Post by viscount on Apr 11, 2015 14:51:51 GMT 1
AINTREE, GRAND NATIONAL DAY
MORNING HELICOPTER MOVEMENTS
MORNING HELICOPTER MOVEMENTS
Regn Call-sign Type Landing time 0830-1315
G-GMCM National 23 AS.350B3 Ecureuil 1st arrival 0923, last 1155, 9 landings
M-YMCM National 51 Bell 429 1st arrival 0955, last 1205, 8 landings
G-MDPI National 01 Agusta A.109A-1 1029 & 1113
G-OMEM National 24 Eurocopter EC.120B 1058 & 1124
M-ONTY National 50 Sikorsky S-76C 1059
G-MCAN National 05 Agusta A.109S Grand 1116
G-PACO National 55 Sikorsky S-76C 1120
G-JESE Arena 03 AS.355F2 Ecureuil 2 night stop, op 1126-1148 and 1238 on.
G-CGGD National?? AS.365N2 Dauphin 2 1131
G-TGRZ National 36 Bell 206B Jet Ranger 3 1132, the local para-drop flight 1226-1235, dep 1305
G-CJLL National ?? Robinson R.44 II 1145
G-DCAM National 26 AS.355NP Ecureuil 2 1147, 1301
G-POTR National 03 Agusta A.109E Power 1151
G-GRND National 02 Agusta A.109S Grand 1152
G-HEHE National 21 Eurocop EC.120B Colibri 1156
G-MSPT National 54 Eurocopter EC.135T2 1158
G-BLGV National 32 Bell 206B Jet Ranger 3 1205
G-ERKN National 37 AS.350B Ecureuil 1259
G-SWNS National 43 Robinson R.44 II 1311
also:
G-LASU Police Eurocopter EC.135T2 in the locality 1110-1220 approx
A little disappointing this morning in terms of numbers with just 19 helicopters visiting (although the same as last year) and the Police helicopter overhead, so 20 logged - despite the weather being reasonable with excellent clear visibility and high scattered cloud once the rain cleared around 0900, although there was a constant breeze from the west keeping the temperature down to 9 degrees and well down on Friday. With '27' as the landing end of the helicopter strip and with the sun behind conditions were near perfect for photography, as no doubt myself and others will show shortly. Movements were down this year to 37 (counting camera ship once and para-drop heli twice but not counting the Police helicopter as it did not land). Movements were down on 2014 and dominated with 17 movements by just 2 'shuttle' helicopters. Lack of both American and Irish registered helicopters noted this year. There may be the odd additional helicopter involved in the departures after the race.
For numerical comparison:
2015 19 different helicopters plus the Police example, 37 landings during the morning
2014 19 different helicopters plus the Police example, 43 landings during the morning
2013 22 different helicopters plus the Police example, 39 landings during the morning
With the conditions clear, much 'dot spotting', although no trails. Somewhat lower Beluga '3' was noted at 1021, Wizzair A.320 HA-LPZ at 1025 inbound to LJLA, N949AC Cirrus 1223 south to north, east of Aintree and G-NINC Cherokee 1305 east to west, north of Aintree.
In all a very enjoyable morning, there being around 15 nwan forum members present for much of the morning. As usual the Police on our side of the fence were friendly, however there were two inside the the race course who kept a very close eye on us for 30 minutes, although they willingly admitted we had every right to be where we were watching the helicopters.
Well done Dave. Regards Beemer.
