Photos from our Helipad Photographer Steve Sullivan
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Jet Ranger (G-HANY) arrived at the museum on 1st February 2024 in the morning just as the Museum was opening. It was from Staverton and had brought a number of persons to attend an all day meeting in the museum (in the interactive area). It eventually departed for home just after 16:00 hrs.
Jet Ranger (G-HANY) arrived at the museum on 1st February 2024 in the morning just as the Museum was opening. It was from Staverton and had brought a number of persons to attend an all day meeting in the museum (in the interactive area). It eventually departed for home just after 16:00 hrs.
Steve's first posting of '24. Images of the Royal Navy Wildcat (ZZ535) from Yeovilton which visited on 24th January 2024 (12:20 hrs). It hovered over the Helipad for about 2 mins before returning to base.
Images of the Royal Navy Wildcat (ZZ535) from Yeovilton hovering over the helipad when it visited the Museum on 24th January 2024 (12:20 hrs).
Squirrel (G-CIWO) from Oxenhope, Yorks, arrived mid morning on 13th December dropping off a passenger and them departed to Cardiff Airport to refuel. Once refueled it then arrived back at the Museum to pick up its passenger for the return journey home.
Squirrel (G-CIWO) from Oxenhope, Yorks, arrived mid morning on 13th December dropping off a passenger and them departed to Cardiff Airport to refuel. Once refueled it then arrived back at the Museum to pick up its passenger for the return journey home.
The second visitor to arrive on 13th December, making a very rare appearance was a Royal Navy Wildcat (ZZ515) as all previous Wildcat visits this year have been Army machines. It arrived mid afternoon over the helipad doing a couple of 360 turns before returning to base. The contrast in weather at the the time of both visits made for some nice images.
The second visitor to arrive on 13th December, making a very rare appearance was a Royal Navy Wildcat (ZZ515) as all previous Wildcat visits this year have been Army machines. It arrived mid afternoon over the helipad doing a couple of 360 turns before returning to base.
Jet Ranger (G-RUCK) arrived at the museum from Leominster on 22nd November just after 14:00 hrs. It stayed just long enough to pick up 2 passengers and depart back home. The weather at the time was very overcast, cold but going against past form was dry.
Jet Ranger (G-RUCK) arrived at the museum from Leominster on 22nd November just after 14:00 hrs. It stayed just long enough to pick up 2 passengers and depart back home. The weather at the time was very overcast, cold but going against past form was dry.
An R66 (G-CIKX) dropped into the museum on 17th November (11:15 hrs) from Nottingham. Again, because of inclement weather we had to park it on the secondary helipad. The crew of 2 had come to do some filming in the display hangars, they stayed until 14:00 hrs before heading back to Nottingham.
An R66 (G-CIKX) dropped into the museum on 17th November (11:15 hrs) from Nottingham. Again, because of inclement weather we had to park it on the secondary helipad. The crew of 2 had come to do some filming in the display hangars, they stayed until 14:00 hrs before heading back to Nottingham.
15th November saw the arrival of an Army Wildcat (ZZ403) at the museum from Yeovilton. It arrived just after 14:15 hrs hovering over the helipad for a couple of minutes, then did a couple of 360s in the hover before departed back to base. The sun was just in the right position for some nice images.
15th November saw the arrival of an Army Wildcat (ZZ403) at the museum from Yeovilton. It arrived just after 14:15 hrs hovering over the helipad for a couple of minutes, then did a couple of 360s in the hover before departed back to base.
15th November saw the arrival of an Army Wildcat (ZZ403) at the museum from Yeovilton. It arrived just after 14:15 hrs hovering over the helipad for a couple of minutes, then did a couple of 360s in the hover before departed back to base.
15th November saw the arrival of an Army Wildcat (ZZ403) at the museum from Yeovilton. It arrived just after 14:15 hrs hovering over the helipad for a couple of minutes, then did a couple of 360s in the hover before departed back to base.
From our collection of photographs of Civilian Helicopters visiting the Museum over the last couple of years. Dorset and Somerset Air Ambulance EC135 Helicopter.
From our collection of photographs of Civilian Helicopters visiting the Museum over the last couple of years. Great Western Air Ambulance EC135 Helicopter.
