Landing site near the NEC
Purveyor of Egg Liqueur to Lucifer
Commenting again, in thread order;
Do Earls Court or Olympia?
At least the NEC has BHX next door
Just like the ones that every football ground/concert arena in the country have...or (b) !
More like blatant business practise. 
Besides, is it really as simple as just using up a couple of places in the car park, as some here may think?
British Helicopter Association | Guidelines
In the case of the NEC etc, I particularly like the article,
GUIDANCE FOR EVENT ORGANISERS AND
HELICOPTER OPERATORS AT SPECIAL EVENTS
And in the case of the NEC, that is BHX 
At which point Joel loses the discussion 
Would that be the same British GP at Silverstone, held at the ex-WW2 Bomber Station? There is an unbelievable organisation behind the Heli Ops for such an event, see BHAB link above.
And where exactly would this be?
Afraid I couldn't see anywhere amongst the 400ft pylons, 30ft lighting poles, hotels, lake, industrial units, captive balloons, Motorway etc that would present itself as a suitable and safe site as I flew over this very afternoon.
A nice quote from a 'Self Appointed Mod' with no powers!
May I suggest that the forum title is re-read;
"Rotorheads A haven for professional helicopter pilots to discuss the things that affect them."
Traditionally, I read it as, for 'professional pilots'.
Unfortunately, the thing with traditions is that they need to be kept going otherwise any old oik will be throwing in their two-penneths worth here
Very relevant, I suggest that's one of the reasons why it was eventually chosen to be built where it is. I would also suggest that off airfield operations were fairly low on the list for the early designers and I wonder why it is that 'corporate' aircraft tend to be wheeled!
The problem with speaking out for the majority is that as soon as you say that you are speaking for the majority, you find out that you aren't. 
Why don't you save the cost of the low loader and just land in the car park anyway?
So, just to get this straight, those directions don't apply to the fortunate 0.01% then. So how do you get to those International Conference Centres with no helipads around? That's right, land at the local airport and jump in a taxi
Missed the point? I think you've 'gone round' m8.
This is hard to believe. The UK's NATIONAL Exhibition Centre doesn't have a heli-pad?
At least the NEC has BHX next door
Yes, I understand that but with a venue where thousands congregate I'd have thought a proper helipad/parking would have been in the plans. Then again ..............
I can park my car at this hotel for free, but not my helicopter. If I'd turned up in a Bugatti Veyron costing twice as much as my machine I could have parked it in their car park for free. Blatant profiteering.
Besides, is it really as simple as just using up a couple of places in the car park, as some here may think?
British Helicopter Association | Guidelines
In the case of the NEC etc, I particularly like the article,
GUIDANCE FOR EVENT ORGANISERS AND
HELICOPTER OPERATORS AT SPECIAL EVENTS
With regard to the NEC, and any other similar venue, the idea behind use of a helicopter is to get as close as possible to the venue.
Your (handysnaks) comments appear to be heli-unfriendly. In which case what are you doing on this forum? Let me guess your an environmentalist.
If the aim of places such as the NEC is to get as many feet through the door, then why exclude feet arriving by heli? There are very many events that are far more congested than the NEC, both in terms of visitors vs. footprint (the British GP is an obvious example). I don't see any H&S or environmental issues at these?
The NEC has an enormous amount of land that could easily be used to accommodate heli traffic whilst compromising neither H&S regs nor income from visitors arriving via alternative means of transport.
Afraid I couldn't see anywhere amongst the 400ft pylons, 30ft lighting poles, hotels, lake, industrial units, captive balloons, Motorway etc that would present itself as a suitable and safe site as I flew over this very afternoon.
But this forum, which you are welcome to be a member of, is for people who are traditionally pro-heli.
May I suggest that the forum title is re-read;
"Rotorheads A haven for professional helicopter pilots to discuss the things that affect them."
Traditionally, I read it as, for 'professional pilots'.
Unfortunately, the thing with traditions is that they need to be kept going otherwise any old oik will be throwing in their two-penneths worth here
The fact that a major airport is close, is quite frankly irrelevant, helicopters are by their very nature designed to land 'off airfield' and that's one of the reasons why we fly them.
On this occasion, you don't agree (and that's fine), but I think you will find that the majority of us do agree that the NEC should and could accommodate them.
