46 | REGIONAL Heli A1 | T T Karen Phelps Helicopter services in demand Heli A1 has grown from its Waikato base into a specialist helicopter operator servicing the greater Waikato and central North Island. “With our fleet now at four the new hangar gives us more room to safely move the helicopters in and out and improves efficiency for our pilots and groundcrew.” Growth in demand for its helicopter services has prompted Waikato-based Heli A1 to invest in a new hangar and larger office facility at its Otorohanga base. The new hangar has been completed, and construction of the office facility is under way and is expected to be finished early next year. The development follows the fleet’s growth to four aircraft. “We have had three helicopters for some time, but the original hangar could only house two,” says Davin. “With our fleet now at four the new hangar gives us more room to safely move the helicopters in and out and improves efficiency for our pilots and groundcrew.” The newest addition to the fleet is an Airbus AS350 B3e, purchased as the company continued to expand. Davin says the high-performance helicopter is well suited to the demanding agricultural, lifting and specialist commercial operations undertaken by Heli A1. The new office will also provide much-needed space for Heli A1’s growing team. The office team includes an Office Manager/Safety Manager, an Office Assistant and an Assistant Operations Manager. Davin divides his time between the office and the field remaining closely involved in management and taking a hands-on role in operations. The operational team includes three pilots, including Davin, and seven groundcrew. One groundcrew member has completed his Commercial Pilot Licence and Davin will train him toward gaining his Agricultural Rating. Established by Davin in 2005 Heli A1 has grown from its Waikato base into a specialist helicopter operator servicing the greater Waikato and central North Island as well as undertaking projects throughout New Zealand and overseas. Past projects have included a three-month contract supporting the construction of microwave towers in Tonga, human-sling work supporting live-line powerline operations, electromagnetic surveying around New Zealand and the provision of pilots and aviation expertise for the Gough Island project in the South Atlantic Ocean. Davin attributes the company’s growth to its reputation and the long-term relationships it has developed with clients. “Heli A1 has built a solid reputation for high-quality service, safety and experience within the helicopter services industry. “Our goal is to complete every job to a standard that exceeds our clients’ expectations,” says Davin. Heli A1’s work spans agricultural, forestry and specialist commercial operations. Agricultural services include aerial spraying, fertiliser application, seeding and lime spreading. Forestry work includes desiccation, releasing, aerial fertiliser application and Dothistroma control. The company also undertakes precision lifting, aerial surveying, powerline operations, firefighting, human-sling operations, concrete delivery and gravelling. Heli A1’s highly experienced pilots are supported by a skilled groundcrew team, providing the knowledge and operational depth needed for complex projects in New Zealand and overseas. For Davin, the business’s connection with rural industries is personal. He grew up on a dairy farm in Otorohanga, where his father was also a contractor. “Farming and contracting have always been part of my life,” says Davin. “Growing up that way gives you a real appreciation for how important it is to get the job done right and on time.”
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