RISING TO THE OCCASION Restoring helicopters in no easy task, but now there’s a fleet of them


H


istoric Helicopters, based in Cricket St Thomas, near Chard, Somerset, is the brain- child of Andrew Whitehouse and has forged new ground in the world of historic aircraft


preservation. Established in 2013, its aim was to preserve, restore to


airworthy status and to operate a select fleet of vintage military helicopters, perhaps not the easiest of dreams given their complexity. The fleet is preserved and maintained by a small, dedicated team of aircraft engineers, most of whom are former members of the Royal Navy and RAF so they bring a wealth of knowledge and experience — a few of them have previously worked on the very aircraft which now occupy the charity’s hangar. Plus, there are volunteers who provide valuable extra work. During the airshow season the


helicopters attend as many flying events as possible. The fleet currently consists of a Westland Whirlwind HAR10 XJ729,


Westland Wessex HU5 XT761, Westland Wessex HU5 XT771, Westland Sea King HAR3 XZ597 and a Westland Sea King HC4 ZF122. The primary focus of the displays is to chart the history


of Royal Navy & Royal Air Force Search & Rescue and the history of the Commando Brigade Air Squadron, the Commando Helicopter Force and the ‘Junglie’ helicopters. Back at base the charity also aims to provide an opportunity to learn more about the historically significant helicopters which were built locally at Westland in Yeovil. It also hosts aeronautical engineering students from Bridgwater College and aims to provide a venue to promote, encourage and conduct Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics (STEM) activities to inspire children the young. A visitor centre and small museum is in the process of being established to complement the helicopter collection and the centre says it will be grateful to receive donations of artefacts, photographs, models, documents, uniforms and equipment related to Royal Navy/Royal Air Force SAR and Commando Aviation.


You can read more about Historic Helicopters at historichelicopters.com


FLYING HERITAGE


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