Savannah Helicopters

Savannah Helicopters is a South African operator with bases in Pretoria, George and Cape Town. Its website says it has extensive experience in exploration and mining logistical support, and describes a turnkey service for African aviation requirements using its own pilots, engineers and staff.

Services

• Utility and aerial survey, including geological survey and mapping and soil sampling
• Exploration drill support, moving drill rigs between sites where road access is limited
• Aerial support and construction, using the helicopter as an aerial crane
• Wildlife and game conservation, including capture, darting and relocation by aerial slinging with Robinson R44 helicopters
• Fire fighting and rescue services
• Helicopter charter and transfers
• Aerial filming with two Shotover F1 stabilised camera platforms
• Fixed wing charter

Aircraft

• Airbus H125 / AS350 B2: pilot plus five, 3 hour endurance, maximum speed 227 km/h
• Airbus H125 / AS350 B3 and B3e
• Robinson R44 Raven II: pilot plus three
• Fixed wing: Pilatus PC-12/47 NG, plus a Beechcraft King Air F90 and a Cessna Caravan 208B in VIP configuration

Maintenance and approvals

The company has its own in-house maintenance facility registered with the South African Civil Aviation Authority as an Approved Maintenance Organization, based at Hangar 7, Wonderboom Airport, Pretoria. It states it is HART Aviation accredited and that routine maintenance is carried out on site by its own engineers.

Company facts

• Bases in Pretoria, George and Cape Town
• Helicopter base at Hangar 9, George Airport
• Maintenance facility at Wonderboom Airport, Pretoria