Helicopter magazines
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Helicopter magazines
Bit of a long shot here,
Does anyone know of any magazines available from UK newsagents that primarily feature helicopters.
I am fed up with the lack of apparent coverage in the mainstream press and need to find something to satisfy my cravings.
Obscop
Does anyone know of any magazines available from UK newsagents that primarily feature helicopters.
I am fed up with the lack of apparent coverage in the mainstream press and need to find something to satisfy my cravings.
Obscop
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I dont think there are any helicopter magazines you can get in a newsagent and for me the main ones I read are these three:
1. Rotor & Wing - which is free and you can subscribe herehttp://www.omeda.com/rw/
2. Heli-Ops - great articles and photos which you can subscibe to from here and they are from New Zealand I think.
http://www.heli-ops.com/
3. Vertical - another good magazine with superba articles and photos from Canada.
http://www.verticalmag.com
Now and again you will find a few helicopter articles in Flight International and some of the pilot magazines which you can getin your newsagent.
Also PHPA(Professional Helicopter Pilots Association) give you a subscription to Autorotate when you join them - http://www.autorotate.org/autorotate/
And of course HAI(Helicopter Assocation International) give you a subscription to Rotor when you join them - a very resourceful magazine - http://www.rotor.com/
Let me know if you know of any others.
1. Rotor & Wing - which is free and you can subscribe herehttp://www.omeda.com/rw/
2. Heli-Ops - great articles and photos which you can subscibe to from here and they are from New Zealand I think.
http://www.heli-ops.com/
3. Vertical - another good magazine with superba articles and photos from Canada.
http://www.verticalmag.com
Now and again you will find a few helicopter articles in Flight International and some of the pilot magazines which you can getin your newsagent.
Also PHPA(Professional Helicopter Pilots Association) give you a subscription to Autorotate when you join them - http://www.autorotate.org/autorotate/
And of course HAI(Helicopter Assocation International) give you a subscription to Rotor when you join them - a very resourceful magazine - http://www.rotor.com/
Let me know if you know of any others.
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and there are these which are produced in the UK
Helicopter International
HeliData
see http://www.helidata.rotor.com
Helicopter World
Defence Helicopter
more info on both at www.shephard.co.uk and you will see them listed in the Publications menu on the left hand side
Helicopter International
HeliData
see http://www.helidata.rotor.com
Helicopter World
Defence Helicopter
more info on both at www.shephard.co.uk and you will see them listed in the Publications menu on the left hand side
Hovering AND talking
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The Helicopter Club of Great Britain produces a magazine called RotorTorque but you would have to be a member to receive it.
However, I understand that the previous editor of that magazine left in order to start her own helicopter publication - so there may be another magazine available shortly.
Cheers
Whirlygig
However, I understand that the previous editor of that magazine left in order to start her own helicopter publication - so there may be another magazine available shortly.
Cheers
Whirlygig
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The HCGB magazine RotorTorque is now edited by Pat Malone, a top aviation writer, helicopter pilot and Rotorheads contributor. I haven't seen a copy yet, but friends who belong to the HC tell me it's excellent.
Pat Malone also now edits 'General Aviation' the AOPA magazine and has transformed that into an interesting publication.
Pat Malone also now edits 'General Aviation' the AOPA magazine and has transformed that into an interesting publication.
Reading about helicopters downunder
Just a few notes on some of what you can read from the Australasian area.
