Environment

As an environmentally aware operator we are pleased to be operating an R44 helicopter as it has substantially lower fuel consumption than a turbine helicopter and a significantly lower decibel, noise ‘footprint’. For the residents of Canberra this means less air and noise pollution when we operate over the city.

Our capabilities are used from time to time to support environmental initiatives. Most recently this has included a pollution survey of the Murrumbidgee River, surveys of water resources in the ACT catchment area, visits to weather stations in remote locations in the Snowy Mountains to download data and do maintenance, and promotional work for Greening Australia and Greenpeace.

We have a goal to become a 'carbon neutral' operation and plant and maintain 160 hectares of natural and introduced woodland at our base on the outskirts of Canberra.

Our ‘sensitive flying’ policies also mean that we avoid wherever possible low flights over noise sensitive areas such as hospitals and schools. When operating away from the airfield and landing at helicopter landing sites, it is also our policy to avoid low flights over houses on final approach unless this is absolutely necessary for safety and/or weather reasons.

 

Footnote: Aquila Helicopters has voluntarily incorporated the Helicopter Association International's "Fly Neighbourly Program" into flight operations. This "world best practice" initiative promotes the operation of helicopters in a way that minimises noise impact on the community and the environment.