Tropic Helicopters Tanzania

Tropic Helicopters Tanzania flies from Tango Zulu Heliport at Usa River, near Arusha. It is the Tanzanian branch of Tropic Helicopters and a sister company of Tropic Air. The company says it has soared over Africa for 30 years and that it offers a range of air services from its Arusha base.

Heli safaris cover Tanzania's wildest landscapes, with scenic routes and stops along the way. Named destinations include Lake Empakaai, Ol Doinyo Lengai and Mount Meru. The company designs its safari routes around each group, which it presents as a specialist approach.

Mountain rescue and casualty evacuation are a major service. The company is a licensed Tanzanian air operator, approved by the national park authority to carry out evacuations from Mount Kilimanjaro, Mount Meru and other national parks. It also has designated helipads on Mount Kilimanjaro.

Conservation support works with protection partners across East Africa, and the company says it has built partnerships with communities, conservation groups and government agencies. Utility support covers aerial work for oil, gas and geological missions. Aerial filming and photography are also offered, along with firefighting.

The fleet has three Airbus helicopters: two H125 B3e aircraft and one H130 T2. The H125 seats five passengers and a pilot, with an Arriel 2D engine and 3.5 hours of endurance including reserve. The H130 T2 seats six passengers and a pilot, with a 130 knot cruise and 3.8 hours of endurance. The company states that both types can be mobilised within 30 minutes for emergencies.

The base at Tango Tango Zulu Heliport in Dolly Estate, Usa River, has free and secure aircraft parking, aircraft fuel on the premises, marked helipads and utility equipment for missions such as mountain rescue. The company says it has six helicopter pilots across the group. Enquiries can be sent to its general email address or made through the hotline.

Services

• Heli safaris
• Mountain rescue and casualty evacuation
• Mount Kilimanjaro rescue services
• Heli transfers
• Wildlife conservation support
• Utility support for oil, gas and geological missions
• Aerial filming and photography
• Firefighting
• Mount Meru and Ol Doinyo Lengai flights
• Lake Empakaai flights