Thursday 5 May 2011

Halfpenny Green 04 May 2011

Had a job interview in Dudley today, so made the short hop to Halfpenny Green for a quick look around. Armed with two digital cameras, I had free reign of the field and hangers (bar the police and Heliflight hangars), so these are the rotary delights to be seen here:
Robinson R.44 Raven II G-TGDL c/n R44-11746
 Back inside the hangers were:

Westland SA.341C Gazelle HT.2  G-SIVJ c/n 341-2012

Hughes 369D G-CCUO c/n 400711D
===================================================
A cheeky visit to the Heliflight maintainance hanger where I asked inside for permission, I was allowed to photograph, so the following lovely Robinsons' were inside the hanger whilst the Hughes was sitting pretty in the afternoon sunshine outside their doors. I didn't bother trying to photograph the two Jetrangers undergoing maint, due to their location (tightly packed in the middle of the hangar). I did go and ask for permission to view the "customers hanger", but was not allowed because "under no circumstances are any visitors allowed inside" but at least I tried!
Robinson R.22 Beta II G-OIIO c/n R22-2444
Robinson R.44 Raven II G-DAVV c/n R44-11079

Beautifully painted Hughes 369HS G-IDWR c/n 690101S
(pity the candy-red paint doesn't work on a flat computer image)
All in all a very enjoyable visit, with friendly and helpful officials, worth visiting more often. Many thanks to the control tower staff and owners / operators for allowing access to the spotter.