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Helicopter images and events
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Email thehelibuddies@gmail.com
X/Twitter @helibuddies
Instagram helibuddiesuk
(c) David Stevens 2023-2026
About Us
Welcome to the Helibuddies - 5 individuals, living in 5 different counties in the UK who became friends through a shared passion for photographing (and videoing!) helicopters. Since coming together as a group in 2017 the Helibuddies have travelled extensively across the United Kingdom and beyond to photograph helicopters and to attend rotary themed trade shows & events. The Helibuddies regularly supply helicopter imagery to helicopter owners and operators, airport / airfield owners and media outlets.
(c) David Stevens 2023-2026
Recent Images
Below are a small selection of the latest images taken by the Helibuddies. This page is updated regularly so please check back.
(Click on each thumbnail to see a full size image)
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(c) David Stevens 2023-2026
Brooklands Museum, Surrey, UK
Helicopter Fly-In ~ 20th August 2026
Taking place annually on a Thursday in late August, the 2026 helicopter fly-in took place at the historic Brooklands site, in Weybridge, Surrey, on 20th August.
Prior to the event, the organisers had suggested that 16 helicopters would be attending. Hoswever, one of these, an Agusta 109, failed to show whilst a Hughes 500 went tech whilst en-route and diverted elsewhere for attention. Despite the drop-outs, there was anice selection of helicopter types to be seen with the 14 attendees representing no less than 12 different models of helicopter. The star visitor was undoubtedly the North Weald based Westland Lynx.
A video from the event can be found on the Heli Buddies You Tube channel: BROOKLANDS HELICOPTER FLY IN 20-8-2026 INC - EC120s-BELL 505-R44-R22,CABRI G2-BELL 407 AND MORE
REG'N MODEL
G-BZDV Westland WA.341 Gazelle HT.2
G-BZYD Westland WA.341 Gazelle AH.1
G-HITC Airbus AS350 B3/H125
G-LILY Bell 206B Jet Ranger III
G-MODE Eurocopter EC120 B Colibri
G-NCKS Westland Lynx AH.7
G-RAVN Robinson R44 Raven
G-RAZE Bell 407GXi
G-SANJ Guimbal Cabri G2
G-SENZ Eurocopter EC120 B Colibri
G-THUD Bell 505 Jet Ranger X
G-TOSH Robinson R22 Beta
N93MD Hughes 369E (MD-500E)
ZM528 Airbus EC135 Juno HT.1/H135
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Genk-Zwartberg, Belgium
18th July 2026
With a visit to a helicopter fly-in event in northern France having gone pear-shaped, when the event was cancelled, but with a ferry already booked and paid for, a last minute decision was made to pay a visit to Genk-Zwartberg Airfield in Western Belgium.
With atleast one based helicopter maintenance provider located at the airfield as well as a number of based machines, Zwartberg is often a busy place. Unfortunatelty, on the Saturday of our visit it was almost dead! We were however blessed with a very nice French registered Bell 47 paying a visit during the afternoon as well as 3 helicopters that had been operatring VIP shuttles into the Spa motor racing returning to Zwartberg .... so very much a case of quality over quantity.
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Formula 1 British Grand Prix
Turweston Aerodrome, Buckinghamshire, UK ~ 5th July 2026
Many sporting events across Europe attract helicopters in vary numbers for one reason or another. However no event can claim to attract as many helicopters as attend the Formula 1 British Grand Prix each year.
On one Sunday, in early July, somewhere in the region of 100 different helicopters ferry team members. sponsors and spectators into the Silverstone Racing Circuit - located approximately an hours drive north of London.
Due to regulstions preventing helicopters from parking within the race circuit during the race, many of the operators park their helicopters at Turweston Aerodrome - "Turdy" being located just a handful of miles from Silverstone.
On Grand Prix Sunday the first arrivals at Turweston are normally before 8am with the activity contimuing until shortly before the race begins.
As well as helicopters parking at Turweston, some run shuttle services back and forth between the airfield and Silverstone whilst other helicopters, operating from smaller feeder sites, pop in sporadically throughout the morning for rotors running fuel pick-ups.
For the 2026 Formula 1 Brisith Grand Prix, Sunday 5th July saw no less than 69 helicopters visiting Turweston Aerodrome.
These helicopters ranged in size from small Robinson R44's upto the mighty Sikorsky S-92.