Heli-Ops International is an excellent magazine which covers the world. NZ based. A photojournalist’s delight. More info: www.heli-ops.com
Pacific Wings is also an excellent magazine covering FW and RW in New Zealand. Some jobs advertised. More info: www.nzwings.co.nz
NZ Aviation News is a tabloid format with a good RW coverage of NZ. Some jobs advertised. More info: www.aviationnews.co.nz
Australian Aviation magazine. Covers airlines, military and GA. Has CASA register updates. Some RW news. No jobs. Largest circulation in region. More info: www.ausaviation.com.au
Aviation Trader is a trading type newspaper format. All adverts, no news but reasonable jobs coverage. More info: www.aviationtrader.com.au
Heli-News Australasia is a magazine which covers region plus world news. Jobs wanted ads and has a job clipping service insert. More info: www.heli-news.com.au
Heli-Ops International is an excellent magazine which covers the world. NZ based. A photojournalist’s delight. More info: www.heli-ops.com
Pacific Wings is also an excellent magazine covering FW and RW in New Zealand. Some jobs advertised. More info: www.nzwings.co.nz
NZ Aviation News is a tabloid format with a good RW coverage of NZ. Some jobs advertised. More info: www.aviationnews.co.nz
Australian Aviation magazine. Covers airlines, military and GA. Has CASA register updates. Some RW news. No jobs. Largest circulation in region. More info: www.ausaviation.com.au
Aviation Trader is a trading type newspaper format. All adverts, no news but reasonable jobs coverage. More info: www.aviationtrader.com.au
Heli-News Australasia is a magazine which covers region plus world news. Jobs wanted ads and has a job clipping service insert. More info: www.heli-news.com.au
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One of the strange things about the helicopter industry is that none of the magazines are generally available outside the industry. Unless Vertical and Heli-Ops have decided to be available to the great unwashed, all the magazines are what is known as controlled circulation. You can only get the magazine if you fit the profile.
I know there's a lot of interest in helicopters, but you just can't read anything about it unless you're already in the industry.
I know there's a lot of interest in helicopters, but you just can't read anything about it unless you're already in the industry.
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While non of the helicopter mags can be found on a newstand (it's just too specialist a subject), many can be purchased by anyone, on subscription. The down side is you must pay up front for a year's supply. The good news is that it arrives automatically in the mail.
If you're smart, you'll have organised your company's copy, possibly on expenses, and will have accidently filed your home address on the application. This way, you get to read all the job ads before the other guys in the crewroom.
The old tricks are the best tricks, methinks!
Incidently, to those concerned that Autorotate and/or others' excellent photography might never again grace the pages of Pprune, why not buy a subscription to his (or any other) rotorcraft publication, guarantee your personal access to all those great shots, AND help secure the future of helicopter journalism. The truth is publishing magazines costs, and the money has to come from somewhere. On balance, it is better if not all of it comes from advertisers.
The fact I get to put shoes on the kid's feet doesn't enter into it
Dan (an ex-editor of a helicopter mag)
If you're smart, you'll have organised your company's copy, possibly on expenses, and will have accidently
filed your home address on the application. This way, you get to read all the job ads before the other guys in the crewroom. The old tricks are the best tricks, methinks!
Incidently, to those concerned that Autorotate and/or others' excellent photography might never again grace the pages of Pprune, why not buy a subscription to his (or any other) rotorcraft publication, guarantee your personal access to all those great shots, AND help secure the future of helicopter journalism. The truth is publishing magazines costs, and the money has to come from somewhere. On balance, it is better if not all of it comes from advertisers.
The fact I get to put shoes on the kid's feet doesn't enter into it
Dan (an ex-editor of a helicopter mag)
Last edited by Dantruck; 7th May 2004 at 16:28.
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to those concerned that Autorotate's excellent photography might never again grace the pages of Pprune
Autorotate dealt extremely well with that nonsense a few weeks ago and continues to post his stunning photographs for our enjoyment.
That's not meant to detract from the point you make about subscribing to Neville's magazine. Heli Ops is superb, with interesting features about a wide variety of heli ops all over the world.
Heliport
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Dan,
Heli Ops is actually available in selected places on the newstands, which is done for the benefit of those advertising training schools. I am slowly working on getting it out there more but distributors want at least 50% off the cover price, plus you pay for the shipping, their internal freight costs etc etc so bottom line it costs me more to put them on the newstands in the US than I actucally make out of it. UK is not so bad but you have to start with a min of 10,000 copies and then whatever they dont sell they throw away. Again if they only sell 1000 its not good for business.