From our collection of photographs of Civilian Helicopters visiting the Museum over the last couple of years. Police H135 Helicopter.
From our collection of photographs of Civilian Helicopters visiting the Museum over the last couple of years. Coastguard AW189 Helicopter.
Our Secondary Helipads were busy again last Sun (29th Oct) when three MD500 visited. The first to arrive was G-HWKW at 11.00 hrs from Cranfield (Beds). The crews stayed long enough for a bite from the cafe and a tour of the display areas before heading back home around 13:30 hrs.
Three MD500 visited the museum on 29th Oct 2023. The second to arrive was G-HUEZ just after 11:15 hrs from Manchester. The crews stayed long enough for a bite from the cafe and a tour of the display areas before heading back home.
The third and last to arrive was N7NP from Denham (Bucks) just after 11:30 hrs. The crews stayed long enough for a bite from the cafe and a tour of the display areas before heading back home around 13:30 hrs.
Three MD500 visited the museum on 29th Oct 2023. G-HWKW, G-HUEZ and N7NP The crews stayed long enough for a bite from the cafe and a tour of the display areas before heading back home around 13:30 hrs.
A group of 7 helicopters from the Netherlands visited the Museum on 14th October. They arrived 13:45 hrs and stopped long enough for a bite to eat and a tour of the Museum before departing for Newquay at 15:55 hrs.
A rainbow shines over the Pilots Block and a group 7 helicopters that visited the Museum on 14th October. We had to put them on the hard standing as the grass fields were water logged from the previous 2 days of rain.
Cabri (PH-HCJ) was in the group of 7 helicopters from the Netherlands that visited the Museum on 14th October. We had to put them on the hard standing in front of the Pilots Block as the grass fields were water logged from the previous 2 days of rain.
Cabri (PH-HCF) was in the group of 7 helicopters that visited the Museum on 14th October on a whistle stop tour of the South West. They arrived 13:45 hrs and stopped long enough for a bite to eat and a tour of the Museum before departing for Newquay at 15:55 hrs.
EC120 (PH-UNN) was in the group from the Netherlands that visited on 14th October on a whistle stop tour of the South West. They arrived after 13:45 hrs and stopped long enough for a bite to eat and a tour of the Museum before departing at 15:55 hrs.
Cabris (PH-HCF and F-HGDE) were in the group of 7 helicopters that visited the Museum on 14th October. We had to put them on the hard standing in front of the Pilots Block as the grass fields were water logged from the previous 2 days of rain.
R44 (F-GVPH) was in a group of 7 helicopters that were next to arrive at the Museum on 14th October on a whistle stop tour of the South West. They arrived after 13:45 hrs from Bristol Airport after having refueled there.
Saturday 14th October was a busy day on the Museum's Helipad. The first to arrive was an R44 (G-OCAF) Cadet from a farm near Gloucester which arrived at 12:30 hrs eventually departing for home at 13:30 hrs.
Army Air Corps Dauphin (ZJ782) visited the Helicopter Museum from Hereford on Weds 6th September 2023. It dropped in just after 11.30 hrs landing on the Helipad for a short while before departing for unknown destination.
Army Air Corps Dauphin (ZJ782) visited the Helicopter Museum from Hereford on Weds 6th September 2023. It dropped in just after 11.30 hrs landing on the Helipad for a short while before departing for unknown destination.
Army Gazelle (ZB674) from Middle Wallop which landed on the Helipad on Weds 23rd August 2023. The crew had a cuppa and a chat at the museum before departing back to Middle Wallop. This was a very rare siting of a UK military Gazelle and may be the last time we shall see one at the museum as this type is due to be retired from service in Oct of this year.
Army Gazelle (ZB674) from Middle Wallop which landed on the Helipad on Weds 23rd August 2023. The crew had a cuppa and a chat at the museum before departing back to Middle Wallop. This was a very rare siting of a UK military Gazelle and may be the last time we shall see one at the museum as this type is due to be retired from service in Oct of this year.
R44 (G-JWRN) arrived at the museum yesterday afternoon 27th July 2023 just after 14:15hrs from Cardiff. It stayed at the museum for about an hour before heading back home.