It is worth adding that once the helicopter activity has ceased pre-race, the airfield operators at Turweston run a charity walk-around of many of the parked helicopters with all money collected being donated to the local air ambualnce charity.
REG'N MODEL
2-CAMO Agusta A.109S Grand
2-SPSP AgustaWestland AW109SP GrandNew
G-BOSN Aerospatiale AS355 F1 Ecureuil 2
G-CSLE Agusta A.109E Power
G-DAYD Agusta A.109S Grand
G-DAYF AgustaWestland AW109SP GrandNew
G-DCAM Eurocopter AS355 NP Ecureuil 2
G-DLTZ Bell 505 Jet Ranger X
G-DVIP Agusta A.109E Power
G-EMHN Agusta A.109S Grand
G-FAMJ Agusta A.109S Grand
G-FLOE Robinson R66 Turbine
G-FXCT Sikorsky S-92A
G-FXVA Sikorsky S-76C
G-FXVC Sikorsky S-76C-2
G-GBTV Eurocopter AS355 N Ecureuil 2
G-GDSP AgustaWestland AW109S Trekker
G-GHER Eurocopter AS355 N Ecureuil 2
G-GPOT AgustaWestland AW109SP GrandNew
G-GSTN Airbus EC130 T2/H130
G-HAZR AgustaWestland AW109S Trekker
G-HDSP AgustaWestland AW109S Trekker
G-HFLW Airbus BK117 D-3/H145
G-HPIN Bell 429 Global Ranger
G-HVER Robinson R44 Raven II
G-IBMS Robinson R44 Raven II
G-ISPM AgustaWestland AW109SP GrandNew
G-KLNH AgustaWestland AW109SP GrandNew
G-LILY Bell 206B Jet Ranger III
G-LZZI Airbus BK117 D-3/H145
G-MCFC AgustaWestland AW139
G-MODE Eurocopter EC120 B Colibri
G-MRRL AgustaWestland AW109SP GrandNew
G-NALC Eurocopter AS355 NP Ecureuil 2
G-OAHL Eurocopter AS355 N Ecureuil 2
G-OASP Aerospatiale AS355 F2 Ecureuil 2
G-OATL AgustaWestland AW109SP GrandNew
G-OFZY Eurocopter AS355 N Ecureuil 2
G-OHWK Bell 206L-1 Long Ranger II
G-OLCP Eurocopter AS355 N Ecureuil 2
G-OSHS Eurocopter AS350 B2 Ecureuil
G-OSHS Eurocopter AS350 B2 Ecureuil
G-PACO Sikorsky S-76C-2
G-PJCM AgustaWestland AW139
G-PRDH Aerospatiale AS355 F2 Ecureuil 2
G-PTRK Eurocopter AS350 B3 Ecureuil
G-RANL AgustaWestland AW109SP GrandNew
G-ROON Sikorsky S-76C-2
G-RYFF Agusta A.109S Grand
G-SCOF Eurocopter AS355 N Ecureuil 2
G-SENS Eurocopter EC135 T2+
G-TAJB Airbus BK117 D-2/H145
G-THDA AgustaWestland AW109S Trekker
G-TLMI Robinson R66 Turbine
G-TMCF AgustaWestland AW109S Trekker
G-TRNG Agusta A.109E Power
G-TUGY Robin DR.400/180 Regent
G-TVAB Aerospatiale AS355 F2 Ecureuil 2
G-TVHB Eurocopter EC135 P2+
G-UKTV Aerospatiale AS355 F2 Ecureuil 2
G-UNIA AgustaWestland AW169
G-UNIH AgustaWestland AW139
G-WSTO Eurocopter AS355 NP Ecureuil 2
G-XITE Bell 505 Jet Ranger X
G-ZOGG Agusta A.109S Grand
M-IKEY Eurocopter AS365N3 Dauphin II
M-INES AgustaWestland AW109SP GrandNew
M-VENA Eurocopter AS365N2 Dauphin II
T7-LSS AgustaWestland AW139
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South of France - June 2026
A few days in and around Cannes in late June
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Royal Ascot
Berkshire, UK ~ 16th June 2026
Helvetica Light is an easy-to-read font, with tall and narrow letters, that works well on almost every site.
Royal Ascot 2026 took place at Ascot Racecourse between Tuesday 16th June and Saturday 20th June.
