Commission probes claims of illegal chopper taxi

THE Commission for Aviation Regulation is investigating claims that an illegal helicopter operator provided taxi services to major events such as the Galway Races and Slane music festival.

Celtic Helicopters, one of the larger legal helicopter carriers, made the complaint about the alleged, illegal carrier to the commission.

An investigation into a private carrier allegedly carrying paying passengers to major events without a licence or insurance was under way, a commission spokeswoman confirmed yesterday.

“We are taking this complaint very seriously, and if we find there is a foundation to it, we will refer it to the

Department of Transport, who will decide if criminal charges should be brought,” she said.

Celtic Helicopters provided to the commission video and invoice evidence of their claim.

Celtic Helicopters director and chief pilot John Barnicle said his company had spent 5,000 euro collecting evidence against the helicopter owner.

Mr Barnicle said that illegal carriers were taking millions in business from reputable operators, as well as denying the taxman of money.

They would not be covered by insurance in an accident, either, he said.