Custom-made trailer for chopper delivery

Know-how and tinkering let Precision Helicopters Ltd get about in the dark.

The Urenui firm uses a new custom-made trailer to transport helicopters to and from jobs.

The 11.5-metre-long, six-tonne steel trailer can be towed by a ute. It has soft-riding suspension for the helicopter to land on, along with cargo hook and clamps with a floating blade rack to keep it secure.

PHL owner Matt Newton designed the trailer with Blenheim pilot Neil Andrews and his father, with contributions from the rest of the team.

"Lots of people came up with ideas," Mr Newton said.

The Andrews family built it in spare time over Christmas.

Mr Newton said the trailer saved air-fuel costs, which did not have to be passed on to customers. "Thirty per cent of flying time is actually mobilising."

It also saved time as they could drive the helicopter to the work area in darkness, and be ready to start at daylight.

Mr Newton said they had received funny looks driving the helicopter in farming hinterland.

"The funniest thing was when Neil Andrews called up New Plymouth control tower and said that he was requesting to operate at Waitara, 500ft and below, and their response was 'how did you get there?' in a stern voice, because we were inside the control zone."