The 5-day festival is the largest flat (as opposed to jumps) horse racing event in the UK each year. In terms of helicopter numbers, Royal Ascot attracts some of the highest numbers of daily helicopter movements of any sporting event in the UK - superseeded only by the Formula 1 British Grand Prix and the Cheltenham Festival (the latter being another horse racing event).
Throughout the duration of Royal Ascot, a temporary heliport operates from land at Royal Ascot Golf Course - to the east of the racecourse. This is the only time during the year when the temporary heliport is operational. For all other race meetings the helicopters operate directly in / out of the racecourse. A typical day at Royal Ascot will see between 35 and 50 different helicopters visit the heliport.
In 2026, the Helibuddies visited the heliport on only the first day - Tuesday 16th June. Between the heliport opening at 10am and the last arrival around 1:30pm, some 41 helicopters were noted:
REG'N MODEL
2-BOOZ Eurocopter EC155 B1
2-SPSP AgustaWestland AW109SP GrandNew
G-BYBI Bell 206B Jet Ranger III
G-DAYD Agusta A.109S Grand
G-DAYF AgustaWestland AW109SP GrandNew
G-DOUN Agusta A.109S Grand
G-ETHO AgustaWestland AW109SP GrandNew
G-FAMJ Agusta A.109S Grand
G-FGRP Agusta A.109E Power
G-FXVA Sikorsky S-76C
G-GHER Eurocopter AS355 N Ecureuil 2
G-GPOT AgustaWestland AW109SP GrandNew
G-GRUN AgustaWestland AW109SP GrandNew
G-HANY Agusta-Bell 206B JetRanger II
G-HFLW Airbus BK117 D-3/H145
G-HPIN Bell 429 Global Ranger
G-IGIS Bell 206B Jet Ranger II
G-KLNH AgustaWestland AW109SP GrandNew
G-LBDC Bell 206B Jet Ranger III
G-LILY Bell 206B Jet Ranger III
G-LZZI Airbus BK117 D-3/H145
G-MRRL AgustaWestland AW109SP GrandNew
G-NALC Eurocopter AS355 NP Ecureuil 2
G-OAHL Eurocopter AS355 N Ecureuil 2
G-OATL AgustaWestland AW109SP GrandNew
G-PJCM AgustaWestland AW139
G-RYFF Agusta A.109S Grand
G-SENS Eurocopter EC135 T2+
G-SIRT AgustaWestland AW109SP GrandNew
G-TAJB Airbus BK117 D-2/H145
G-THDA AgustaWestland AW109S Trekker
G-TMCF AgustaWestland AW109S Trekker
G-TREE Bell 206B Jet Ranger III
G-TRNG Agusta A.109E Power
G-VIVE AgustaWestland AW109SP GrandNew
G-WSTO Eurocopter AS355 NP Ecureuil 2
M-EXPL Eurocopter AS355 N Twinstar
M-INES AgustaWestland AW109SP GrandNew
M-JCBC AgustaWestland AW139
M-RBHF AgustaWestland AW139
M-SHRM AgustaWestland AW139
Cars & Copters "The Garden Party"
Great. Missenden, Buckinghamshire, UK ~ 7th June 2026
The 2nd Cars & Copters gathering of 2026 was headlined as The Garden Party and took place in the grounds of an extensive private property in Great Missenden, Buckinghamshire on Sunday 7th June.
Some 22 helicopters attended the event:
REG'N MODEL
G-BZYD Westland WA.341 Gazelle AH.1
G-CMDZ Robinson R44 Raven
G-DMOB Robinson R66 Turbine Marine
G-DONE Bell 505 Jet Ranger X
G-EJMX Bell 505 Jet Ranger X
G-FCKD Eurocopter EC120 B Colibri
G-HVER Robinson R44 Raven II
G-IBIG Bell 206B Jet Ranger II
G-IFBP Eurocopter AS350 B2 Ecureuil
G-ITOR Robinson R44 Raven II
G-KETH Agusta-Bell 206B JetRanger II
G-KUBE Robinson R44 Raven II
G-LILO Bell 505 Jet Ranger X
G-MANZ Robinson R44 Raven II
G-NULL Airbus AS350 B3/H125
G-PDPD Eurocopter EC120 B Colibri
G-THUD Bell 505 Jet Ranger X
G-TLMI Robinson R66 Turbine
G-VIVE AgustaWestland AW109SP GrandNew
G-XXUK Eurocopter EC120 B Colibri
N163L MD Helicopters 369FF (MD 530F)
N7NP Hughes 369E (MD-500E)
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L'Helico 2026
Cholet-Le Pontreau Airport, France ~ 29th/30th May 2026
The 4th edition of L’Helico took place at Cholet-Le Pontreau Airport, in Western France on Saturday 30th and Sunday 31st May 2026.
