Second Royal helicopter?

[heli14]

Surprised i've not seen this covered elsewhere, but it seems a second helicopter has been registered to TQHF...and it's not a Sikorsky...

Anyone know if this is a permanent addition, or if it's just leased in to cover a busy period?...

I guess with a number of Starspeed's machines out of the country each summer, and with PremiAir's issues, TQHF are struggling to find suitable charter machines?!

I'm a bit surprised they've gone for a 109 though...memory from a few years ago is that Charles hated the Power!

Mark:G-XXEC
Current Reg. Date:11/06/2014
Previous ID:N473SH

Aircraft Details


Manufacturer:AGUSTA SPA
Type:AGUSTA A109S

Popular Name:GRAND
Generic Name:A109
Aircraft Class:HELICOPTER
EASA Category:CS-27: Small Rotorcraft
Engines:2: 2 x PRATT & WHITNEY CANADA PW207C


MTOW:3175kg Total Hours:
Year Built:2008
Approved Maint. Programme:None
CofA / Permit:
Validity Reference:

Owner Details


Ownership Status:Chartered
Registered Owners:ALAN REID KEEPER OF THE PRIVY PURSE
THE QUEENS HELICOPTER FLIGHT
ROYAL AIR FORCE STATION ODIHAM
HOOK
RG29 1QT


Open Applications and Approvals Cases


Application Type Received Date Expected Date of Processing C OF A ISSUE 30/04/2014 21/05/2014

[paco]

I heard that Milford were proposing to manage a 109 for a couple of royals.

Phil

[nowherespecial]

I've been away from ODI for a while now but when did The Quen's ac become registered at ODI and not Northolt? Idley curious.

[heli14]

TQHF used to be based at Blackbushe, within the PremiAir complex. They moved out a few months back.

I think 32 Squadron are still at EGWU, but its a separate operation.

[Thomas coupling]

It's been purchased for George. A full creche suite has been installed. Including a nappy changing foldaway table and sound proof sleeping cubicle.
All in blue - you understand.

[talkpedlar]

Strange... red-herring or admin glitch?

Previous ID shown in G INFO as N473SH but..

N473SH is allocated to the Falcon formerly operated by Prince Rainier of Monaco.

Happy weekend all,

TP

[Democritus]

Whereas the UK doesn't reissue registrations once they have been given up they seem to do that on the other side of the pond. N473SH was also allocated to a Robinson R22 ser. no 4048 as well as Agusta A109S Grand ser. no. 22104.

[CYHeli]

Article here.
Ignore the heading from the dyslexic author.

[Exascot]

I can't imagine HRH being able to keep his hands off the thing. I presume that he could jump into the seat anytime as long as the other pilot is an instructor. To fly as captain I assume that he will require at least a CPL.

[Bravo73]

Originally Posted by Exascot

To fly as captain I assume that he will require at least a CPL.

Why? It would essentially be a private flight.

[chopper2004]

A few years back when they both visited the states post wedding think it was 2012, they had a ride up to the LAPD ASTRO Div and hitched a ride in a Grand that was parked up there (escorted by the CHIPS only Bell 407) so maybe it was that impressionable on Will and his mother decided to authorise purchase of one?

Think said Grand was the same one, the Hamster went in when he was doing one of his documentaries in the states, not a Top Gear one.

Cheers

[OvertHawk]

Chopper 2004.... It would have had to have a made a serious impression indeed for "Will's" mother to decide to buy one!!!!!

[chopper2004]

Grand Designs lol

Well, maybe it made a grand impression on HRH

Cheers

[paco]

I think there may have been a "donation" from Agusta

Phil

[lowfat]

Doubt he will be allowed to fly it ..... Have you forgotten what his dad did to a 146?



Prince gives up flying royal aircraft after Hebrides crash - News - The Independent

[noooby]

STG 8 Million for a 109S?? You can buy a new or near new 109SP for that much. About US$4 mil will get you a nice, low time, VIP 109S.

Nice to see the papers making it sound a lot more expensive than it really is.

[212man]

Doubt he will be allowed to fly it ..... Have you forgotten what his dad did to a 146

Slight difference in currency, experience and qualifications!

[XV666]

Quietly going about its business

[spinwing]

Mmmmm ....

I expect he will be allowed to fly it and most likely will be typerated quite quickly ...

[Stinger10]

Why not?

Why wouldn't the Royal Family fly a helicopter from their own domestic manufacturer? The US President just awarded a sole source bid to "their" largest US supplier Sikorsky for the new Presidential helicopter.

The US is much much more protectionist than the UK.