Global Aviator South Africa - April 2018

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 experience

During 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 our

current 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 jersey

Aerial 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.