While civil heli industry mags are looked on more as specialist titles my military aviation magazine has much more appeal from the general public, I think purely from an interest point of view.
Rob and a couple of others pointed out that Heli Ops is based in NZ. Thats right but we are a worldwide magazine, with coverage from all over. For example this next issue has long lining in Switzerland, US Border Patrol ops in Yuma, AZ, Volcano support ops in Monseratt and two safety type features on squibs and hoisting ops and confined area landings, plus Mott Stachfield's Flight Dynamics column. There is always something there for everyone. (If its too much promo Heliport delete what you feel like).
There are some good magazines out there, but my opinion is Rotor and Wing and Helicopter World didnt deliver what the industry wanted. Heli Ops and Vertical have bought progressive magazines to the industry that have great visual appeal with some awesome images. Mike (Vertical) and I always try to outdo each other on the images and its the readers that benefit.
Its interesting to see Shephard bring Helicopter World back for two "special" issues a year after being gone for some time. In my opinion it doesnt show much support for the industry when they shut the thing down when the industry is in tough times, and then try and relaunch it when the industry picks up. But time will tell if they succeed or not.
Helicopter International is a great publication for news items. Elfan does a great job at collecting info from around the place. Heli News in Australia also has a great jobs section and thats important for newbies looking for work.
RotorBlatt in Germany is a good german language magazine as is the Swiss one but I cant remember its name. If you want newspaper type ones to look at for aircraft sales then Universal Helicopter is worth looking at. Rotor magazine is HAI's own publication and has some good stories on their members but since its the association magazine they only include coverage if you are an HAI member. American Helicopter Society also have their own magazine, Vertiflite I think it is and it has some great technical type stories. Well worth a read if you like the how it all works type stories.
Overall here is my rating, trying to take my Heli Ops involvement hat off for the moment.
Heli Ops & Vertical (Joint First Place)
Helicopter World Special Editions (2nd Place)
Rotor & Wing
I havent included the other regional pubs as each is so different to the other. I think its great that each region also has its own magazine because in some cases magazines such as Heli Ops, Vertical, Rotor & Wing etc cant give adequate coverage to a specific area or location because we have to try and be fair to everyone, and like the old saying goes, you againt going to please everyone all of the time.
Oh and Dan
Yes you are right about being a better pilot but you can continue to live in fantasy land about the photography
Ned
Heli Ops is actually available in selected places on the newstands, which is done for the benefit of those advertising training schools. I am slowly working on getting it out there more but distributors want at least 50% off the cover price, plus you pay for the shipping, their internal freight costs etc etc so bottom line it costs me more to put them on the newstands in the US than I actucally make out of it. UK is not so bad but you have to start with a min of 10,000 copies and then whatever they dont sell they throw away. Again if they only sell 1000 its not good for business.
While civil heli industry mags are looked on more as specialist titles my military aviation magazine has much more appeal from the general public, I think purely from an interest point of view.
Rob and a couple of others pointed out that Heli Ops is based in NZ. Thats right but we are a worldwide magazine, with coverage from all over. For example this next issue has long lining in Switzerland, US Border Patrol ops in Yuma, AZ, Volcano support ops in Monseratt and two safety type features on squibs and hoisting ops and confined area landings, plus Mott Stachfield's Flight Dynamics column. There is always something there for everyone. (If its too much promo Heliport delete what you feel like).
There are some good magazines out there, but my opinion is Rotor and Wing and Helicopter World didnt deliver what the industry wanted. Heli Ops and Vertical have bought progressive magazines to the industry that have great visual appeal with some awesome images. Mike (Vertical) and I always try to outdo each other on the images and its the readers that benefit.
Its interesting to see Shephard bring Helicopter World back for two "special" issues a year after being gone for some time. In my opinion it doesnt show much support for the industry when they shut the thing down when the industry is in tough times, and then try and relaunch it when the industry picks up. But time will tell if they succeed or not.
