An exciting new era in rotary operations is under way on the UK’s south coast, as Ian Harding and Kevin Wills discovered when visiting one of its premier specialist helicopter providers
Steeped in naval history and tradition, the Isle of Portland on Dorset’s world-renowned Jurassic Coast is once again reverberating to the sound of rotary aviation. The Royal Navy's Westland (now Leonardo) helicopters such as the Lynx, Wasp, Wessex and Whirlwind of past years have been replaced by HeliOperations’ distinctive orange and grey Westland Sea Kings, which now grace the skies above the famous island.
Under the stewardship of its chief executive officer, Steve Gladston, and chief operating officer, Mark Deaney, HeliOperations – or HeliOps as it is better known – has become one of the UK’s premier providers of search and rescue (SAR) and other bespoke aircrew training, plus a broad range of specialist aviation services.
The growth in the HeliOps brand is testament to the service it provides and its many years of naval flying and engineering experience. The HeliOps team comprises former military pilots, rear aircrew and engineers who fully understand the operational environment and have the appropriate skills to…
