Rotary Operations Conference 2014 at London Heliport takes on an international theme.

Tuesday 24th June 2014

Situation report on rotorcraft awareness initiative - CHARTA

The second annual industry conference dedicated to commercial helicopter operations, organised by MIU Events and hosted by The London Heliport, takes on more of an international theme this year.  Deliberately staged on Wednesday, 9th July, just one week ahead of Farnborough Air Show, it will serve as a prime opportunity to bring together helicopter manufacturers, operators, suppliers and heliport influencers.

This year's event will also provide the first public situation report for CHARTA (the Campaign for Helicopter and Rotorcraft Transport Advancement) - a proposed new industry-wide initiative from Advancing Blade Communications.  In outlining their objectives for the scheme, Directors Andy Healey and Christopher Wigdor will address: "To what extent do UK helicopter operators remain hostages to fortune," and will offer up a road-map to equip the entire British rotorcraft community to take charge of its own destiny and take its rightful place within the wider transport infrastructure.

There will be a session on helicopter acquisitions - exploring the financial vehicles available for lending on such high value assets, led by aviation lawyers, Kennedys.

Operating in the urban airspace, a new topic this year, offers a platform to PremiAir International's CEO Keith Marshall, who will discuss the benefits of night vision googles and other leading edge technology the commercial helicopter pilot now has at his/or her disposal.  Richard Brandon, Unit Executive Officer, Metropolitan Police, will discuss the important role that helicopters play in policing the capital and how they must prioritise demands and requests from an assortment of bodies.

ROC14 will also debate the recession and address how have commercial rotary operators fared and what are the prospects for what has become a diminished base of helicopter charter operators?    Leading this is Capital Aviation Services' Managing Director Michael Hampton, whose London Oxford Airport-based company celebrates 20 years of operations this September.  Jeremy Parkin, Editor of HeliHub will moderate this panel, while the manufacturers' panel, chaired by Military Editor of Rotor and Wing, Andrew Drwiega, and featuring Sikorsky and Bell Helicopters, (represented by The Helicopter Centre) will discuss issues such as tilt rotor technology, suppression of rotor vibration, eco - efficiencies and helicopter design, as the sector looks ahead to the next generation of helicopters rolling out.

There will be a dedicated session on international heliports this year in which London Heliport General Manager Simon Hutchins and Vincent Van Biervliet from, Aeroports de Paris will participate.  Planning and installation specialist Dick de Kluijver from Bayards Aluminium Consructie will address planning and infrastructure issues when it comes to heliport design.   Meanwhile, with the World Cup in Brazil this summer, we will hear from heliport operators on how they cope with the demands surrounding special events and challenges with environmental concerns.  Delegates will also hear about what has become an industry-wide concern - pilot shortage.

Once again, ROC14 will be supported by an exhibition and there will be various networking opportunities throughout the day.  The event, which is expected to attract over 120 delegates, will culminate in an evening reception at the adjoining Hotel Verta, sponsored by Sikorsky, where attendees can enjoy hospitality and network with industry colleagues in convivial surroundings overlooking the River Thames.

"For all those involved with the business of operating, servicing and supporting helicopters, Rotary Operations Conference 2014 will provide an imaginative and informative format," said Alan Perry, Managing Director of MIU Events.  "I would like to thank this year's sponsors - Airbus Helicopters, Vector Aerospace, Sikorsky, A2B Aero, The London Heliport and London Oxford Airport."

For further details on the programme and topics contact: Alan Perry: adp@miuevents.com

For further information on sponsorship and exhibition opportunities contact: Nigel Gray:

ng@miuevents.com

About London Heliport

London Heliport in Battersea, just south of Chelsea Harbour, is the only CAA approved heliport in the Capital with approval to handle 12,000 take-offs and landings per year.  It has been in operation since 1959, providing essential service to the business community and emergency services, such as the Air Ambulance (HEMS) and Police Air Support units.   Located on the River Thames between Battersea and Wandsworth bridges, the heliport caters for both business and leisure customers requiring fast access in and out of the City.

The London Heliport is wholly owned by the Reuben Brothers since acquisition at the end of February 2012.  Reuben Brothers' investment activities include private equity, real estate ownership and development. Businesses include London Oxford Airport, shopping centres, data centres, race courses, public houses, hotels, technology and media.

www.londonheliport.co.uk