George Tonkin – Regular readers of the magazine would have noticed a new “Heli Ops” column. In that first column, I introduced myself as the , “The Silver Fox.” I NEVER IMAGINED MYSELF as a writer and most definitely did not dream of a regular monthly column. But anyone whoRead More →
When I first signed up to be a pilot, I dreamed of flying to exotic place where I might alight in jungle clearings or land on deserted, silvery shores. HOWEVER REALITY SOON KICKED IN, and I found myself shuttling clients to work, tracking stolen vehicles and chasing crooks in theRead More →
(George Tonkin) – Almost simultaneously, both Gareth Pahl (one of my regular crewmen) and I received the message notification on our phones while flying a routine VISPOL (Visual Policing) sortie somewhere over Pretoria East: “Armed robbery in progress. Wonderboom area.” LOOKING FROM THE OUTSIDE IN, being a helicopter pilot canRead More →
The South African Police Service in the Eastern Cape have had their wings clipped, with no air support at all, as their helicopters are grounded, thus severely restricting their ability in fighting crime. Four helicopters were assigned to fighting crime and assisting the SAPS in the Eastern Cape. Criminals usedRead More →
Based on the company’s two-seat Robinson R22, the R44 was Robinson Helicopter Company’s first four-seat light helicopter Designed during the 1980s by Frank Robinson and his staff of engineers, the R44 first flew on 31 March 1990. A second prototype was built, and the R44 Astro was awarded an FAA Type Certificate in DecemberRead More →
