34 Vol. 10 / No. 4 / April 2018 Global Aviator
Charters are not just for going
from A to B for a business
meeting, or to save time
between two destinations.
Forget the square box and
wander out. For those
who want an experience
of a lifetime, it is easy to
charter a helicopter flight
in Cape Town – take off at
sunrise and head for the east
coastal town of Gansbaai,
popular gathering for the
Great White. A dive with
these magnificent creatures,
leisurely lunch and a flight
back to Cape Town. There
are flights over the Peninsula
from the City to the Cape of
Good Hope and then onto
an aerial view of False Bay.Chartering a helicopter or aircraft
gives a sense of freedom without the
constraint of standing in queues to check
in, or sitting on hard chairs waiting
for a flight to be called. While aircraft
are not quite as versatile as helicopters
as they need runways so are slightly
more restricted, it is possible to fly
greater distances without refuelling.
For the ultimate adrenalin rush,
try a Cape Town Huey helicopter flight
over the West Coast and experienceDuring February this year Fireblade Aviation processed its first international
flights at the Fireblade terminal at OR. Tambo International Airport. The seven-
star facility successfully handled international tourists arriving in South
Africa. This marks the culmination of years of effort following a rigorous
approval process and is a significant milestone for Fireblade, the South
African aviation sector and South Africa’s high-end tourism industry.
Amongst other officials, the Department of Home Affairs (DHA), the South
African Revenue Service (SARS) and the South African Police Service (SAPS) were
on-site at the Fireblade terminal to provide the required government clearance for
the international flights. The handling of these arrivals at the Fireblade terminal is
done through a sterile customs and immigration facility adjacent to the business
lounge, designed by and under the strict control of government officials.
Jonathan Oppenheimer, CEO of Fireblade Aviation, commented: "We
are excited to service international movements, which will complement ourcurrent domestic aircraft movements and enable Fireblade Aviation to fulfil its
intended potential. We encourage all privately-owned and chartered aircraft to
use the Fireblade terminal when flying to Johannesburg and South Africa.”
Airports Company of South Africa (ACSA) stated: “There are several benefits
to having fully operational international border control capabilities at Fireblade.
Our main terminal at O.R. Tambo International will be freed up for additional
capacity when commercial business aviation can use the Fireblade terminal.
Runway crossings will be reduced tremendously, which will both improve safety
and reduce time for departing and arriving aircraft. There is also a genuine need
for the premium services offered by Fireblade at the largest airport in Africa
since the lack of these facilities currently affects our reputation and brand.”
As is the case with many Fixed-based operation facility (FBO) terminals
across the world, the provision of this world class service by Fireblade
demonstrates that collaboration between public and private sectors can bring
significant benefits to South Africa, especially within the tourism sector. •Charter for business or pleasure
the thrill of low level flying and sharp
manoeuvring as the pilot simulates
a flight through a combat zone, with
speakers playing the famous Combat
Music. Doors are in an open position to
make this the most unforgettable and
exhilarating experience you’ve ever had.
Flights to destinations such as
these are at set departures days and
times although charter companies
are mostly happy to arrange private
charters as well although this will
naturally be at a greater cost.
For the combat flight various
flight suits, combat jackets and
military-style poncho’s are available
for inflight use or photographs. Flying
at altitude can get cold and a jerseyAerial view from a helicopter over Cape Town.Fireblade Aviation welcomes first international flights with
South Africa bound tourists
or jacket is advisable. If a camera is
taken, make sure it is safely attached.
Helicopter charters are becoming
increasingly popular with tourists.
Ensure that a reputable charter
company is chosen, whether it is
for a short flip or for a long term
charter. A responsible company will
undertake daily inspections conducted
by their engineers to ensure that the
machine is running as it should. The
passenger’s safety is paramount.
With a variety of helicopter
types to choose from, the following
seem to be the most popular:
Bell 205, Bell 206 JetRanger,
Bell 206 LongRanger, Bell 407,
Eurocopter EC 120 and Bell 525.