R44 (G-JWRN) arrived at the museum yesterday afternoon 27th July 2023 just after 14:15hrs from Cardiff. It stayed at the museum for about an hour before heading back home.
Army Wildcat (ZZ526) visited the museum on Thurs afternoon 20th July 2023 from Yeovilton. It arrived just after 12:20hrs landing on the helipad for about 2 mins before departing. As the weather was nice, it made for some nice images
Army Wildcat (ZZ526) visited the museum on Thurs afternoon 20th July 2023 from Yeovilton. It arrived just after 12:20hrs landing on the helipad for about 2 mins before departing. As the weather was nice, it made for some nice images
2 x Jet Rangers (G-JROO and G-REMH) and 4 x R44 (G-DENY, G-FOFO, G-NELS and G-WEAT) arrived at the museum on Thurs afternoon 6th July 2023. The crews/passengers had flown up from the Scilly Isles, calling into the museum (for a bite to eat) on their way back to Tollerton, Notts after spending a few days in Cornwall.
2 x Jet Rangers (G-JROO and G-REMH) and 4 x R44 (G-DENY, G-FOFO, G-NELS and G-WEAT) arrived at the museum on Thurs afternoon 6th July 2023. The crews/passengers had flown up from the Scilly Isles, calling into the museum (for a bite to eat) on their way back to Tollerton, Notts after spending a few days in Cornwall.
2 x Jet Rangers (G-JROO and G-REMH) and 4 x R44 (G-DENY, G-FOFO, G-NELS and G-WEAT) arrived at the museum on Thurs afternoon 6th July 2023. The crews/passengers had flown up from the Scilly Isles, calling into the museum (for a bite to eat) on their way back to Tollerton, Notts after spending a few days in Cornwall.
2 x Jet Rangers (G-JROO and G-REMH) and 4 x R44 (G-DENY, G-FOFO, G-NELS and G-WEAT) arrived at the museum on Thurs afternoon 6th July 2023. The crews/passengers had flown up from the Scilly Isles, calling into the museum (for a bite to eat) on their way back to Tollerton, Notts after spending a few days in Cornwall.
RAF Puma HC2 (ZJ955) from Benson which arrived at the museum on the afternoon of the 22 June. It arrived just after 15:30 hrs landing on the Helipad for about 5 mins before departing, presumably back to Benson.
RAF Puma HC2 (ZJ955) from Benson which arrived at the museum on the afternoon of the 22 June. It arrived just after 15:30 hrs landing on the Helipad for about 5 mins before departing, presumably back to Benson.
RAF Juno HT1 (ZM531) from Shawbury rrived at the museum on the afternoon of the 21 June 2023. It hovered over the Helipad for about 4 mins before departing for destinations unknown.
RAF Juno HT1 (ZM531) from Shawbury rrived at the museum on the afternoon of the 21 June 2023. It hovered over the Helipad for about 4 mins before departing for destinations unknown.
On Sunday afternoon (4th June 2023) a Coastguard AW 189 (G-MCGX) from former RAF Saint Athan (near Cardiff) arrived at the museum just after 14:00 hrs to undertake local training with search and rescue trainees, eventually departing around 17:30 hrs.
On Sunday afternoon (4th June 2023) a Coastguard AW 189 (G-MCGX) from former RAF Saint Athan (near Cardiff) arrived at the museum just after 14:00 hrs to undertake local training with search and rescue trainees, eventually departing around 17:30 hrs.
On Sunday afternoon (4th June 2023) a Coastguard AW 189 (G-MCGX) from former RAF Saint Athan (near Cardiff) arrived at the museum just after 14:00 hrs to undertake local training with search and rescue trainees, eventually departing around 17:30 hrs.
On Sunday afternoon (4th June 2023) a Coastguard AW 189 (G-MCGX) from former RAF Saint Athan (near Cardiff) arrived at the museum just after 14:00 hrs to undertake local training with search and rescue trainees, eventually departing around 17:30 hrs.
On Sunday afternoon (4th June 2023) a Coastguard AW 189 (G-MCGX) from former RAF Saint Athan (near Cardiff) arrived at the museum just after 14:00 hrs to undertake local training with search and rescue trainees, eventually departing around 17:30 hrs.
