88 | 35 tonne of fert placed in three hours SHL can take care of both the small and the larger jobs with its eet, which includes the largest heavy lifting helicopter in the South Island, the company’s Bell UH1L (Iroquois), nicknamed Thumper. Karen Phelps Southern Heli Lift’s Chief Pilot Darren Davison has been taking care of rural clients for over two decades. Darren owns Southern Heli Lift (SHL) with wife Lynda; both grew up on farms and well understand the needs of their rural clients as do their team. Offering great service is in their DNA and, as owner/operators, they enjoy the longstanding personal relationships that develop with customers. SHL can take care of both the small and the larger jobs with its eet, which includes the largest heavy lifting helicopter in the South Island. Nicknamed ‘Thumper’, the company’s Bell UH1L (Iroquois) has the ability to hoist and carry around a third more weight or litres than the next-largest helicopter. “People tend to recognise the Iroquois (also commonly known as a ‘Huey’), with its decades as a military aircraft,” says Darren. “It was at the hub of the Royal New Zealand Air Force helicopter eet and synonymous with the Vietnam War. In fact, this very machine completed two tours of duty in Vietnam. The same power, reliability and structural integrity that appeals to defence forces around the world has also seen the Huey prove its worth in the commercial eld over the decades.” Its size and grunt, coupled with its 1200L spray tank, 1500L re- ghting bucket and 1800kg lifting capacity, means SHL can often get the job done in a fraction of the time. For farmers this capacity sees a reduction in time to get product on eld, taking advantage of weather windows and less time with product sitting on a truck. “People think because it is a big helicopter, the hourly rate puts it out of their reach. The reality is the per kilogram or per litre price tends to make it the most cost-effective option,” says Darren. A recent example of ef ciency is the placement of 35 tonne of fertiliser in three hours. SHL’s second machine, while not a veteran itself, was also an aviation stalwart in the Vietnam era. The McDonald Douglas 369, more commonly known as a Hughes 500, is the perfect utility airRURAL SERVICES » Southern Heli Lift craft to handle the versatile workload for SHL. Any given day can see Darren involved in a variety of tasks ranging from standard agricultural operations (spraying and fertiliser application), pest culling, passenger transport, aerial mustering or frost protection. SHL also provides the specialist services of targeted spot spraying and aerial tree mulching. “There is even the odd job involving picnic baskets and rings,” says Darren who says it is this variation of work that helps keep him passionate about what he does. Alongside its day-to-day operations the SHL team are challenging themselves to nd new ways of doing things. This innovative mind-set saw the development of a purpose built heli-mulcher to add to the tools currently being used to eradicate wilding pines. This specially designed equipment is slung under the helicopter, which descends, mulching the tree in a matter of seconds. From there the unit’s spray system kicks in, administering herbicide to completely cover the remaining stump. Darren says the mulcher provides an eradication alternative and really comes into its own in native vegetation, which can often be damaged using other methods. Southern Heli Lift’s crew are highly skilled, knowledgeable ag pilots. As a result the company has a reputation for accuracy and particularly high kills rates in its weed eradication work. Proof of placement is important to farmers and SHL is able to provide this information collected by GPS using the TracMap system. This New Zealand developed system is well known to farmers and the information available gives peace of mind and helps meet regulatory requirements. A personal service is important. Darren says that the SHL team takes the time with its rural clients at the scoping stage to identify solutions that are in their best interests. “As well as bringing decades of experience, hands-on knowledge and understanding, both in farming and aviation, it’s very important to us the way we deliver is ever-mindful of the speci c needs and realities of our rural clients. Seamless integration Variable rate One touch bout reduce One less screen in cab Have full Spread control all in one Device SPREAD CONTROLLER Take your TML to the next level. Combine the ease of the TML with our TracMap spread controller. The controller ties seamlessly into your TML making spreading easy. Photo Credit: Truck & Driver Magazine Spread Controller pairs exclusively with TML. Both units are sold separately. 0800 872 262 tracmap.com www.aon.com Fresh approach to insurance and risk advice for your aviation insurance requirements Aon are proud to support Darren and Lynda Davison and Southern Heli Lift Please contact Aviation Insurance Specialist Matthew Sproule 03 471 5336 027 520 3098 matt.j.sproule@aon.com
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