Rotorforce New Zealand Ltd

Rotorforce New Zealand Ltd is a helicopter operator based on Roys Hill Road, Hastings, in Hawke's Bay. Joe Faram obtained his helicopter pilot's licence in 1985 and in 1987 founded Faram Helicopters, which evolved into Rotorforce NZ Ltd. The company reports over 55,000 flight hours. It says it was the first New Zealand helicopter operator to have its safety management system fully certified and endorsed by the NZ Civil Aviation Authority.

Aircraft

• MD 902 Explorer: a twin engine NOTAR (no tail rotor) helicopter described as the first of its kind in New Zealand, with pilot plus seven passengers, internal load capacity of 1,000 kg, external load capacity of 1,100 kg and a cruise speed of 130 knots. It is a Category A machine, and the company states a cruise flyover noise of 79.9 dB
• H125 B3e: a single engine helicopter modified for passenger and utility use, carrying up to six passengers with extended cargo pods and an external lifting capacity of 1,400 kg

Services

• Agriculture: all spraying, over sowing, fertiliser application, fence line construction, poison application, salt block drops, erosion control, planting, controlled burning, wild animal control, firefighting and frost control
• Electricity: fault surveying, installing and constructing towers and poles, photography, GPS mapping, live line operations and human sling operations
• Forestry: planning, survey and spraying
• General: filming and photography, plus private and corporate charter and scenic tours within New Zealand

Rotorforce says it will source or design equipment where a job needs it.

Company facts

• Founded in 1987 as Faram Helicopters
• Air Operators Certificate 74667
• Incorporation number 927264
• Office hours Monday to Friday, 8am to 5pm
• Owner and chief executive: Joe Faram