I've just had a great idea.How about we rent a flatback HGV/low loader. Park it at the NEC and then land on that !!!
SilsoeSid
With respect, I think you've missed the point. Obviously, those directions pages are addressing Joe Public, because 99.99% of Joe Publics don't have regular access to a heli.
With respect, I think you've missed the point. Obviously, those directions pages are addressing Joe Public, because 99.99% of Joe Publics don't have regular access to a heli.
Missed the point? I think you've 'gone round' m8.
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Silsoe Sid,
Are you a Heli pilot ?
If so you need to consider another hobby or profession as you clearly don't like heli's. And if you seriously can't find an area at the NEC that's suitable for landing then I'm amazed.
Just out of interest, where should we have HLS's ?
This forum is for people that like them.
Joel
Are you a Heli pilot ?
If so you need to consider another hobby or profession as you clearly don't like heli's. And if you seriously can't find an area at the NEC that's suitable for landing then I'm amazed.
Just out of interest, where should we have HLS's ?
This forum is for people that like them.
Joel
Purveyor of Egg Liqueur to Lucifer
Joel's point is two-fold: first, don't rip off people arriving in a heli, just because they arrive in a heli and second, why would a heli arrival want to pay £70+ to park at an international airport if there is the possibility of parking at the event (without affecting H&S, revenue from other visitors, etc.)?
It is a business, simple as!
Do you really think that the NEC would let you park your heli there free of charge if they knew you were evading paying £70 just across the road!
The NEC has plenty of space for [at least] one helipad. As Shytorque said, if senior mgt of the NEC can't sort it out, I suspect there are other reasons that we don't know about but, as far as I can see, there is no obvious commercial, environmental or risk issue that would prevent helis landing adjacent to the NEC.
Are you suggesting that when I fly down to Celtic Manor to watch the Ryder Cup in a couple of weeks (a major event with 000's of visitors and next to an international airport), I should land at EGTG instead of its helipad (albeit £150 landing fee for non-residents )?
The Rotorheads forum is usually for those people who like everything helicopter and would like to use them for what they were designed for, namely, landing the f
king thing right outside the front door. Not unreasonable considering its a HELICOPTER!!
king thing right outside the front door. Not unreasonable considering its a HELICOPTER!!
Guys, if you lot don't think that major public venues, having appropriate regard for all the usual issues, shouldn't be helicopter friendly then fk off to another forum. Because most of us here are pro-heli!
k off to another forum. Because most of us here are pro-heli!
The clue may well be in your term, 'Major Public Venues'. These tend to be in congested areas, with many people simply bumbling about, possibly after a few wets post event, and they often hold events that go on 'til late (dark).
If venues such as the NEC thought it profitable or necessary as an addition to their site, they would have looked into it and taken action. I think however, that you may find they may have and weren't prepared to take the risk both in financial or flight safety terms
I know not everyone would agree with that, but all I and a few others are saying is that we're not really expecting something completely ridiculous.
Silsoe Sid,
Are you a Heli pilot ?
If so you need to consider another hobby or profession as you clearly don't like heli's. And if you seriously can't find an area at the NEC that's suitable for landing then I'm amazed.
Just out of interest, where should we have HLS's ?
This forum is for people that like them.
Joel
Are you a Heli pilot ?
If so you need to consider another hobby or profession as you clearly don't like heli's. And if you seriously can't find an area at the NEC that's suitable for landing then I'm amazed.
Just out of interest, where should we have HLS's ?
This forum is for people that like them.
Joel
In reference to the NEC, I could land there if it was required, because I can. Unfortunately for the reasons you may wish to land there, it is my opinion, that there is no 'safe area' for you to 'operate' from without a substantial amount of money being spent. And who would end up paying for it all?
Those that use both the HLS and the car park, as fees would increase.
SilsoeSid
Are you a kleptomaniac?! Why use 20 fragmented posts when one will do?!! Very odd. Anyway, to try and keep up with your ramblings, nobody's suggested 'free landings', only fees comensurate with the service delivered. And if the addition of a pad increases traffic, the surely that increases revenues (just thought i'd add the 'ugh' icon as you seem to be so fond of them).
