Helicopter Services (BOP) Limited

Helicopter Services (BOP) Limited is an aviation company based at Taupo Airport in New Zealand and part of the Funnell family group of companies. Since the mid 1980s it has grown from one helicopter in Taupo to a fleet working across the Central North Island and beyond, specialising in forestry, agricultural chemical application, filming, construction and lifting.

Services

• Solid fertiliser and seed spreading, with buckets of up to 1.2 tonnes for the AS350 B3 and B2 Squirrel and up to 400 kg for the Robinson R66
• Forestry and agricultural chemical spraying, supported by an approved bulk chemical store in Taupo
• Lifting and construction work, including loads above 1,000 kg at altitude on Mt Ruapehu
• Firefighting, effluent removal and aerial filming
• Charter, from a 10 minute scenic flight to airport transfers, using six passenger helicopters and a twin engine IFR fixed wing aircraft
• Survey and photography, including power line and forestry survey, and hunting and fishing flights under concessions in Department of Conservation areas of the Central North Island

Aircraft

The commercial operation runs two AS350 series Squirrel helicopters, listed as ZK-HKC and ZK-HKT, and a Robinson R66 turbine. ZK-HKC is fitted with a FastFin system and can carry two external cargo baskets. The charter page says the company operates three helicopters and multiple fixed wing aircraft. It runs Tracmap with customer access to online mapping through Traclink, and a self-contained truck and trailer unit with a helipad for fuel, water and chemicals.

Rescue background

The company supplied aircraft and pilots to the Philips Search and Rescue Trust for 25 years, providing air ambulance services from bases in Hamilton, Palmerston North, Tauranga, Rotorua and Taupo. It lists long-range rescues to Campbell Island and Raoul Island.

Company facts

• Operating since the mid 1980s
• Member of the NZ Agricultural Aviation Association
• Certified under Growsafe and Spreadmark
• Chief executive and chief pilot: Mark Funnell