Typically held every 4 years, L’Helico is by far the largest gathering of rotorcraft in Europe with approximately 80 helicopters attending the 2026 event. Whilst this is a decent number, it was approximately 20% less than the most recent previous L’Helico – in 2022. The on-going conflict between Iran and the USA, and the resulting spike in the cost of oil and concerns over the availability of fuel resulted in the number of overseas helicopters attending being greatly reduced.
edition of L’Helico took place at Cholet-Le Pontreau Airport, in Western France on Saturday 30th and Sunday 31st May 2026.
Typically held every 4 years, L’Helico is by far the largest gathering of rotorcraft in Europe with approximately 80 helicopters attending the 2026 event. Whilst this is a decent number, it was approximately 20% less than the most recent previous L’Helico – in 2022. The on-going conflict between Iran and the USA, and the resulting spike in the cost of oil and concerns over the availability of fuel resulted in the number of overseas helicopters attending being greatly reduced.
Saturday 30th May was a private / ticketed event whilst the Sunday was a free to attend event open to the public. The Helibuddies were present at Cholet Airfield on the Friday afternoon prior to the event, when a decent number of helicopters arrived, and from 8am to 8pm on the Saturday.
Having tickets to attend on the Saturday gave almost unrestricted access to the airfield – including the many visitors that were parked on the far side of the airfield.
Several helicopters gave displays on the Saturday afternoon including the Red Bull operated Bell Cobra and Bolkow Bo105, a Hughes 500 fitted with spray bars, French Air Force NH90 and Puma, a civilian Gazelle plus various firefighting, winching, and casualty extraction demonstrations. The displays were due to be repeated on the Sunday.
The log below is an amalgamation of sightings from Friday and Saturday:
REG'N MODEL
1062 Airbus H160B
1109 Aerospatiale SA.330Ba Puma
1402 NH Industries NH90-TTH
2267 Aerospatiale AS532UL Cougar
4059 Aerospatiale SA.342M Gazelle
5511 Eurocopter AS555AN Fennec
04HV Helisport CH-77 Ranabot
44BEA Robinson R22 (Nigrowsky conversion)
44BFA Robinson R22 (Nigrowsky conversion)
45ASN Dynali H-3 Easy Flyer
80AEE Dynali H-3 Easy Flyer
80AIC Dynali H-3 Easy Flyer
80AIN Dynali H-3 Easy Flyer
85AWC Dynali H-3 Easy Flyer
D-HTDM Bolkow 105C
F-AYCR Aerospatiale SA.342M Gazelle
F-AYGZ Aerospatiale SA.341F Gazelle
F-AYHC Aerospatiale SA.342M Gazelle
F-AYHE Aerospatiale SA.341F2 Gazelle
F-AYHT Aerospatiale SA.316B Alouette III
F-AYSA Aerospatiale SA.341F Gazelle
F-GIDR Aerospatiale AS350 B Ecureuil
F-GLOU Robinson R44 Astro
F-GOJL Schweizer 269C
F-GSHS Robinson R66 Turbine
F-GTGM Robinson R22 Beta II
F-GUFL Robinson R44 Raven I
F-GVLH Robinson R44 Raven II
F-GXJP Eurocopter AS350 B2 Ecureuil
F-GXMQ Hughes 269C
F-GZMY Robinson R44 Raven II
F-HAIN Robinson R44 II
F-HANG Robinson R44 Raven II
F-HBKA Eurocopter EC120 B Colibri
F-HBKP Eurocopter EC120 B Colibri
F-HCPV Eurocopter EC120 B Colibri
F-HCXD Robinson R44 Raven II
F-HDRL Robinson R44 Raven II
F-HFAC Robinson R44 Raven II
F-HGAR Robinson R44 Raven
F-HGSL Robinson R44 Raven I
F-HGYO Guimbal Cabri G2
F-HJAQ Airbus AS350 B3e/H125
F-HJAR Robinson R44 Raven II
F-HJPR Robinson R44 Raven II