On Sunday afternoon (4th June 2023) a Coastguard AW 189 (G-MCGX) from former RAF Saint Athan (near Cardiff) arrived at the museum just after 14:00 hrs to undertake local training with search and rescue trainees, eventually departing around 17:30 hrs.
A regular visitor to the museum helipad R66 (G-RNJW) from Elstree arrived Thurs morning 27th April 2023 on an overnight stop, its crew on business in the local area. The R66 has a turboshaft engine.
A regular visitor to the museum helipad is this R66 (G-RNJW) from Elstree arrived Thurs morning 27th April 2023 on an overnight stop, its crew on business in the local area.
HT1 Juno Helicopter arrived at the museum (14:10 hrs) for a quick touch and go on 21st April 2023. It was from No1 Flying Training School based at RAF Shawbury in Worcestershire.
HT1 Juno Helicopter arrived at the museum (14:10 hrs) for a quick touch and go on 21st April 2023. It was from No1 Flying Training School based at RAF Shawbury in Worcestershire.
RAF Odiham based Chinook (ZH897) arrived on 30th March 2023. It appeared just after 16:00hrs, hovered and intended to land. However as a result of the rain the ground was too wet for landing.
RAF Odiham based Chinook (ZH897) arrived on 30th March 2023. It appeared just after 16:00hrs and hovered intending to land. However as a result of the rain the ground was too wet for landing.
Busy afternoon on 2nd March 2023 which included an R22 (G-GJCD) from Staverton, Gloucester which arrived first, just after 13:15 hrs. It stayed for about 30 mins before returning home.
Busy afternoon on 2nd March 2023 which included an R22 (G-GJCD) from Staverton, Gloucester which arrived first, just after 13:15 hrs. It stayed for about 30 mins before returning home.
The second visitor on 2nd March 2023 was a Chinook (ZH893) from RAF Benson, Oxfordshire which arrived about 14:10 hrs, putting down on the new part of of the airfield.
The second visitor on 2nd March 2023 was a Chinook (ZH893) from RAF Benson, Oxfordshire which arrived about 14:10 hrs, putting down on the new part of of the airfield.
The third and last visitor on 2nd March 2023 was a Dauphin (ZJ783) from Hereford which arrived about 16:30 hrs, landing on the Heli Pad before returning back to base.
The third and last visitor on 2nd March 2023 was a Dauphin (ZJ783) from Hereford which arrived about 16:30 hrs, landing on the Heli Pad before returning back to base.
Gazelle HT.2 G-CBGZ from the Gazelle Squadron display team visited the Helicopter Museum on 12 February 2023. It was previously ZB646 705sqd/CU-59 with the Sharks RN display team whose anniversary is shown on the tail.
Gazelle HT.2 G-CBGZ from the Gazelle Squadron display team visited the Helicopter Museum on 12 February 2023. It was previously ZB646 705sqd/CU-59 with the Sharks RN display team whose anniversary is shown on the tail.
A rare visitor, a UK Special Forces AS365N-3 Dauphin (ZJ780) from Hereford made a brief appearance at the Helicopter Museum on 9 Feb 2023 afternoon before departing for destination unknown.
A rare visitor, a UK Special Forces AS365N-3 Dauphin (ZJ780) from Hereford made a brief appearance at the Museum on 9 Feb 2023 afternoon before departing for destination unknown.
2 more Army Wildcats (ZZ395 and ZZ385, in that order) from Yeovilton dropped into the Museum late afternoon of 12 Jan 2023, arriving within 3 mins of each other. Both briefly hovered over the Helipad and the headed back to Yeovilton. At the moment this month is looking to be "Wildcat Jan"
Army Wildcats (ZZ395 and ZZ385, in that order) from Yeovilton dropped into the Museum late afternoon of 12 Jan 2023, arriving within 3 mins of each other. Both briefly hovered over the Helipad and the headed back to Yeovilton.
Army Wildcat (ZZ393) that made 2 visits to the Museum on the 4 Jan 23, our first visitor of 2023. This was in the morning. On both occasions (morning/afternoon) it hovered over the Helipad for about 2 min before returning to base.
Army Wildcat (ZZ393) that made 2 visits to the Museum on the 4 Jan 23, our first visitor of 2023. This was in the afternoon. On both occasions (morning/afternoon) it hovered over the Helipad for about 2 min before returning to base.
