SuperyachtNews.com - Operations - What does the future hold for superyacht aviation?

By SuperyachtNews

What does the future hold for superyacht aviation?

Chris Wood, Operations Manager at Safeguard Helideck Certification shares his thoughts…

We are fortunate to be starting 2021 with big plans for the year and exciting new projects on the horizon. But our usual process of jumping on a plane and flying out to visit a superyacht or management company has obviously had to stop. To travel now needs considerable thought from the yacht and from us. We must ensure that it is totally necessary to travel and that we aren’t at risk of catching or spreading Covid-19.  We specialise in Aviation Safety, so we are taking the same Risk Assessment process with our travel. Is it vital to travel, or can it wait?  The world has changed. Crew are hesitant to see contractors or visitors outside of the yacht’s bubble, and understandably so.


So, where does this leave the future of superyacht aviation?


The future is undoubtedly bright and as an industry we should all continue to work together to ensure it bounces back stronger than ever. Aviation is still a huge part of the superyacht world and it is not going away!  Clients are becoming more demanding in their requirements and yacht designers are coming up with fresh and innovative ideas in response. Naval architects are working up concepts that see every bit of spare space on a yacht utilised and there is a trend at the top end of the market for auperyachts to have two fully operational Helicopter Landing Areas.  Normally these are situated with one aft on the sun deck and one forward on the bow.  We regularly give helideck consultancy to yacht designers and shipyards in the early stages of design to ensure that the proposed helidecks will meet the regulations and can be awarded their Helicopter Landing Area Certificates (HLAC).

From our experience of working with some of the world’s largest superyachts, we can see more demand for dual-flying capabilities going forward and this raises some interesting questions. Will there be a requirement to have an Air Traffic Control-type function on board when utilising the helidecks for concurrent helideck operations?  And how long is it before we see a Tilt Rotor Aircraft on board. Or even a superyacht with an aircraft carrier-type runway?  These are all things that will no doubt be a topic of conversation for future working groups and we look forward to being a part of those discussions. And, who knows, in the not-too-distant future we may even see the introduction of unmanned aerial vehicles (UAV) on board superyachts, flying owners and guests ashore.


The rules and regulations will have to evolve alongside these developments in superyacht aviation and we are already working with the Cayman Islands Shipping Registry to help make updates and improvements to the REG Yacht Code Annex H, and we look forward to participating in future aviation working groups. Whatever the future holds, Safeguard Helideck Certification will continue to be at the forefront of superyacht aviation, continuing our work as an Aviation Inspection Body (AIB) on behalf of the Maritime and Coastguard Agency (MCA). 


Our team comprises Ex-Military Aircrew, Flight Deck Officers, Survival Specialists, Safety Management Specialists, Helicopter Engineers and Naval Architects. We live and breathe maritime aviation and strive to ensure that superyachts can enjoy their helicopter operations in the safest way possible, whatever the future may bring!


If you have a question about Helideck Certification you can contact Chris Wood at: chris.wood@safeguardhelidecks.co.uk or visit www.helideckcertification.co.uk

Profile links

Safeguard Helideck Certification

Join the discussion

What does the future hold for superyacht aviation?

32050

To post comments please Sign in or Register

When commenting please follow our house rules


Click here to become part of The Superyacht Group community, and join us in our mission to make this industry accessible to all, and prosperous for the long-term. We are offering access to the superyacht industry’s most comprehensive and longstanding archive of business-critical information, as well as a comprehensive, real-time superyacht fleet database, for just £10 per month, because we are One Industry with One Mission. Sign up here.

Related news

Image for Safe use of helicopters on board superyachts

Safe use of helicopters on board superyachts

Chris Wood, Operations Manager at Safeguard Helideck Certification, answers some commonly posed questions about Maritime Aviation 

Crew

Image for UKSA launches ‘Live Learning’ broadcast suites

UKSA launches ‘Live Learning’ broadcast suites

The aim is to enable students to continue their maritime training throughout lockdown

Crew

Image for Increased possibilities for helicopter storage on board superyachts

Increased possibilities for helicopter storage on board superyachts

Created by Tiger Tugs specifically for the superyacht market, the Typhoon tug has omni-directional capabilities

Technology

Image for Sovren Nautical Academy rolls out virtual courses

Sovren Nautical Academy rolls out virtual courses

The superyacht training school has adapted following school closures due to COVID-19

Crew

Image for SuperyachtNews COVID-19 Advisory – MCA issues certification guidance

SuperyachtNews COVID-19 Advisory – MCA issues certification guidance

The MCA’s COVID-19 contingency plan provides exemptions for those renewing or updating STCW training

Crew

Image for Sizeable donation unlocks ambitious plans for UKSA

Sizeable donation unlocks ambitious plans for UKSA

The pledge of $1.9 million will enable the training centre to improve its accommodation facilities

Crew

Sign up to the SuperyachtNews Bulletin

Receive unrivalled market intelligence, weekly headlines and the most relevant and insightful journalism directly to your inbox.

The SuperyachtNews App

Follow us on