Helicopter International is a great publication for news items. Elfan does a great job at collecting info from around the place. Heli News in Australia also has a great jobs section and thats important for newbies looking for work.
RotorBlatt in Germany is a good german language magazine as is the Swiss one but I cant remember its name. If you want newspaper type ones to look at for aircraft sales then Universal Helicopter is worth looking at. Rotor magazine is HAI's own publication and has some good stories on their members but since its the association magazine they only include coverage if you are an HAI member. American Helicopter Society also have their own magazine, Vertiflite I think it is and it has some great technical type stories. Well worth a read if you like the how it all works type stories.
Overall here is my rating, trying to take my Heli Ops involvement hat off for the moment.
Heli Ops & Vertical (Joint First Place)
Helicopter World Special Editions (2nd Place)
Rotor & Wing
I havent included the other regional pubs as each is so different to the other. I think its great that each region also has its own magazine because in some cases magazines such as Heli Ops, Vertical, Rotor & Wing etc cant give adequate coverage to a specific area or location because we have to try and be fair to everyone, and like the old saying goes, you againt going to please everyone all of the time.
Oh and Dan
even if I am a better snapper and a better pilot than he is
Ned
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K77, you seem to be all over..
As a little advice for newbies, I'd add my impression.
I subscribed to Helicopter International. It's very useful periodical, but after initial rush of having 'heli mag' in hands, although reading every issue (6 issues a year) almost through and through for over year, I don't find it so useful for someone just starting training or with keen interest.
It's of much more value to a pro. All the R&D articles, short 'regional news' covering latest companies and aircraft movements/changes etc by continents, articles about something of a historical importance, military 'corner' (middle of mag with mil news), database of mil and civ RW aircraft by state, 'accident spot' with very brief two sentence stats facts etc.
Ie, reading it to 'be in the know' in the industry.
I did look into Heli Ops in the past on their website. From what I've seen and from what Autorotate just mentioned, I find it more interesting for someone to 'get a taster' of the industry thanks to variety of articles.
Plus visually very appealing :-D You know it feels good to check out the curves (of the gear) and the place she could be found (outdoors on a mission)
Can't tell of Vertical, but Autorotate suggests it's his main competition, so..
To sum it up, Helicopter International is important, but more for a pro than wannabe/trainee pilot. I went for it as I live in the UK, but will probably go for Heli Ops or something of that kind next year, as H. Int'l would (hopefully) be useful more in 3-5 years' time :-P
I'll check out some heli mags I'd find around FTO I'm starting with soon, if I find anything relevant, might add to my post.
As a little advice for newbies, I'd add my impression.
I subscribed to Helicopter International. It's very useful periodical, but after initial rush of having 'heli mag' in hands, although reading every issue (6 issues a year) almost through and through for over year, I don't find it so useful for someone just starting training or with keen interest.
It's of much more value to a pro. All the R&D articles, short 'regional news' covering latest companies and aircraft movements/changes etc by continents, articles about something of a historical importance, military 'corner' (middle of mag with mil news), database of mil and civ RW aircraft by state, 'accident spot' with very brief two sentence stats facts etc.
Ie, reading it to 'be in the know' in the industry.
I did look into Heli Ops in the past on their website. From what I've seen and from what Autorotate just mentioned, I find it more interesting for someone to 'get a taster' of the industry thanks to variety of articles.
Plus visually very appealing :-D You know it feels good to check out the curves (of the gear) and the place she could be found (outdoors on a mission)
Can't tell of Vertical, but Autorotate suggests it's his main competition, so..
To sum it up, Helicopter International is important, but more for a pro than wannabe/trainee pilot. I went for it as I live in the UK, but will probably go for Heli Ops or something of that kind next year, as H. Int'l would (hopefully) be useful more in 3-5 years' time :-P
I'll check out some heli mags I'd find around FTO I'm starting with soon, if I find anything relevant, might add to my post.