As for landing at Earls Court or Olympia, there's the small matter of congested area and class A, otherwise great idea!!! In fact, there's an airport just around the corner - LHR. Let's invite R22s to that and charge them, say, £500 to land and park - why on earth would I want to land at the event when there's such a great airport to land my helicopter just around the corner?
To be honest, I can't be bothered to respond to most of your posts, but my comment on the landing fees at Celtic manor was an ironic reference to the original point about ripping off heli visitors; I never said I was happy about it...?! Wasted on you obviously. I suggest you re-read the thread, before posting any more - or is there a special badge for posting 20 consecutive comments?
Finally, if you're worried about flying near hotels and lakes, industrial units and motorways, i suggest you take ulcer tablets, cos there ain't too many landing sites that don't have these old chap ooops, sorry! I meant
Are you a kleptomaniac?! Why use 20 fragmented posts when one will do?!! Very odd. Anyway, to try and keep up with your ramblings, nobody's suggested 'free landings', only fees comensurate with the service delivered. And if the addition of a pad increases traffic, the surely that increases revenues
(just thought i'd add the 'ugh' icon as you seem to be so fond of them).As for landing at Earls Court or Olympia, there's the small matter of congested area and class A, otherwise great idea!!! In fact, there's an airport just around the corner - LHR. Let's invite R22s to that and charge them, say, £500 to land and park - why on earth would I want to land at the event when there's such a great airport to land my helicopter just around the corner?
To be honest, I can't be bothered to respond to most of your posts, but my comment on the landing fees at Celtic manor was an ironic reference to the original point about ripping off heli visitors; I never said I was happy about it...?! Wasted on you obviously. I suggest you re-read the thread, before posting any more - or is there a special badge for posting 20 consecutive comments?
Finally, if you're worried about flying near hotels and lakes, industrial units and motorways, i suggest you take ulcer tablets, cos there ain't too many landing sites that don't have these old chap
ooops, sorry! I meant
Purveyor of Egg Liqueur to Lucifer
And there's silly old me thinking a congested area was something like 'an area in relation to a city, town or settlement which is substantially used for residential, industrial, commercial or recreational purposes or close to an open air assembly of 1000 or more people', ring any NEC bells?
May I suggest it is you that re-reads the thread.
clue "In reference to the NEC, I could land there if it was required, because I can."
As for J's previous comment, I happen to prefer helicopters to remain in one piece!
Oh Yes they have...
How is that misinterpreted then?
Your reference to Celtic Manor was nothing more than you trying to make a smug 'high brow' point. However when it was highlighted as ridiculous, showing that you have made no attempt of planning a more suitable site, you claim it as a 'back pedalling' ironic reference.
Took me less than a minute to find that alternate for you
A simple thanks will do
Bottom line though chaps is;
Would you be happy leaving your aircraft in the insecure car park of the NEC, (or Birmingham Business Park ) unattended for a couple of hours, possibly in the dark... or would you rather leave it in a secure site with restricted access and security patrols?
All the best,
SS
Finally, if you're worried about flying near hotels and lakes, industrial units and motorways, i suggest you take ulcer tablets, cos there ain't too many landing sites that don't have these old chap
clue "In reference to the NEC, I could land there if it was required, because I can."
As for J's previous comment, I happen to prefer helicopters to remain in one piece!
Anyway, to try and keep up with your ramblings, nobody's suggested 'free landings', only fees comensurate with the service delivered.
I can park my car at this hotel for free, but not my helicopter. If I'd turned up in a Bugatti Veyron costing twice as much as my machine I could have parked it in their car park for free. Blatant profiteering.
Your reference to Celtic Manor was nothing more than you trying to make a smug 'high brow' point. However when it was highlighted as ridiculous, showing that you have made no attempt of planning a more suitable site, you claim it as a 'back pedalling' ironic reference.
Took me less than a minute to find that alternate for you
A simple thanks will do
Bottom line though chaps is;
Would you be happy leaving your aircraft in the insecure car park of the NEC, (or Birmingham Business Park
) unattended for a couple of hours, possibly in the dark... or would you rather leave it in a secure site with restricted access and security patrols?All the best,
SS
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Right then...you want to land your chopper at the NEC right by the front door cause you can't be arsed to walk. So the NEC now say ok no probs and we won't charge you as much as a landing fee at BHX. The HLS is right on the opposite side of the NEC away from the airport, car parks,foot traffic and buildings.
