Civilian Aviation

Just popped off down to the local after a nightshift to try catch some decent morning light on the traffic - though my luck wasn't working this morning and they were pointing the wrong way due to the quite strong winds we had today.

I'll start off with a couple of S-92s that were kicking about - not too keen on the Bristows grey/white scheme (anyone know what it's there for? I've heard it's either a loaned airframe or it's from a different contract)


Bristow S-92 by JRuxton, on Flickr


CHC S-92 by JRuxton, on Flickr


CHC S-92 boarding by JRuxton, on Flickr

Then we have the abundant AS332s and EC225s. I just picked one of each operator to save you the chore of looking at the same thing over and over again!


Bond EC225 by JRuxton, on Flickr


CHC EC225 by JRuxton, on Flickr


Bristow AS332 by JRuxton, on Flickr

With one that I'll never tire of seeing


G-REDO by JRuxton, on Flickr


G-REDO Liftoff by JRuxton, on Flickr

And a nice added bonus just as I was heading off...


G-SASC by JRuxton, on Flickr

Enjoy

Great stuff. You are very lucky to have a local like that. The take off shot of REDO is brill.

Very nice set.

Hi Jonay

I believe the grey & white S92's have been leased from Cougar Helicopters of Canada to cover a shortfall in aircraft capacity. I think when new airframes are delivered to Bristows they are planned to go back to Canada.

Cheers,

2.2DME wrote:Hi Jonay

I believe the grey & white S92's have been leased from Cougar Helicopters of Canada to cover a shortfall in aircraft capacity. I think when new airframes are delivered to Bristows they are planned to go back to Canada.

Cheers,

There is only one S-92 based at Bristow Aberdeen, and it is indeed on lease. A delivery from Sikorsky, unusually painted in Bristow colours (they usually paint them themselves), is due shortly and following some mods will be operating from Dyce. The fate of the leased machine is, I believe, undecided at this point. I understand the reason for S-92s at Aberdeen is at the clients' request.

That Rescue Puma is very smart, hope that's still around in the summer! Nice shots

Spirit of Kitty Hawk wrote:That Rescue Puma is very smart, hope that's still around in the summer! Nice shots

I'm not too sure how many exactly there are , I think 6 - but they are part of the BP "Jigsaw" programme.

It's basically that there's always one out at the field to provide cover 24/7.

Here's a background to the whole thing...

http://www.shipsandoil.com/Features/Jigsaw2000.htm" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;

There are two Jigsaw 332s - one is based at Sumburgh, with the other on BP's Miller Platform. The 2 airframes (REDO/P) swap bases every week.

Cracking selection! are these easy enough to shoot? and if they are what focal length is best advised?

Many Thanks

Wes..

There's a cracking spot out by Falck Nutec training facility that gets you high enough to shoot over the fence.

I was shooting these around the 150mm - 200mm mark.. though with a 300/400mm you'll get better quality shots (not shooting right at the max focal ability of your lens)

Here's a shot at 18mm from the spot


By ruxtonj at 2012-02-26

And here's a map of the spot.


By ruxtonj at 2012-02-26

You see the H23 runway - that's a really close spot to get some decent shots of the helos on approach - that is if the runway isn't blocked by a large visitor (like Donald Trumps B757) and the wind is in the right direction. Though without a step ladder you'll be shooting through the fence for anything on the ground and at a neck breaking angle for anything airbourne - best to either stand back a bit or shoot from the hill.

Be prepared to be approached by either the airport security or the police though - they like to challenge whoever they see, and rightly so - even if you do have a camera around your neck!

Superb! very useful info and hopefully end of the Summer i can give it a go!!

Wes..