Martinchu is right ...Helicopter International is very much about news ,much of it exclusive and betraying the contacts the editor has with the worldwide industry....it doesn't do arty-farty or long articles but fills a unique niche ,complementing Vertical and Rotor and Wing etc that go in more for features. It's the only decent mag in the UK now ,if you exclude the specialist Helicopter ife and Rotortoque.
For sales and training HeliData is the only helicopter fortnightly option I know of ...the advertising is on the web but the news side costs a lot...it digs behind the bland press releases but is really for those who want to know what their competitors and their own companies are up to !
For sales and training HeliData is the only helicopter fortnightly option I know of ...the advertising is on the web but the news side costs a lot...it digs behind the bland press releases but is really for those who want to know what their competitors and their own companies are up to !
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Just to add it to the list as I don't see anyone mentioning it there is a free supplement 'Blades' which is all about helicopters which comes with every second issue of the free 'Loop' newspaper, which you can subscribe to here http://www.loop.aero/.?_act=my_account3540 . Often some nice photos and good articles by the likes of Dennis Kenyon. Just a pity it doesn't come out with every issue of Loop.
As an aside has anyone in the UK had a mail-order copy of Heli-Ops from NZ recently? Reason I ask is that I subscribed months ago (March) and despite my money having been taken from my mastercard account have received no magazines.
Cheers,
M.
As an aside has anyone in the UK had a mail-order copy of Heli-Ops from NZ recently? Reason I ask is that I subscribed months ago (March) and despite my money having been taken from my mastercard account have received no magazines.
Cheers,
M.
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McBad - HeliOps is a bi-monthly magazine. If you subscribed in March then it would be the May/June issue which you get first and that is coming out in about two weeks. Hope that helps.
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Helicopter Publications
Have to put in a note for LOOP. Available free on registration. I write a helicopter piece every month and more omprehensively every quarter in the all helicopeter issue, BLADES, also available on registration.
Subjects covered to date, Include. 100 years of helicopters. Reviews of HeliTech and HAI events. Engine failure, tail rotor failure handling. Instrument flying, decision making for heli pilots, aerobatic handling, age discrimination, (I should know about that one!) air tests on various types including the new Guimbal G2 two seat trainer, reports on the BK117 Air Ambulance operation with Sterling Helicopters and the S-61N with the Portland SAR team, plus the eceteras, but another sixteen articles in all. All these can be viewed on the LOOP web. www.loop.aero. You will also find the LOOP TV where the G2 air test video and the MD 500 flight across London on H3 & H4 can be viewed.
As a break from the routine, last month was the latest on Battersea, (now London Heliport) and the PremiAir operation and for June, there is a piece on a forced landing at night in a Meteor V11. Circa 1953!
Hope our moderators will allow the plug for a very heli supportive publication, even if Jeremy Clarkson wasn't too keen on the Editor! So sad!
Best wishes all,
Dennis Kenyon.
Subjects covered to date, Include. 100 years of helicopters. Reviews of HeliTech and HAI events. Engine failure, tail rotor failure handling. Instrument flying, decision making for heli pilots, aerobatic handling, age discrimination, (I should know about that one!) air tests on various types including the new Guimbal G2 two seat trainer, reports on the BK117 Air Ambulance operation with Sterling Helicopters and the S-61N with the Portland SAR team, plus the eceteras, but another sixteen articles in all. All these can be viewed on the LOOP web. www.loop.aero. You will also find the LOOP TV where the G2 air test video and the MD 500 flight across London on H3 & H4 can be viewed.
As a break from the routine, last month was the latest on Battersea, (now London Heliport) and the PremiAir operation and for June, there is a piece on a forced landing at night in a Meteor V11. Circa 1953!
Hope our moderators will allow the plug for a very heli supportive publication, even if Jeremy Clarkson wasn't too keen on the Editor! So sad!
Best wishes all,
Dennis Kenyon.