Helicopter service not licensed, says aviation regulator

THE Commission for Aviation Regulation has warned that a new Galway-based company may be offering unlicensed air services to the public.

A spokesperson for the aviation authorities said it had come to the attention of the Aviation Regulator, Cathal Guiomard, that Alcock and Brown Aviation Ltd may be carrying passengers for hire or reward without proper authorisation.

The commission said the company, which has a registered address at Briar Hill Business Park in Ballybrit, Co Galway, was not licensed to carry on such activity.

According to the firm’s website, it was established last year by Captain Oliver Williams, a pilot from Athenry, Co Galway, with more than 20 years’ flying experience.

Alcock and Brown Aviation claims it is offering members of the public “a unique shared ownership scheme” which will give them a lifetime’s unlimited use of a luxury Robinson R44 helicopter.

Customers must pay an initial once-off registration charge of €22,000 plus an annual fee of €5,000.

In addition, users of the helicopter must pay a usage rate of €195 per hour.

The company claims it is seeking 14 people to sign up for the scheme, which will allow them access to anywhere in Ireland and shortly any location in Europe.

If successful in attracting that level of interest, Alcock and Brown would recoup the cost of the helicopter as a new R44 model costs just over €210,000.

Only 10 companies in the Republic are licensed by the Commission for Aviation Regulation to operate commercial helicopter flights.

Any company seeking to offer such services must obtain an Air Carrier Operating Licence from the commision. A spokesperson said the commission cannot be satisfied that a firm is complying with any of its legal requirements, including the need to have adequate insurance cover in case of accidents, without such a licence.

Capt Williams could not be contacted for comment yesterday.