84 | RURAL SERVICES » Southland Helicopters Southland weather can be challenging Karen Phelps Since its establishment in 2018, Southland Helicopters has been providing farmers with a range of essential services tailored to the unique needs of the area’s agricultural sector. “We know the area, we know the conditions and we know the environment because picking the weather in Southland can be challenging. This means a more timely and reliable service as we can identify windows of weather we can operate in,” says Co-owner and experienced pilot Hayden Cherry. Based in Tussock Creek, Southland Helicopters is owned by Hayden and John Collins. Hayden has been a pilot of many years and John has been involved in the helicopter industry for many years. At the heart of Southland Helicopters’ operations is a fleet of four MD600N Helicopters, each piloted by experienced local pilots. Hayden says the state-of-the-art machines are particularly suited to agricultural work, boasting reduced vibrations, enhanced safety features, and notably quieter operation - a significant advantage when working at low altitudes and around livestock. The company’s agricultural services are comprehensive, covering everything from aerial spraying to fertilizer application. “We’ve got the gear and we’ve got the people to get the job done. No job is too big or too small.” Aerial spraying is a cornerstone of Southland Helicopters’ offering. Utilising digital GPS technology, specifically the Tabula (formerly called TracMap) system, the company ensures precise and efficient application of various products. This technology not only guides the pilots but also provides farmers with proof of placement and detailed mapping. The spraying services cover a wide range of needs, including forestry applications, brush weed control, cropping, desiccation, spot spraying, liquid fertilisers, and even wilding pine lancing. It operates with purpose-built buckets for aerial application of fertiliser and seeding that can be adjusted to suit customers’ application rates and product types. “This flexibility allows for efficient coverage of steep terrain and other difficult-to-access areas, saving farmers valuable time and resources.” To streamline operations, Southland Helicopters has invested in its own loading equipment for bulk fertilizer and operates mixing trailers and trucks specifically outfitted to support helicopter operations. This integrated approach results in a seamless service for farmers, from order to application. “Product is normally ordered by farmers and we liaise with the supplier to be there at the right time and let the farmer know when we’re coming,” Hayden explains. “This ensures that farmers can plan their operations effectively around the aerial services.” Beyond these core agricultural services, Southland Helicopters offers additional support to the farming community, including gravelling for farm tracks, fire lighting and fighting capabilities, and lifting services for various on-farm needs. What sets Southland Helicopters apart is not just their range of services, but its experienced team. It has pilots boasting thousands of flight hours Proudly supporting Southland Helicopters Southland Helicopters has invested in its own loading equipment for bulk fertiliser. including Willy Mills along with Paul Claridge and Logan Stirling, an in-house engineer Paul Tracy to take care of maintenance and dedicated safety management system manager and administration personal. Southland Helicopters is also accredited with environmental management programme AIRCARE.
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