British Grand Prix 2010: Silverstone Heliport

[md 600 driver]

TorqueTorque says

Hmmm, I also thought it might be like that but when I heard that over half the available slots have been reserved (as of last Friday) I booked mine.

Operators that don't reserve will be disappointed.

Alikado says

Slot allocation Silverstone 2010

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"...no slot allocation until the end of February" is the Heli Air response when you phone them.

Which one is it why can some book and some cant?

[TorqueTorque]

I think this is just a play / confusion on the words 'reserved', 'booked', and 'slot allocation'. In the final analysis the administrators handling it all take the bookings / reservations as they come in and will confirm slots as soon as they can. Best that all enquiries are directed to H A Wycombe.

[finals06]

Silverstone Heliport

I am reading all of this with interest and wondered why it is that Heli Air are unable to confirm slots at present? Surely as operators themselves they appreciate the need to know exactly what the situation is. I understand there are ongoing discussions with the CAA. What is the problem??

[TorqueTorque]

The race course has changed shape and there's a new part to the track. This has moved the FATO which has lead to debate / discussion over the volume of slots. Do trust / believe that HA is doing all that is possible to sort this asap.

[verticalhold]

I'd love to trust/believe HA. My prior experience leeds me to be believe that HA have bitten off more than they can chew and will not care about other operators.

My opinion of them remains low. Silverstone operators have always known slots by now. The situation needs sorting.

Torque Torque you should declare you interest or remain silent.

[TorqueTorque]

Only trying to explain why there's a delay. Some people can't see the woods for the trees, or they just don't want to. You've been told the truth, the whole truth, but silence is golden as they say (whoever they are). Just call when you need an update, otherwise I will remain quiet.

[fluffy5]

I think Heli air need a chance to sort out there slot system, It is their first or second time in having ago at this. I'm sure the previous operator when they first took the contract were not perfect.
But as for training, flying experience and driving. It has been done before, for the last ten years and does generate positive input into the industry, however the general amount of turn over of poling R22 and R44 in experience flights for 30 minutes or less just does not bring in positive profit.

fluffy

[finals06]

Silverstone Heliport

Not being funny, but what experience do HA have of running a heliport of this sort of scale?

[Sliding Doors]

Not being funny, but what experience do HA have of running a heliport of this sort of scale?

Answers on the back of a postage stamp?

Given the track changes and the changes to the FATO you'd have thought using the previous experienced guys would have been the most sensible option

I too fear HA are well out of their depth Hope I'm proved wrong, but the early signs aren't reassuring.

[cyclic_fondler]

Given the track changes and the changes to the FATO you'd have thought using the previous experienced guys would have been the most sensible option

Do we know if any of the previous experienced guys bothered to tender for this?

I doubt if it's HA intention to mess anybody about with the slots whether the slots are for the big operators or the private pilots flying their friends in.

It seems from reading previous threads about HA, people treat them like marmite, either you like them or you hate them!

[Alikado]

Slots

"Do we know if any of the previous experienced guys bothered to tender for this?"

Yes, based on their very successful previous nine years. But Silverstone obviously wanted a permanent heliport which I understand wasn't mentioned in their brief so they'd already made their mind up. By the way, the control tower was bulldozed into the ground before all this..."

I doubt if it's HA intention to mess anybody about with the slots whether the slots are for the big operators or the private pilots flying their friends in.

As far as slots are concerned - Private pilots AND their friends AND Commercial operators - scary stuff!

[finals06]

Silverstone Heliport

Rumour going round that Mike Woodley from Aces High is involved. Bandits at 9 o'clock!

[iainms]

I think that would be Mark Woodley who works for HA at Wellesbourne !

[j_foreigner]

I heard that Heli Air are now offering booking confirmations for Silverstone slot times. The plans for this year's GP weekend must have been received well by the relevant authorities if they are taking this step?

I hope so, nothing beats flying into the middle of the circuit!

[finals06]

Silverstone Heliport

I have also heard that commercial operators won't be allowed in until 09.00 local. If that's the case it should make it interesting!

[TorqueTorque]

Yes, Heli Air has confirmed that all the recent dialogue with the relevant authorities has been successful to the point that it can now confirm slots for the F1 Grand Prix, please contact HA on 01494 769976.

[LZCUTTER]

You Torque the Torque, now lets see if HA can walk the walk !

[TorqueTorque]

Thanks LZCUTTER, I'm sure HA will do its best. After all has been said and is being done, Heli Air is the only authorised heliport operator that can get you into the Silverstone circuit. Heli Air will provide a very good service and (information for finals06) it's totally inaccurate that commercial operators cannot go in before 09:00, but true that non-commercial cannot go in after that time (09:00) or exit before 18:00. Call Heli Air on 01494 769976.

[Minty Fresh]

Silverstone have now been given the go ahead to use the new revised Moto GP "Arena" section for the F1 race as well.

Could make things a little tight for space!!

autosport.com - F1 News: Silverstone to use new track for 2010 GP

[finals06]

Silverstone Heliport

Does anyone know how many gates there will be this year? And what about parking?