| 113 RURAL SERVICES » Southland Helicopters Ltd Karen Phelps For Southland Helicopters, knowing the land, the weather and the people it works for is at the heart of its operation. Based at Tussock Creek the locally owned business has been operating throughout Southland since 2018 and now, unlike many helicopter operators, it has narrowed its focus entirely to agriculture. “This means we can focus on doing that as well as we can for our farming clients, being there whenever they need us,” says owner and pilot Hayden Cherry. The company’s local focus is a key part of its identity, with all pilots and support staff from the region. “We know the area, we know the conditions and we know the environment. Picking the weather in Southland can be challenging so being local means we can identify those windows where we can operate and provide a more timely service,” says Hayden. Southland Helicopters operates a fleet of four MD600N NOTAR helicopters, which are particularly suited to low-level agricultural operations. The aircraft’s six-blade main rotor system provides smooth handling and reduced vibration, helping to reduce fatigue for pilots and crew during long working days. The NOTAR anti-torque system also removes the need for a traditional tail rotor, improving safety around ground staff and livestock as well as significantly reducing noise. “These helicopters are a really good fit for agricultural work as they are quieter around stock and they are smooth machines to operate,” explains Hayden. The business provides a wide range of agricultural services including aerial spraying, fertiliser application, seeding and bucket work. Its helicopters are fitted with purpose-built spray equipment and Tabula GPS technology allowing accurate application and providing farmers with proof of placement and mapping. 60 Local focus helps helicopter business soar To streamline operations, Southland Helicopters has invested in its own loading equipment for bulk fertiliser 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,” explains Hayden. “This ensures that farmers can plan their operations effectively around the aerial services.” The spraying service covers everything from forestry and brush weed control through to cropping, desiccation, spot spraying, liquid fertilisers and wilding pine lancing. For fertiliser and seeding work, the company uses adjustable buckets designed to suit different products and application rates. The ability to cover steep or difficult terrain provides farmers with an efficient alternative where traditional methods may be challenging. Beyond these core agricultural services, Southland Helicopters offers additional support to the farming community including gravelling for farm tracks, fire lighting, and lifting services for various on-farm needs. As well as its agricultural services, Southland Helicopters provides commercial work including fire lighting and lifting. The company is also accredited with environmental management programme AIRCARE. The team has continued to grow with local pilot Nick Henderson recently joining Hayden and experienced pilots Logan Stirling and Paul Claridge. Behind the pilots is a dedicated ground crew supporting safe and efficient operations, along with experienced maintenance and operational support. Hayden says business has remained steady with positive signs emerging across the agricultural sector. “There seems to be some good optimism out there from farmers. At Southland Helicopters we’ve got the gear and we’ve got the people to get the job done. No job is too big or too small.” Southland Helicopters operates a fleet of four MD600N NOTAR helicopters, which are particularly suited to low-level agricultural operations.
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