F-HLPB Robinson R44 Raven II
F-HMJL Robinson R44 Raven II
F-HNBO Airbus EC130 T2/H130
F-HOAH Bell 407
F-HPHI Robinson R44 Raven II
F-HPRS Eurocopter EC135 T2+
F-HRCD Airbus AS350 B3/H125
F-HRJA Hughes 369E (MD-500E)
F-HRSG Robinson R44 Raven II
F-HSUB Airbus BK117 D-3/H145
F-HULC Airbus AS350 B3e/H125
F-HVNE Guimbal Cabri G2
F-HZIP Robinson R44 Raven II
F-ZBGF Eurocopter EC135 T2+
F-ZBQX Airbus BK117 D-3/H145
HB-ZZX Airbus AS350 B3e/H125
N11FX Bell AH-1F Cobra
N130SM Eurocopter EC130 B4
N2717Y Robinson R44 Raven II
N315BF Aerospatiale SA.315B Lama
N341DT Aerospatiale SA.341G Gazelle
N341GG Aerospatiale SA.341G Gazelle
N341HH Aerospatiale SA.341G Gazelle
N342ET Aerospatiale SA.342J Gazelle
N42GD Robinson R66 Turbine
N441GS Robinson R44 Raven II
N66001 Robinson R66 Turbine
N779GB Robinson R44 Clipper II
OO-VDA Aerospatiale SA.342M Gazelle
Cars & Copters "Runway Edition"
Manston Airport, Kent, UK ~ 10th May 2026
Organised by automotive events group Petrolheadonism, Cars & Copters is excatly what it says on the tin - an event where (super) cars and helicopters gather. This edition of Cars & Copters took place at the former international airport in Manston, Kent and allowed for the cars owners to do high speed runs on a section of the airports runway - which at 60 metres wide, is one of the widest runways in Europe. Although the weather was grey and gusty throughout the day, the event attracted a decent turnout of helicopters including many Bell 505's - Manston being the home if independant Bell representarive Helix Aviation.
* VISITORS *
REG'N MODEL CON NO
G-CIKX Robinson R66 Turbine 555
G-CLJR Robinson R44 Raven II 11893
G-DAXA Robinson R44 Raven II 12295
G-EJMX Bell 505 Jet Ranger X 65609
G-GOAT Airbus AS350 B3e/H125 9413
G-GSMR Bell 206B Jet Ranger III 2385
G-HITC Airbus AS350 B3/H125 9429
G-HUXX Hughes 369E (MD-500E) 0474E
G-ICEL Robinson R66 Turbine Marine 892
G-KANF Bell 505 Jet Ranger X 65420
G-KUBE Robinson R44 Raven II 10091
G-LILO Bell 505 Jet Ranger X 65664
G-MADZ Bell 505 Jet Ranger X 65179
G-MLLR Bell 505 Jet Ranger X 65648
G-MODE Eurocopter EC120 B Colibri 1295
G-NALC Eurocopter AS355 NP Ecureuil 25770
G-OHAS Robinson R66 Turbine 349
G-SSCL Hughes 369E (MD-500E) 0491E
G-THUD Bell 505 Jet Ranger X 65634
G-ULZE Robinson R22 Beta 2048
G-XXTH Bell 505 Jet Ranger X 65447
N163L MD Helicopters 369FF (MD 530F) 0317FF
N7NP Hughes 369E (MD-500E) 0260E
N93MD Hughes 369E (MD-500E) 0512E
* STATIC DISPLAY & HELIX HANGAR *
REG'N MODEL CON NO
2-HOVA Agusta-Bell 206B JetRanger II 8556
G-BNYD Bell 206B Jet Ranger II 1911
G-BXDS Bell 206B Jet Ranger III 2734
G-CNBJ Bell 505 Jet Ranger X 65712
G-ILYA Agusta-Bell 206B JetRanger II 8038
G-LIMO Bell 206L-1 Long Ranger II 45476
G-OWEE Bell 505 Jet Ranger X 65394
G-SUER Bell 206B Jet Ranger III 480
G-SUEY Bell 206L-1 Long Ranger II 45612
G-TOPM Agusta-Bell 206B-2 JetRanger II 8732
G-WOFM Agusta A.109E Power 11678
G-XXLB Bell 407GXi 56434
N22ZW Bell 222A 47031
N505H Bell 505 Jet Ranger X 65283
Cheltenham Festival - March 2026
Just a few of the helicopters that were seen across 2, of the 4, days of the 2026 Cheltenham Festival. The annual horse racing festivals at Cheltenham (March) and Ascot (June) along with the Formula 1 British Grand Prix at Silverstone (July) attract more helicopters movements than any other events in the UK.
