Successful flight testing: helicopter H175 discovers a novel route for landing
Unconventional Ferry Flight of the Airbus H175 Across the North Atlantic
The Airbus H175 helicopter recently embarked on a memorable journey, flying from Iqaluit, Nunavut in Canada, all the way to Provence, France. This unconventional route, while not commonly taken, was carefully planned to ensure the safety and success of the ferry flight.
The Route
The ferry flight route was a series of stops that optimized range, safety, operational support, and navigation through challenging environments. The journey began in Iqaluit, Nunavut, and included stops in Pangnirtung, Nunavut; Kangerlussuaq, Greenland; Kulusuk, Greenland; Reykjavik, Iceland; the Faroe Islands; Aberdeen, Scotland; Oxford, England; and finally, Provence, France.
Reasons for the Unconventional Route
The Airbus H175, a medium utility helicopter, requires multiple refueling stops when crossing the North Atlantic. The northern and mid-Atlantic regions, with airports and helipads in Greenland, Iceland, and the Faroe Islands, serve as crucial waypoints for refueling.
Flying directly from Iqaluit to France over the North Atlantic would involve vast distances with limited emergency landing spots. By stopping at settlements like Pangnirtung and Kulusuk, the crew mitigates risks related to weather and mechanical issues, especially in Arctic and sub-Arctic regions.
Allowing time for customs, overflight permissions, and inspections might be simpler with multiple scheduled stops. Smaller airports in the UK and Oxford offer support infrastructure convenient for maintenance and crew rest.
Routes over the Arctic and Greenland ice sheet require precise navigation and contingency plans. The multi-stop approach helps crews progressively acclimate to environmental challenges before entering busy European airspace.
Brief About Each Stop
Each stop on the route served a unique purpose. Pangnirtung, a small Arctic community, offered a useful refueling and brief stop. Kangerlussuaq, Greenland, known for its long runway and airport infrastructure, is a popular transatlantic refuel point. Kulusuk, Greenland, with its smaller airstrip, serves remote access and refueling.
Reykjavik, Iceland, a major North Atlantic hub, is equipped for international arrivals and refueling, and provides a buffer for weather delays. The Faroe Islands, strategically located in the North Atlantic, offer suitable facilities. Aberdeen, Scotland, known for offshore helicopter operations, provides excellent maintenance and logistics support. Oxford, England, possibly a technical or operational stop before entering continental Europe, completes the transatlantic ferry.
The Journey
The ferry flight lasted for several days and nights, with the crew spending nights in Oxford, Provence, and other locations. The H175's performance during the ferry flight demonstrated its exceptional range, robustness, and the maturity, reliability, and efficiency of its Full Icing Protection System.
Upon touching down in Marignane, the H175 received a water salute, a significant moment marking the end of the de-icing campaign for the H175. The crew brought a special guest onboard, a plush moose, as a token of the H175's de-icing campaign.
The Crew
The ferry flight crew included experimental test pilot Marc Prunel, flight test engineers Dominique Uhring and Michel Oswald, and mechanic Florian Peley. Michel Oswald, one of the crew members, retired after the ferry flight, marking a personal milestone for him. The crew's journey was followed day after day by a group of people, and they were greeted by a squad of people who had been following their journey.
A Human Adventure
The ferry flight was a human adventure, as it was not something that is done every day with such a small crew. If Michel Oswald had to pick one memorable experience from his career at Airbus, the ferry flight would be a special gift. For many involved, the ferry flight was indeed a memorable experience.
