Weston-Super-Helidays 2006

Alan Norris

HELICOPTER LIFE visited the 16th Helidays at Weston-super-Mare

Despite unsettled weather across the west of the UK over the last weekend in July, the 16th Helidays on Weston-super-Mare sea front attracted over 50 helicopters during a three day period. The Helidays are primarily run to raise funds for the Helicopter Museum, based on the edge of the town, and local charities. It also gives the public a rare chance to see helicopters close up and learn more about this versatile aircraft and the many roles it performs. This annual event is a unique helicopter fly-in which takes place on the 3/4 mile long seafront beach lawns: a grassed area adjacent to the miles of sandy beach which contribute to the attraction of this traditional British seaside resort. This year also coincided with two local anniversaries: 70 years of Weston airfield and 50 years of helicopter associated activities. Weston-super-Mare having been the home to Bristol Aeroplane Company building helicopters followed by Westland Helicopters in the early 1960's, continuing today with the Helicopter Museum.

Helidays invites both civilian and military helicopter crews to fly onto the beach lawns for a celebration of the helicopter and the show has developed a reputation for attracting military...