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(c) David Stevens 2023-2026
Nightshoot-RAF Northolt-5th March 2026
The first semi-annual nightshoot of 2026 took place at RAF Northolt on Thursday 5th March. Four helicopters were on display:
2233 Aerospatiale AS332L1 Super Puma msn 2233 French Air Force
ZZ384 AgustaWestland AW159 Wildcat AH.1 msn 503 Army Air Corps
G-LAAA Airbus EC135 T3 / H135 msn 2242 London's Air Ambulance
G-LAAB Airbus EC135 T3 / H135 msn 2246 London's Air Ambulance
(c) David Stevens 2023-2026
5th European Rotors Trade Show
Koelnmesse Convention Center, Cologne, Germany ~ 18th - 20th November 2025
In mid-November Europe's premier trade show and safety conference for the rotorcraft and VTOL industry conveined at the Koelnmesse Convention Center ('KCC') in Cologne. This was 5th edidion of European Rotors and the 3rd time that the event has been held in Cologne.
Whilst the Koelnmesse exhibition hall was open Tuesday to Thursday, the participating helicopters typically arrived the previous Saturday. Some helicopters arrived by road, some flew directly into the convention center whilst others arrived by air having transited through the nearby Bonn-Hangelar Airfield. The photograpshs here are a mix of those taken at Bonn-Hangelar on Saturday 15th November and at the KCC on Thursday 20th November.
During the event it was announced that the 2026 edition of Europran Rotors will take place in Lyon, France.
Noted on display at the KCC on 20th November were:
REG’N MODEL CON NO
D-HFJD Robinson R44 Raven II 14886
D-HNHI Eurocopter EC155 B1 6762
D-HRAS Bell 505 Jet Ranger X 65621
D-HTWA Leonardo AW169 69163
D-HXCH Airbus EC135 P3H / H135 2311
D-MHRD Rupp Aircraft FR200 Phonix 009
F-HIGE Guimbal Cabri G2 1381
F-HVNE Guimbal Cabri G2 1061
HB-XDA Bell 429 Global Ranger 57472
N480EN Enstrom 480B Elite 5259
OE-XKL Airbus AS350 B3 / H125 9761
OE-XVU Airbus EC135 T3 / H135 2261
OY-HOT Leonardo AW169 69170
PH-BLA Eurocopter AS350 B3 Ecureil 4267
PH-UNN Eurocopter EC120 B Colibri 1310
SE-JMI Robinson R44 Raven I 2060
- Robinson R88 mock-up -
- Airbus H140 mock-up -
Also present, in use as an exhibitors stand, was the cabin of McDonnell-Douglas MD900 Explorer - msn 900-00047
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(c) David Stevens 2023-2026
Rotor Focus
Paul Beale was at Gloucester-Staverton Airport on 13th November 2025 to capture the arrival of a new Airbus BK117 D-3 / H145 registered G-CNAH.
This airframe - msn 21435 - is registered to Babcock Mission Critical Services Onshore Limited.
This is the first of two such machines acquired by Babcock to fulfill a contract with the Australian Border Force.
More of Paul's photo's can be seen at:
Paul Beale Photography
(c) Paul Beale
Les Rotors de l'Aisne Helicopter Rally
Saint Quentin-Roupy Airfield, Hauts-de-France, France ~ 6th-7th September 2025
On 6th and 7th September 2025 the team at Les Rotors de l'Aisne held their 1st "static helicopter rally". As the name implies, this wasn't an airshow as such. Instead, helicopters flew into the airfield at Saint Quentin-Roupy Airfield and members of the public were then able to walk around the various machines. Part of the ethos behind the rally was to celebrate the 70th anniversary of the first flight of the Aerospatiale Alouette - the first of which flew in March 1955 - and indeed a number of Alouette's were present at the rally.
Several helicopters arrived and departed on the Saturday, others were present on both days whilst a small number attended just on the Sunday. In all 25 helicopters attended the rally - a very respectable number for the first event of its kind. The following is a combined log for the 2 days of the rally:
REG’N MODEL CON NO
60ACW Claude Lescure CL02 1957
60AEG Claude Lescure CL02 ?