AS350B3 Squirrel (G-DJSM) arrived at the museum on 14 December 22. It had flown across from Yeovil having dropped off a passenger at Leonardo's. It stayed until lunchtime and then departed back to Yeovil to pick up its passenger. Interestingly, its nose was fitted with mirrors for cargo operations.
AS350B3 Squirrel (G-DJSM) arrived at the museum on 14 December 22. It had flown across from Yeovil having dropped off a passenger at Leonardo's. It stayed until lunchtime and then departed back to Yeovil to pick up its passenger. Interestingly, its nose was fitted with mirrors for cargo operations.
A109S (G-JMBS) arrived on 18 November 22 from Stratford Upon Avon on a business trip. This particular helicopter has now visited the museum twice this year, the last time being in September.
A109S (G-JMBS) arrived on 18 November 22 from Stratford Upon Avon on a business trip. This particular helicopter has now visited the museum twice this year, the last time being in September.
Empire Test Pilots School Squirrel (G-ETPE) from Boscombe Down arrived at the museum in the morning of 18 November 22 on a very brief visit before lifting for destination/s unknown.
Photo Bryan Groves
Empire Test Pilots School Squirrel (G-ETPE) from Boscombe Down arrived at the museum in the morning of 18 November 22 on a very brief visit before lifting for destination/s unknown.
Photo Bryan Groves
Chinook (ZH902) from RAF Benson arrived at the Museum mid afternoon on 17 November 22 setting down in the new part of the airfield before departing, presumably back to Benson.
Chinook (ZH902) from RAF Benson arrived at the Museum mid afternoon on 17 November 22 setting down in the new part of the airfield before departing, presumably back to Benson.
Army Wildcat (ZZ520) from Yeovilton dropped into the museum during the afternoon of 13 October 22 for a short stay before heading back to base.
Agusta A109S (G-JMBS) arrived at the Museum late afternoon on 19 September 22 from Stratford upon Avon to drop off some passengers. After a short period on the ground, it then took off around 17:45 heading for Elstree.
Juno helicopter (ZM518) from RAF Shawbury visited the museum on 29 July 22. It made a number of passes over the museum before landing on the helipad. From there it departed for destination/destinations unknown.
Juno helicopter (ZM518) from RAF Shawbury visited the museum 29 July 22 and landed briefly on the helipad
A109S G-EPTN operated by Qinetiq on behalf of the Empire Test Pilots school made a flying visit to the Museum on 20 July 22. On departure the pilot waved to visitors and treated them to a flypast.
4 Gazelles from the Gazelle Squadron Display Team at the Helicopter Museum helipad on 26 June 22. They were visiting to take part in the 2022 Weston-super-Mare Air Festival where they performed a spectacular display.
Gazelle XZ939 from the Gazelle Squadron Display Team at the Helicopter Museum on 26 June 22 before performing in the 2022 Weston-super-Mare Air Festival.
Gazelle XX436 from the Gazelle Squadron Display Team at the Helicopter Museum on 26 June 22 before performing in the 2022 Weston-super-Mare Air Festival.
Gazelle G-CBGZ from the Gazelle Squadron Display Team at the Helicopter Museum on 26 June 22 before performing in the 2022 Weston-super-Mare Air Festival.
RAF Juno at the Helicopter Museum on 26 June 22 where it brought in the Red Arrows commentator Red 10 for the 2022 Weston-super-Mare Air Festival.
Chinook (ZH893) from RAF Benson arrived just after 16:00 hrs on 8th June 22. Instead of landing on the helipad it landed in the longer grass of the new area of the airfield where it sat for 10 mins before pushing off, presumably back to Benson.
The rare sight on 8th June 22 of an Army Gazelle (XW847) from Middle Wallop which arrived shortly before 11:30 hrs. It landed on the helipad and stayed at the museum for just over an hour, long enough for the crew of 2 to walk around the museum and have a cuppa before departing back to Wallop.
Army Gazelle (XW847) from Middle Wallop visits the Helicopter Museum on 8th June 22. Gazelles entered service with the British Army in 1971 and are due to remain in service until 2025. This takes the Gazelle past its 50th anniversary and make it the oldest helicopter type in the UK inventory.
