Helidays - Weston Super Mare 25th July 2009

RAF Griffin HT 1 ZJ241 "L" c/n 36146 belongs to the SARTU at RAF Valley has floatation gear - delivered to the RAF in 1997

This years Helidays took place from Friday 24th July to Sunday 26th July 2009. The beach lawns along the sea front at Weston Super Mare, Somerset, England, UK become at temporary heliport.

The show features a number of visiting helicopters that spend the weekend on static display - alongside them are day visitors that fly in and out. The beach lawns are surrounded by roads, houses, people and lamp posts so pilots must exercise caution and skill whilst flying.

Robinson R44 Raven II G-CECX c/n 11390 built in 2006 departs from Beach Lawns

This years event was rather spoilt by the poor weather on the Friday and Sunday - Saturday started fine but by mid afternoon the wet weather was back again. All the pictures here were taken on Saturday 25th July.

Saunder Roe Skeeter AOP 12 G-SARO was built in 1962 as XL812 for the Army - roaded in following type being grounded by the CAA

G-BXTV homebuilt Bug helicopter registered in 1998 - roaded in on a trailer - has this ever flown ?

G-BAXS Bell 47G-5 c/n 7908 was built in 1969 operates from Fairoaks

The Army Air Corps Historic Flight flew in Scout AH 1 XT626 coded "Q" which was delivered to the Army Air Corp in 1966

G-RUZZ Robinson R44 Raven II c/n 10082 was bult in 2003 - it is based in Oxfordshire

G-OHMS Aerospatiale AS 355F1 Twin Squrrel c/n 5194 was built in 1982 and is based at Bristol Airport operating with Western Power Distribution WPD on electricity power line inspections

ZR322 is one of three RAF Agusta A 109E operating with 32 Sqd based at RAF Northolt for VIP flights - c/n 11664 and delivered to the RAF in 2006

RAF 32 Sqd badge on the side of A 109E ZR322

G-GJCD Robinson R22 c/n 0966 was built in 1989 - it is now 20 years old and has flown over 5500 flight hours

G-OTJS Robinson R44 Raven II c/n 12305 built in 2008 is based up in Humberside

Brantly B2B G-AWDU c/n 481 was built in 1968 - this type reminds me of an ice cream cone ! There are only 6 examples on the current UK register - this example is based in Oxfordshire.

Belgian Army A 109BA H-45 with anti tank system - this helicopter was delivered in 1994 and is based at Bierset near Leige