SYWELL AERODROME IS FULL OF FASCINATING PEOPLE WITH AN ENORMOUS PASSION FOR THEIR WORK. NEON EXAMINES ‘THE HELICOPTER MAN’. Words By: Christine Barton
Name: Martin Lovell Age: 52 Occupation: Managing Director and Maintenance Manager for SkyTech Helicopters
What do SkyTech do? Skytech are a helicopter maintenance company. We also supply parts, avionics and complete refurbishments as well as aircraft sales and pre-purchase appraisals. We are certified by the CAA to maintain several different types but specialise in the MD/ Hughes 500/600 range of helicopter; often known as the ‘Ferrari or Porsche of the sky’.
Tell us more about yourself? My passion for flying originally started when I won a scholarship to fly fixed wing aircraft. Maintaining helicopters, I realised the versatility of being able to fly from A to B and gained my helicopter licence in 1989, and have now flown more than 1600 hours. I participated in the helicopter display at the Sywell Airshow 2010, where over £31,000 (the highest ever single donation) was donated to the Warwickshire & Northamptonshire Air Ambulance. When not maintaining or flying helicopters (quite a rare occasion), I will be following one of my favourite pastimes, hot air ballooning, supporting Northampton Saints rugby team or watching motor sport.
Why did you start SkyTech? I started SkyTech in June 2003. My previous employers sold the company to new owners who did not have the passion, drive and dedication required to succeed. Frustrated with their efforts, I decided I could provide a better service and higher level of skill and professionalism. I started the company from scratch with no money but a lot of enthusiasm. We now have a solid customer base who are our friends as well as customers.
What is it about helicopters that you find fascinating? They are such a flexible and versatile form of transport; they can be flown virtually anywhere, eliminating the hassles of the road system - Sywell to central London in 30 minutes!
What is your most memorable (helicopter) moment? My very first helicopter flight, where the instructor showed me an autorotation! (Simulated engine failure). Also maintaining and flying with the Greenpeace helicopter in Norwegian and Russian waters.
What would you be doing if you weren’t MD for SkyTech? I thoroughly enjoy what I do and it is a hobby as well as my passion, but if I had my time again I’d love to be a fireman. A very tough and challenging job.
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