60AEZ Claude Lescure CL02 ?
80-AFO Mosquito Helicopters XE ?
ER-20257 Mil Mi-2 549532125
F-AYAT Sud Aviation SE.3130 Alouette II 1013/M12
F-AYGZ Aerospatiale SA.341F Gazelle 1327
F-AYHT Aerospatiale SA.316B Alouette III 2358
F-AYPV Aerospatiale SE.313B Alouette II 1325
F-AYTG Aerospatiale SE.313B Alouette II 1741
F-AZYB Aerospatiale SE.313B Alouette II 1163
F-AZYQ Aerospatiale SE.313B Alouette II 1003
F-GEHV Aerospatiale AS350 BA Ecureuil 1454
F-GICL Robinson R44 Raven 1028
F-GKLS Agusta-Bell 206B JetRanger II 8441
F-HCJL Agusta-McDonnell-Douglas 520N 301
F-HDTR Robinson R44 Clipper II 12124
F-HMEA Robinson R44 Raven II 12544
F-HOBO Robinson R44 Raven II 10746
F-HOXO Robinson R44 Raven II 14419
F-PHRT Rotorway Executive 162 HDF 6903
N341DT Aerospatiale SA.341G Gazelle 1110
N66001 Robinson R66 Turbine 39
N661PA Robinson R66 Turbine 278
OO-MER Aerospatiale SA.342M Gazelle 1870
(c) David Stevens 2023-2026
3rd World Helicopter Rally
Aeroklub Ziemi Mazowieckiej Plock, Poland ~ 14th June 2025
On Saturday 16th June 2025 the Aeroklub Ziemi Mazowieckiej, in Plock, Poland, hosted the 3rd World Helicopter Rally. Running alongside the rally was the FAI International Helicopter Games.
Unsurprisingly, the majority of the helicopters attending the event were Polish based with the only "foreigners" being a trio from Czechia - a Czech Air Force Mil Mi-171, a civil registered Robinson R44 and a US registered Sikorsky S-76.
The Polish military supplied a good selection of airframes including a newly delivered AW149.
REG'N MODEL CON NO OPERATOR
0604 PZL-Swidnik W-3W Sokol 360604 Polish Army Aviation
738 Mil Mi-24V 410738 Polish Army Aviation
6111 Mil Mi-17-1V 616M13 Polish Army Aviation
6618 PZL-Swidnik SW-4 660314 Polish Air Force
6707 AgustaWestland AW149 49112 Polish Army Aviation
6946 Mil Mi-2URP-G 566946120 Polish Army Aviation
9825 Mil Mi-171Sh 59489619825 Czech Air Force
N280TR Sikorsky S-76B 760344 Private
OK-HLZ Robinson R44 Raven II 11850 Heli Czech s.r.o.
SP-HAWK Dynali H-3 Easy Flyer H3-37-1603 Private
SP-HOZ Robinson R44 Raven II 14556 Private
SP-HPD Robinson R44 II 14405 Private
SP-HTW Robinson R44 2687 Private
SP-HXW Eurocopter EC135 P2+ 943 Polish Medical Air Rescue
SP-KRU Robinson R44 II 14686 Private
SP-MBM Robinson R44 II 14577 Private
SP-MIP Robinson R44 Raven II 11091 Private
SP-ORP Robinson R44 Raven II 14318 Private
SP-PBI Robinson R44 Raven I 2600 Private
SP-SLA Robinson R44 Raven II 11829 Private
SP-SPT Robinson R44 Raven I 2604 Private
SP-SSF Robinson R44 Raven II 11300 Private
SP-TMX Robinson R44 Raven I 2609 Private
SP-TPK Robinson R44 Raven II 12397 Private
SP-VEO Robinson R44 Raven II 14706 Private
SP-VOL Bell 407GXi 54816 Private
The EC135 is based adjacent to the airfield.
A great Facebook video of the event: Facebook
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(c) David Stevens 2023-2026
Father's Day Helicopter Fly-in - May 2025
Elsenthal-Grafenau Airfield (EDNF), Germany ~ 29th May 2025
On 29th May the flying club at Elsenthal-Grafenau Airfield, the Flugsportverein Grafenau e.V., held their annual Father's Day Helicopter Fly-In. Despite a slightly damp start to the day, a total of 25 helicopters were noted including a good mix of types and several non-German registrations.
