Md900 G-coth

[bolkow]

I cannot get my head around the question why Trinity House opted to use this aircraft for thier lighthouse contract in a clear departure from the EC135T2+'s both Scotland and Ireland have opted to use.
As I understand it it offers six seats which the EC135 can match and beat (seven). There does not appear to be any gain to my mind from the figures when you compare useful loads between both types. I am genuinely trying to understand the rationale if someone can explain it to me, as the Explorer seems to cost more than the EC135 to operate per hour from the figures available that I have seen?

[vortexadminman]

Here we go 902 vs 135 blah blah blah............ because they know what they are doing and they have done it, thats the reason.:ugh:

[Helinut]

I would guess that TH put the thing out to tender. Whilst we can strain over the differences between types, they may not care. So long as it does the job they really wouldn't be bothered if a winged horse was used, or a Land Rover slung under a balloon.

Choice was probably down to the money, although I have no inside knowledge of that. Whether it can do the job only time will tell.

[bolkow]

but Vortexadmin, the point is they have'nt. I do not know of a previous instance of the MD900 being used in that role. I dont want to start a general thread bashing either machine, just trying to understand the rationale applied, if any.

Perhaps as the sec9ond response suggests it merely was chosen from a tender on the basis of the bottom line. If that is the case, then it answers my question and corrects my assumption that it was any sort of in detail examination of facts performance and figures.

[ShyTorque]

I cannot get my head around the question why Trinity House opted to use this aircraft for thier lighthouse contract in a clear departure from the EC135T2+'s both Scotland and Ireland have opted to use.

You could always write to them and ask....

[bolkow]

I could but figured if the driver was a reader of this forum he might provide the answer quicker. Besides I doubt that commericial information of that detail would be freely given out on request.

[206 jock]

I can't understand why Saracens rugby club signed Gavin Henson, as he appears to be an arrogant t**t. As a welshman, you might know. Could you explain please?

I guess the club management weighed up the options, decided that it was the right decision and made it. But I just can't understand it.:ugh:


I met the TH people last September and they seemed perfectly rational, normal, sensible business people. I'm sure they made the decision based on a combination of factors, not just the whim of a moment.

[Hughes500]

Er so what if it hasnt been used before and everyone else is using a 135, doesnt mean everyone else is right ? From what I am told the MD is a very capable machine has advantages over the 135 and disadvantages.

[handysnaks]

EC 135- 6 seats in the back, 1 extra in the front
MD 902 6 seats in the back, 1 extra in the front

[500e]

Perhaps this will help from Trinity house site


Press Releases

New helicopter contract for Trinity House

05/01/2011
In a ceremony this afternoon (Wednesday 5 January) the new Trinity House contract helicopter was officially named Satellite.
Onboard THV Galatea in Harwich members of the helicopter operator Police Aviation Services and senior members of the Trinity House operations team met to celebrate the start of the new helicopter contract between the two organisations.
The new contract will bring economic and service efficiencies and will better reflect the modern maintenance and operational requirements of the Service.
Speaking after the ceremony Rear Admiral Sir Jeremy de Halpert, Executive Chairman of Trinity House, commented, ‘It was important to us to be able to mark the start of the new helicopter contract as it forms such a vital part of our day to day maintenance and operation. We took the opportunity of having the helicopter in Harwich undertaking flight training and crew familiarisation to do this.’
Earlier in the day Harwich-based Trinity House staff had the opportunity to view the helicopter up close, for many the only time they will ever get to see her as she will usually be based in the South West in order to service the many offshore lighthouses in that area.
Police Aviation Services secured the contract for the provision of helicopter operations for Trinity House following a competitive tender.
Notes To Editors

1. Trinity House
Trinity House is the General Lighthouse Authority (GLA) for England and Wales, with responsibility for nearly 600 Aids to Navigation, from traditional aids such as lighthouses, buoys and beacons to the latest satellite navigation technology. In addition it inspects over 10,000 local Aids to Navigation provided by port and harbour authorities, and those positioned on offshore structures.
Incorporated by Royal Charter in 1514, the Corporation is also a major maritime charity, wholly funded by its endowments. The Corporation spends around £3m each year on its charitable activities including welfare of mariners, education and training, the promotion of safety at sea, and its role as a Deep Sea Pilotage Authority.
More information can be found at www.trinityhouse.co.uk (http://www.trinityhouse.co.uk/)

2. Police Aviation Services
Police Aviation Services Ltd is part of the Gloucestershire based Specialist Aviation Services Group.
The company has been providing aircraft, pilots, maintenance services as well as special training for public service and other specialist flying operations for over 25 years.
The Group currently supports a fleet of over thirty police helicopters and air ambulances both in the UK and elsewhere around the world.
For more information visit www.specialist-aviation.com (http://www.specialist-aviation.com/)



Image Gallery (http://www.trinityhouse.co.uk/media_centre/image_gallery/index.html)
Press Releases (http://www.trinityhouse.co.uk/media_centre/press_releases/index.html)
2011 (http://www.trinityhouse.co.uk/media_centre/press_releases/2011/index.html)
2010 (http://www.trinityhouse.co.uk/media_centre/press_releases/2010/index.html)
2009 (http://www.trinityhouse.co.uk/media_centre/press_releases/2009/index.html)
2008 (http://www.trinityhouse.co.uk/media_centre/press_releases/2008/index.html)
2007 (http://www.trinityhouse.co.uk/media_centre/press_releases/2007/index.html)
2006 (http://www.trinityhouse.co.uk/media_centre/press_releases/2006/index.html)
2005 (http://www.trinityhouse.co.uk/media_centre/press_releases/2005/index.html)
Press Enquiries (http://www.trinityhouse.co.uk/media_centre/contact_us.html)
FAQs (http://www.trinityhouse.co.uk/media_centre/faqs.html)
Horizon (http://www.trinityhouse.co.uk/media_centre/horizon.html)
Vessel Drawings (http://www.trinityhouse.co.uk/aids_to_navigation/the_task/vessel_drawings.html)

[RVDT]

Why they probably wouldn't use an EC machine -

Since 2000, the SAS group has been owned by Elite Helicopters Holding NV (previously RDM Aerospace BV), a Dutch industrial concern that also owns a significant interest in MD Helicopters Inc. MDHI manufactures the MD902 Explorer, the mainstay of the SAS fleet.