AW109S (G-ETPN) from the Empire Test Pilots School at Boscombe Down made an appearance last Fri morning (27th May). It came to us via Portishead arriving over the helipad where it hovered for about 2 mins before departing for Dorchester.
AW109S (G-ETPN) from the Empire Test Pilots School at Boscombe Down visits the Helicopter Museum on 27 May 2022.
Cabri (HB-ZOM) stayed overnight at the museum on 19 May as part of a 4 ship visit from Basel, Switzerland. They were on a round robin of the UK, after crossing the Channel at France their itinerary took them onto Scotland first followed by Ireland, Wales and England.
EC120 (HB-ZBD) stayed overnight at the museum on 19 May as part of a 4 ship visit from Basel, Switzerland. They were on a round robin of the UK, after crossing the Channel at France their itinerary took them onto Scotland first followed by Ireland, Wales and England.
R44 (HB-ZLL) stayed overnight at the museum on 19 May as part of a 4 ship visit from Basel, Switzerland. They were on a round robin of the UK, after crossing the Channel at France their itinerary took them onto Scotland first followed by Ireland, Wales and England.
Cabri (HB-ZYY) stayed overnight at the museum on 19 May as part of a 4 ship visit from Basel, Switzerland. They were on a round robin of the UK, after crossing the Channel at France their itinerary took them onto Scotland first followed by Ireland, Wales and England.
Squirrel (G-ETPG) from the Empire Test Pilots School (EPTS) at Boscombe Down. It arrived at 11:20 hrs with a of 2 crew and then departed a couple of minutes later 6 May 2022
Squirrel (G-ETPG) from the Empire Test Pilots School (EPTS) at Boscombe Down dropped into the museum this morning 6 May 2022
The local Coastguard conducted field training at the Museum with a Coastguard AW189 (G-MCGX) from St Athens, South Wales. The training started at 15:30 hrs and finished at 18:00 hrs - 5 May 2022
The local Coastguard conducting field training at the Museum with a Coastguard AW189 (G-MCGX) from St Athens, 5 May 2022.
The local Coastguard conducting field training at the Museum with a Coastguard AW189 (G-MCGX) from St Athens, 5 May 2022.
The local Coastguard conducting field training at the Museum with a Coastguard AW189 (G-MCGX) from St Athens, 5 May 2022.
The local Coastguard conducting field training at the Museum with a Coastguard AW189 (G-MCGX) from St Athens, 5 May 2022.
The local Coastguard conducting field training at the Museum with a Coastguard AW189 (G-MCGX) from St Athens, 5 May 2022.
The local Coastguard conducting field training at the Museum with a Coastguard AW189 (G-MCGX) from St Athens, South Wales. Note the airframe's undercarriage in the grass - 5 May 2022.
The local Coastguard conducting field training at the Museum with a Coastguard AW189 (G-MCGX) from St Athens, South Wales. Note the airframe's undercarriage in the grass - 5 May 2022.
6 helicopters (5 different types), owned by members of the Heli Club of GB, flew into the museum from various locations on a "jolly boys" outing for the day taking in an organised tour and lunch before going home 30 April 2022.
R44 (G-CLBY) and R22 (G-ULZE) helicopters at the museum during the Heli Club of GB visit 30 April 2022.
An R66 from Elstree (G-RNJW ) arrived at the museum around 11:00 hrs on an overnight stay 28 April 2022. The R66 is slightly larger than the R44 and has a turboshaft engine unlike the R44 which has a piston engine.
Squirrel (G-CIWO) from Leeds arrived at the museum around 14:30 hrs to drop off passengers 20 April 2022
Royal Navy Merlin Mk2 (ZH826) of 814 Royal Navy Air Squadron, based at Culdrose in Cornwall, 20 April 2022
Royal Navy Merlin Mk2 (ZH826) of 814 Royal Navy Air Squadron, based at Culdrose in Cornwall, 20 April 2022
Polo Aviation's JetRanger (G-MFMF) provides Air Experience flights at the Helicopter Museum 17 April 2022. This one is unusual in that it is fitted with chemical tank for weed spraying
Polo Aviation's JetRanger (G-MFMF) provides Air Experience flights at the Helicopter Museum 17 April 2022