The Helibuddies had made advanced contact with the flying club and this resulted in us being granted airside access and free will to wander around as we desired.
REG'N MODEL CON NO
D-HAGK Bell 407GX 54323
D-HBOC Bolkow 105CB S-325
D-HELJ Robinson R44 Raven II 11040
D-HHBP Aerospatiale AS350 B1 Ecureuil 1973
D-HHFB Hughes 269C 90-0971
D-HHRM Hughes 369E (MD-500E) 0357E
D-HJOY Robinson R44 Raven 0781
D-HMGD Hughes 369E (MD-500E) 0556E
D-HMSB Eurocopter EC120 B Colibri 1359
D-HMXV Bell 206B Jet Ranger III 3948
D-HOHO Hughes 369E (MD-500E) 0240E
D-HOSE Schweizer 269C-1/300 0047
D-HSIG Schweizer 269C S-1884
D-HWAZ Bell-Dornier UH-1D Iroquois 8147
D-HWFW Bell 206B Jet Ranger III 4159
D-HXRE Agusta-Bell 206B JetRanger II 8716
D-HXSE Bell 505 Jet Ranger X 65456
D-HXXL Bell 206B Jet Ranger III 4024
HA-LFW Soko SA.341H Gazelle 96
N406RJ Robinson R44 Raven II 12532
N988N Robonson R44 Raven I1606
N4480W Robinson R66 Turbine 0096
OE-XDM Bell-Soloy 47G-3B-1 3575
OE-XST Eurocopter EC120 B Colibri 1215
OK-AKT Robinson R22 Beta 1020
OK-HWG Robinson R44 Raven II 12148
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(c) David Stevens 2023-2026
Northolt Nightshoots 2024
A selection of the helicopters that were present at the charity nightshoots at RAF Northolt in March and October 2024.
(c) David Stevens 2023-2026
Events
Below are some of the forthcoming events that the Helibuddies will be attending
2026:
1st October: Nightshoot 35, RAF Northolt, UK
1st-3rd December: European Rotors Trade Show, Lyon, France
2027:
4th March: Nightshoot 36, RAF Northolt, UK
15th-18th March: Verticon, Anaheim, California, USA
16th-19th March: Cheltenham Festival, UK (Horse Racing)
6th May: Grafenau Father's Day Fly-In, Germany
9th May: Cars n Copters "Runway Edition", Manston, UK
15th-19th June: Royal Ascot, UK (Horse Racing)
19th-20th June: Les Rotors de l'Aisne Gathering, Hauts de France, France
23rd-27th June: Glastonbury Music Festival, UK
TBC July: Formula 1 British Grand Prix, Silverstone / Turweston, UK (Motorsport)
15th-18th July: Goodwood Festival of Speed, UK (Motorsport)
16th-18th July: Royal Internationlal Air Tattoo, RAF Fairford, UK
14th-15th August: Rotorworld, Zwevegem, Belgium
(c) David Stevens 2023-2026
Rotor Focus
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Stunning Ukranian registered Agusta A.109E Power - manufacturers serial number 11681.
The helicopter spent much of 2024 resident in the UK. It only flew sporadically and when not in use was hangared at Redhill Aerodrome in Surrey.
UR-AMS is pictured here departing from London Heliport-Battersea, in beautiful light, on 23rd March 2024.
(c) David Stevens 2023-2026
Helibuddies Image Sites - please click on the icons
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Heli Buddies YouTube channel.Helicopter & BizJet videos
- By Adam Bryant
Pete Brown on Flickr
Paul Beale Photography
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(c) David Stevens 2023-2026
Commissions / Assignments
Helibuddies are pleased to undertake both private and commercial assignments.
If you would like your helicopter/s photographed, wherever the location, we'd be delighted to discuss your requirements with you - whether you're looking for ground to ground, ground to air, air to ground or air to air.
Please contact us via email: thehelibuddies@gmail.com
Copyright Statement
All of the photographs, text and other content on this website, as well as its overall design are copyright © David Stevens, except for any material provided by 3rd parties in which case the originator retains the copyright and the item is credited. All rights reserved.
If you wish to use an image, please contact me via email: thehelibuddies@gmail.com
All photographs and videos shown on this website are available for commercial use at sensible fees. Again, please contact me via email: thehelibuddies@gmail.com
Under all circumstances, copyright remains with the original photographer, videographer or author.
Please note that copyright is protected under international law.
Thank you for your co-operation.
