Heli Event Back at Duxford
 

Just a question for members here. Was having a chat with few people at Heli Expo and looks like they are keen on creating a new heli event back at Duxford, along the lines of what used to be there before.

Told them I would make a post on here and see if there would be interest in re-creating the Helitech of old.

Comments anyone.

Ned the location does not need to be duxford but based somewhere that is capable of flying into preferably away from constant fixed wing operations for safety reasons

Such a shame we already had this with Helitech but the organisers wanted a different format so it changed.

But not the format of heli expo Uk more like the old Helitechnique format or like the Usa based heli expo

Anything where it is easier for exhibitors to get into. Duxford was like that. Pull up, unload, and park up within easy reach. :)

I would attend (visitor) if I could fly in.

Try N Weald...

Ah...back in the day 'twas but a short stroll....but then Helitech became Welly-tech. Redhill for those that remember....

Duxford and why not.
No airfield can be central to everywhere.
Expenses might be tax deductible.
The museum is an honour to those; that gave more than tax.

Love Duxford!

Great Pubs in the area and some really nice B&B's!

Some questions come to mind based on everyones comments - any input welcome.

* Did Duxford price themselves out of it with regards to having the event there.

* Does North Weald have lot of good hotels etc nearby.

* Does North Weald have cafe etc that could do lunches etc like people can get at Duxford. Just thinking of the IWM infrastructure that is already there.

* What about Sywell or Wycombe Air Park as options.

More info I can get for the people considering this would be helpful. Thanks everyone.

There is already a show at Wycombe, the Heli UK Expo, which is is similar to how the original Heli Tech was, with a strong focus on being able to fly in. It moved to Wycombe last summer, having been at Sywell in 2016, and the next date is 14-16 June 2018.

From its website:
"Heli UK Expo is the UK’s only fly in helicopter event which provides an event platform within a traditional airfield setting, where exhibitors and visitors can meet, connect and do business in a flexible and relaxed environment."

Sywell also has shows such as The Sywell Classic - Pistons & Props, but this is more of a Goodwood Revival type event, rather than purely a helicopter show.

I really liked Duxford, great location, nice site with good hotels, pubs and every other amenity within easy access to every mode of transportation and really in keeping with the way that helicopter people do business.

I think having this event in a neutral location on a helicopter friendly airfield is the only way for it to really succeed, as it is quite unique and escapes all the other regulatory nonsense the UK is quite famous for.

I hated the Excel set-up, it was pretending to be something that it really isn't and is not a convenient location in my opinion. I'm not sure that there aren't other sites that would welcome this event, including Farnborough, or other places with some character and interesting features.

If be all for Duxford, again.

If you are interested, PM me. I may be able to swing it @ Duxford.

TC. I will be the first to admit that I am neither a professional or now an operator but you will know me as someone who was at one time very much engaged in RW operations.
Suffice it to say that I have not attended a single Helitech since it departed Duxford.. And my £ sterling is as good as the next mans!
Go back to Duxford!

TF

Seems the general feedback is Duxford as a good place to go to. Question then to everyone - maybe a lessons learnt question. What did you like and not like about Duxford when Helitech was there.

Have been passing on the info back to my contacts and they are very keen to move forward. :)

Ned, as discussed at HAI last week, Duxford simply felt "alive". There was a constant stream of arriving/departing helicopters and easy access to demo flights. Throw in some GA and the odd warbird display and the venue seemed to be "buzzing". I used to spend two days at Duxford; I could spend some time in the tents, then some time in meetings or in the museum buildings. Last year, at Excel, I was in and out of Helitech in 2-3 hours. IMHO, Heli-tech also struggles in that it in sequence with DSEI. Many of the people I would talk to at Heli-tech I've already seen at DSEI, in the same location (albeit at an exhibition that feels crowded into one corner of one of the halls compared to DSEI). The same staff were also tired of being in the same location twice in a fortnight.....

I forgot to add one other part of what this group is planning is to make it a join civil and military event. They have already spoken to their mil contacts both in the UK and Europe and many are keen to bring helos to display and also participate in a fly in as part of a cross country etc. They have a lot of great parts to this puzzle :)

If the other half gets bored she can at least go to the museum.

I can't think of any other place than Duxford to be honest.

Right then TC - you have control:ok:

I went to every Redhill and Duxford event - never went anywhere else. A great networking event just in the crowds. I do miss going to them but don't see my bosses letting me travel abroad for an engineers chatting event.
I will go to Duxford again.

I would welcome a return to Duxford. I never missed a show at Redhill or Duxford but on moving to the Excel I never attended.

1) Great ease of transport however you are attending (No roof stopping you landing !),
two airports nearby, rail link to London.

2) Duxford has plenty of space for visiting helicopters (remember one year close to 100 visitors on one day)

3) Plenty of hotels and some wonderful B & B's nearby with great food

4) Tarmac hard standing for static display no messy shoes (as per wellytech)

Not a lot else to say moved it back to Duxford