Visits

Our next visit is to HeliOps, Somerton on Thursday 23 May 2024

Download an Application Form by clicking HERE

Rosanne has very skilfully procured a visit to the Maintenance and Storage facility of the HeliOps organisation at Somerton, Somerset.

Despite the fact that the Fleet Air Arm has not flown the venerable Sea King since 2018, the familiar shape of this aircraft can still be seen in Somerset skies after the ‘out-of-service’ date. Perhaps more widely known and seen are the aircraft of the Historic Helicopters organisation whose aim is to preserve and restore to flying condition, vintage Military Helicopters. A very enjoyable visit was made to their facility in May last year.

But returning to HeliOps, they are a highly successful company that has a demonstrable track record of aircrew and groundcrew training, with both live flying-training from its own heliport at Portland and overseas; and also synthetic training on the simulator facility at Culdrose. All this based around the Sea King airframe but also some other aircraft types. As the Sea King is still operational with some Air Arms around the world, HeliOps has an important role with a niche market in continuing to train personnel still involved in flying and maintaining this aircraft type.

A donation of £10.00 per person is requested for this visit.  You can pay by BACS using Society of Friends Fleet Air Arm Museum.  Sort Code 30-99-98.  Account Number 00857987.  Please use your ‘surname/HeliOps’ as a reference. A cheque is also acceptable, payable to SoFFAAM accompanying the application form.  Alternatively, you can pay cash on the day.

You can also download a copy of the Application Form HERE.

Programme

Our visit begins at 10:30am, please arrive and wait in the car park in good time.  We suggest you arrive no later than 10:20am. We expect the visit to be complete around 12 noon.

For those who wish to join in a group lunch afterwards, we are going to The White Hart, Market Place, Somerton, TA11 7LX after the HeliOps visit.  The cost is £12.00 per head for a mixed platter of sandwiches, crisps, tea or coffee. Please make your payment out for a total of £22.00 if you want to join in the Lunch.

PLEASE advise Roasanne if you have any special dietary requests.

The Application Form is in Jabberwock 115 or you can down load this by clicking HERE. An Application Form can be sent to you if you request one by emailing soffaam@btinternet.com or phone 07768 562976

Please complete and return the Application Form to Rosanne Crowther, SoFFAAM Visits Co-Ordinator, St David’s, 5 Church Close, Martock, Somerset, TA12 6DS ASAP.

Tickets will be allocated on a first come first served basis. You will be notified immediately if for any reason the visit is postponed OR if you have not been allocated a place. Please note that NO REFUNDS for non-attendance can be given.

How to get to HeliOps Somerton

Their location is just South of Somerton on Jubilee Trading Estate – Jubilee Park, Badger’s Cross Lane, Somerton, Somerset TA11 7JF. The post code will get you to Jubilee Park with your SatNav and HeliOps is in the Northern part of this Trading Estate.

Many exciting visits have been arranged by the society to various military and civilian establishments, with some having exclusive, ‘behind the scenes’ access to the activities and workings of the hosts. Past visits have included:

Historic Helicopters

Aerospace Bristol

SS Great Britain