Savannah Helicopters

Savannah Helicopters is a South African operator with bases in Pretoria, George and Cape Town. The company describes itself as a service oriented business with extensive experience in exploration and mining logistical support. It offers a turnkey solution for African aviation requirements, using its own pilots, engineers and staff.

Utility and aerial survey work is one of the main services. The flat floor of the AS 350 cabin allows easy loading, and high skid gear lets the pilot land on unprepared ground, which suits soil sampling. Luggage bays hold up to 300 kg, and seats can be changed quickly between cargo and passenger layouts.

Exploration drill support moves drill rigs between sites where road access is limited, with rigs that are modified to ease assembly and disassembly. Aerial construction uses the helicopter as a crane, which removes the set up and tear down costs of a conventional crane. Crews can work around conveyors, chillers and towers where a ground crane would struggle.

Wildlife and game conservation includes mass capture and darting of game with smaller helicopters such as the Robinson R44 Raven II. The company also relocates wildlife by aerial slinging into holding pens, which causes less stress to the animal. Fire fighting and rescue services use water dropping with a Bambi Bucket, and the AS 350 can place fire teams on unprepared landing zones.

Helicopter charter and transfers cover many kinds of trips. Fixed wing charter is also available, with a Beechcraft King Air F90 and a Cessna Caravan 208B in VIP configuration. A Pilatus PC-12/47 NG is listed among the aircraft on the site.

Savannah Aerial Filming operates two SHOTOVER F1 stabilised aerial camera platforms. Routine maintenance is carried out on site by the company's own engineers, and the company states that it is HART Aviation accredited. Its AS 350 B2, B3 and B3e helicopters carry a pilot and five passengers, with a maximum take off weight of 2,250 kg.

Services

• Utility and aerial survey
• Exploration drill support
• Aerial construction
• Wildlife and game conservation
• Fire fighting and rescue
• Helicopter charter
• Aerial filming
• Fixed wing charter
• Helicopter training
• Routine maintenance on site