Revolutionary 1949 BEA Helicopter Mail Trial

Feature

A fascinating piece in ‘The Aeroplane’ on a trial by BEA for the Post Office in 1949 using helicopters to carry mail

The ability of helicopters to land without the need for a runway and in confined spaces opened up new possibilities, as illustrated in this report.

NOCTURNAL ACTIVITY. – When the helicopter returns to Peterborough some of the mail is taken to the railway station and some to the post office for local distribution. A small quantity of mail is carried in the rear compartment, shown open in this photograph. All “Aeroplane” photographs
NOCTURNAL ACTIVITY. – When the helicopter returns to Peterborough some of the mail is taken to the railway station and some to the post office for local distribution. A small quantity of mail is carried in the rear compartment, shown open in this photograph. All “Aeroplane” photographs

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Originally published in Key.Aero