent paint job?

If I see it again I'll train my six mega-pixels at it and try and get the reg.

I think the 430 is probably the most likely candidate, but I'll take a closer look at the top cowling if I see it again.
...and had the reg moved and reduced in size!!!!

:E
SS

[etd]

I believe it is the original paint job, first registered in japan, then south america, coporate heli in north america, then on to Ireland.Will be flying eggp to eglk on monday !Keep an eye out.

[Whirlygig]

That'll be Liverpool John Lennon to Blackbushe then?!

Cheers

Whirls