Helicopter pilot training and scenic flights will soon be available from within minutes of the Launceston CBD.
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Ansett Aviation have established a helicopter base at Glebe Farm.
Under the Ansett banner, Will Richards started Ansett Aviation in 2003 after many years of helicopter mustering in the Northern Territory.
Mr Richards is the grandson of Reginald Ansett, who established Ansett Australia in 1935.
The airline flew domestically within Australia for 66 years and to destinations in Asia from the 1990s.
With aviation in his blood, Mr Richards is now continuing his grandfather’s legacy in the sky.
Adding to his helicopter operations in Broome, Western Australia and Gladstone, Queensland, Mr Richards most recently started flying from a newly established base at Glebe Farm, owned by Pentridge Pty Ltd.
The site, located at the end of Glebe Road, will be open to the public from September 16.
Ansett Aviation Launceston site manager Michael Douglas said the flight training base was uniquely positioned in the heart of the Tamar Valley.
“The new base here in Launceston offers flight training for both private and commercial licenses and also scenic joy flights and air charters,” he said.
“The helipad and surrounding flight training area is outside of controlled airspace meaning no wait times or ATC hold ups, giving more time in the air and less on the ground for students.
“Plus it’s only a short 10 minute flight to Launceston Airport.”
An aspiring helicopter pilot himself, Mr Douglas said the base offered the perfect opportunity for him to hone his skills in the air, in one of the industries most iconic aircrafts.
“Flying the iconic Bell 47 MASH helicopters turns heads wherever they fly,” he said.
“Beautiful yet sturdy machines, the 47 makes an ideal trainer having being used as military training helicopters, while the view for passengers from the cockpit bubble is unbeatable.
“We see a real opportunity with this site for both locals and tourists, for people to be able to take to the sky without leaving the city.”
Ansett Aviation’s Launceston helicopter base will host an open day on Sunday, September 16 from 10am.
Mr Douglas said the event would offer people the chance to get up close to some of the helicopters, with scenic joy flights and trial training sessions available by request.
For inquiries and bookings email ansett_heli_tas@bigpond.com or visit ansettaviation.com.au for more information.