About the British Helicopter Association

Raising Public Awareness

The image of the helicopter has improved greatly over recent years, mainly due to its demonstrated success in emergency service roles. However its versatility is still not recognised by many of the general public and BHA seeks to correct this impression whenever possible.

In addition to regular communications with its members, BHA publishes a public version of its newsletter, The Rotorhead. This reports the diverse contributions which helicopters regularly make to the community and which are often unnoticed by the specialist trade press, let alone the general media. The Rotorhead is distributed widely and documents which support BHA positions on the integration of helicopters into the community are regularly prepared and distributed.

The BHA Information Handbook, published annually, provides details of its members and their activities; it also lists the growing number of helipads in the UK which are available for public or private use.

Expanding into Europe

Constantly protective of the freedoms enjoyed by helicopters in Great Britain, BHA supports the gradual adoption of Joint Aviation Requirements throughout Europe. Representatives on influential committees ensure that the home case is supported. As a result of this activity BHA is widely regarded as one of the more effective helicopter trade associations in Europe. At the same time it strives to establish a level playing field for its members working elsewhere within the European Union.

Protecting the Environment

BHA encourages organisations to provide helipads and supports members when others attempt to restrict helicopter access - as long as there is no practical or environmental reason why it should not be allowed. It also requires pilots to observe Codes of Conduct, to fly responsibly and to minimise the impact of operations which might affect people's enjoyment of open spaces.

Contributing to Safety

The BHA is proud of the civil helicopter's commendable safety record over land and sea and seeks to improve it further by eliminating potential risk through technical improvement and procedural methods. Representatives liaise with the Services to ensure that members' interests are upheld. For example, the risk of conflict between low level utility helicopters and military fast jets is kept under constant review.

Uniting the Industry

BHA acts as a forum where areas of common interest can be addressed. It is a single point of contact for rotary wing topics. The spirit of commercial competition thrives between member companies but it is set aside whenever subjects of mutual concern such as safety are discussed.

An Annual Dinner is held in London, where pilots, engineers and executives meet and exchange views in a relaxed social setting.

The Eric Brown Award (named after the distinguished aviator and BHA's founding father) is awarded to the individual who, in the Council of Management's opinion, has contributed most to the UK helicopter industry during the previous year.

Reducing Red Tape

Aircraft operators, more than most businesses, are faced with a significant administrative workload from their regulatory body, the CAA. While acknowledging the need for regulation to maintain common safety standards, BHA strives to minimise the impact on members' ability to compete in the international marketplace.

As a direct result of BHA influence, much routine paperwork has been reduced, fee increases stabilised and certification processes simplified.

BHA - Working for Helicopters

BHA promotes the helicopter's diverse roles to the general public and negotiates with government departments and the industry's regulator, the Civil Aviation Authority (CAA), on behalf of the industry. Full Membership of BHA covers helicopter operating companies, corporate operators, emergency service air support units and manufacturing/maintenance support companies throughout the United Kingdom.  Associate Membership includes many other companies which have an interest in commercial helicopter operations: users, insurers, consultants, brokers and helipad owners.

BHA has a small administrative staff at its airport headquarters in Surrey, relying on members to provide technical and operational expertise in dealings with the CAA and other official bodies. Helicopter operators and other supporters join BHA because they plan to be in business over the long term. Membership indicates a willingness to contribute to the wider well-being of the helicopter industry. It also implies high standards. Operators help customers plan the most efficient and cost-effective way of completing a task, and carry it out competently and safely.

When you need a helicopter - for any reason - call a BHA member. Details of all operators with their fleets, specialisations and contact details are listed in the BHA Information Handbook.

For this, and any information on civil helicopters and their capabilities, please contact:

British Helicopter Association
Graham Suite,
West Entrance
Fairoaks Airport,
Chobham,
Surrey
GU24 8HX

Tel: 01276-856100
Fax: 01276-856126

The Helicopter

The helicopter is the most versatile aircraft in the skies. Helicopters provide point-to-point travel for all: ambulance crews and offshore oil-rig workers, police officers and traffic-jam spotters, power line inspectors and business people. Helicopters rescue those in peril - at sea or on land - and can spot missing persons and stolen cars in a fraction of the time taken by ground vehicles and search teams.

Thousands of people fly in helicopters on scheduled holiday flights, to work in North Sea oil fields and on business trips to help them stay ahead of the competition. Private pilots also fly for business - and for fun.

Film crews and photographers value the helicopter's stability as a camera platform and its ability to reach where the story is breaking - fast.

Constructors use them to "top off" building projects and environmentalists hire them to track salmon, survey pollution and maintain paths in National Parks. All three emergency services rely on the flexibility and speed of helicopters to fight crime and save lives. Today's helicopters are fast, quiet and safe. Many are multi-engined, use the same navigational aids as airliners and regularly fly in bad weather, both as workhorses and airborne boardrooms. They can fly you to the middle of nowhere - or to the heart of the action.