We always use the same pilot for filming, he is particularly accustomed to filming in mountainous regions, along with the unusual and often dangerous wind currents associated with this type of area. He is familiar with all the areas detailed above. We do not dry-hire our machine or bring in contract pilots.

TYPE OF HELICOPTER

Pennine own and operate a Bell LongRanger, which is regarded by many experts as 'the world's finest aerial platform for filming'. The spacious nature of the separate passenger cabin, which allows a monitor to be positioned on an opposite seat to the director rather than cramped up front in the cockpit and the unique stability, which ensures a smooth flight, help to give the helicopter it's fine reputation. (The LongRanger was specifically designed as an Air-Ambulance by the American manufacturers Bell, at the time of the Vietnam War and as such is one of the smoothest helicopters available, world-wide). The machine is one of only four of it's type in the country. Other advantages of this LongRanger, which makes it a superior all round helicopter, include it's immense power, superb manoeuvrability and global positioning satellite navigation system, which enables the helicopter to track along a designated route.

COMMUNICATION

Intercommunication between the pilot, camera operator and other passengers is provided by a sophisticated noise-cancelling 'David Clark' head-set system. The camera operator's head-set (this can also be a single-sided head-set) has an independent system incorporated to avoid wind interference. Extra jack plugs are available to pick up either in-flight discussions or conversations with Air Traffic Control. A separate, hand-held, press to transmit button, is available for an on board director to communicate with members of his crew on the ground.

'DOORS OFF / ON'

We are accustomed to working with 'doors-off' and provide a full body harness together with a flight step. For camera operators who prefer to work with 'doors-on', the sliding windows comfortably facilitate the lens of the camera.

MOUNTS

Although the stability of the machine ensures a quality end product without incurring the additional expense of a mount, for heavy cine cameras, or prolonged video filming, we do carry the necessary CAA certification for both side-mounts and nose-mounts if required. Details are available upon request.

LOW LEVEL WORK

We have a CAA 5(1)(e) exemption which allows us to work as close as 200 feet in an open area. To exercise this we are required to notify the local police service and the low level military flying network.

INTERIOR SHOTS

The seating arrangement allows the interior to be used for an interview/discussion presentation, with the camera operator able to film the passengers within the passenger cabin and then pan out, to obtain panoramic shots

GROUND SUPPORT

Depending on the nature of the filming work it is often preferable to keep the overall weight of the machine low and to this purpose we have our own mobile fuel facility, as part of our ground support unit. This includes, a long-wheel base Land Rover towing the specialist aviation bowser (ensuring the integrity of the fuel and minimising any spillage), fire-fighting and rescue equipment, plus one member of ground crew with ground to air radio. The presence of on site fuel makes the operation safer as regards a reduced fuel weight and also eliminates the need for the helicopter to visit an airport for fuel, saving time and both the cost of the machine's flying time and film crew. The daily, or part of, rate for the ground support fuel unit and crew is £350.00 plus VAT

GROUND TO AIR

We provide ground to air radios to allow actors / directors to liaise direct with the pilot, or between themselves.

A SELECTION OF COMPANIES WHO HAVE USED OUR SERVICE

BBC, Carlton, Central, Channel Four, Daily Mail, Dimegoch, James Garrett, Granada, Glasgow, Nant, Opus, Orchid Productions, RSA, Shooting Partners, S4C, Sunstone, World Wide, to name a few!

SOME OF THE PRODUCTIONS WE HAVE BEEN ASSOCIATED WITH

'Sharp View-Cam' Commercial (as the helicopter featured), Cracker (as the police helicopter), Reckless, Panorama, Songs of Praise, Tracks, Del and Pasco, Visions of Snowdonia, Heathcliffe Video, Neighbours from Hell, 'Oasis' / ERF TV Commercials.

WEATHER

As regards the weather, we can liaise prior to the operation, we are able to obtain a fairly accurate three day forecast. If the weather is unsuitable and the machine has not left base then no cost is incurred by the client if the job is to be rescheduled.

Head Office		General Enquiries		(01457) 820152
Head Office		Pleasure Flights		(01457) 877833
EMERGENCY CONTACTS
Priority / Immediate Response		Office Hours		(01457) 874774
Duty Officer (Land Line)		Out Of Hours		(01457) 874774
Duty Officer (Mobile)		Out Of Hours		(07887) 947945
Duty Pilot (Mobile)		Out Of Hours		(07966) 406173