Still going to want to fly in???
oh and sid
mmmm
Still going to want to fly in???
oh and sid
or would you rather leave it in a secure site with restricted access and security patrols?
Purveyor of Egg Liqueur to Lucifer
ttb,
Because 20 individual posts, replying to 20 other different individual posts, is easier to read than one huge post replying to all...as you can see.
Just for the record, I wasn't the one to put them all in one post, it was either automatic or Mod'd. Hey ho!
Budg,
I know, thanks!
JT,
Yes, the Millenium Stadium/O2 Arena does have its own pad, it's called London City Airport!
However, given the right passenger, you can land a single just beside the statue in the grounds of the Old Naval College at Greenwich.
Because 20 individual posts, replying to 20 other different individual posts, is easier to read than one huge post replying to all...as you can see.
Just for the record, I wasn't the one to put them all in one post, it was either automatic or Mod'd. Hey ho!
Budg,
I know, thanks!
JT,
Yes, the Millenium Stadium/O2 Arena does have its own pad, it's called London City Airport!
However, given the right passenger, you can land a single just beside the statue in the grounds of the Old Naval College at Greenwich.
Don't think so Joel. Mind you, there's a great airport just across the river - City Airport I think it's called. Not sure if they do free landings - worth a call though? 
SS
I'm sorry you feel intimidated by my enormous wealth and importance. If you weren't so paranoid, you'd have realised that Celtic Manor is just one example of how a helipad can easily be a feature of a large public event, despite being adjacent to an international airport. Instead of being pedantic and using it as an opportunity to flick peanuts at the detail, it would be more interesting to try and discuss the original points raised - which are still valid.
I'm bored with this thread now; we're in a loop. I'm with Joel and I don't understand how or why the other contributors don't get it
I'm sorry you feel intimidated by my enormous wealth and importance. If you weren't so paranoid, you'd have realised that Celtic Manor is just one example of how a helipad can easily be a feature of a large public event, despite being adjacent to an international airport. Instead of being pedantic and using it as an opportunity to flick peanuts at the detail, it would be more interesting to try and discuss the original points raised - which are still valid.
I'm bored with this thread now; we're in a loop. I'm with Joel and I don't understand how or why the other contributors don't get it
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Boys
I'm with TTB. But why don't we all play nice from now on. The wx is lovely and I'm going for lunch. I know a lovely restaurant in Manchester City centre. I'm going to ring them and see if I can land in St Annes Square.
Joel
I'm with TTB. But why don't we all play nice from now on. The wx is lovely and I'm going for lunch. I know a lovely restaurant in Manchester City centre. I'm going to ring them and see if I can land in St Annes Square.
Joel
Purveyor of Egg Liqueur to Lucifer
I'm with TTB. But why don't we all play nice from now on. The wx is lovely and I'm going for lunch. I know a lovely restaurant in Manchester City centre. I'm going to ring them and see if I can land in St Annes Square.
Joel
Joel
I'm off to the grass area between the NEC entrance and Lake for a baguette, just need to make the call
Have a good day all.
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There always used to be a Heliport in Birmingham Business Park, which is adjacent to the NEC ! It's not a manned Heliport but site, concrete H & windsock are still there as far as I know.
It used to be used pretty regularly in the Nineties by a company called Arlington Securities who had a B222 operated by Starspeed.
It used to be used pretty regularly in the Nineties by a company called Arlington Securities who had a B222 operated by Starspeed.
Purveyor of Egg Liqueur to Lucifer
JT, I think it's a case of finding out from the Birmingham Business Park if it's still in available, from the Management and Marketing Office on 0121 717 7000
Hopefully this clicky will help locate the site.
Hopefully this clicky will help locate the site.
Last edited by SilsoeSid; 22nd Sep 2010 at 00:02.
I was up at the NEC today (driving) and popped past: the helipad is still there, with good approaches. The windsock has gone. The 'H' itself looks like paving slabs that are slightly uneven, surrounded by clinker or similar.
Eminently useable, subject to permission. Not much security though.
Eminently useable, subject to permission. Not much security though.
