Tobago Helicopter & Flying Club

Post by **Steve Wooler** » Sun May 21, 2006 9:09 am

Regular readers will recall that it was my wish to complete the aerial photography gallery of Tobago. Indeed, the first myTobago Prize-Draw competition was conceived as a means of raising funds for the project.

My original aerial session was completed courtesy of Hummingbird Helicopters of Trinidad. Over the past year or more, the owner of that company, Tony Vieira, in partnership with Sharon Eldred, have been working hard to re-launch a helicopter sightseeing service on Tobago. It had been hoped that this service would commence during my stay on the island and would provide the aircraft for my photo-survey.

Sadly, the aviation authorities on Trinidad & Tobago have proven more difficult to satisfy than even the American or British CAA. Delay has followed delay and complication after complication has followed.

Tony arranged to fly a helicopter over from Trinidad and take me on a full aerial photo-survey of the northern end of Tobago. The flight plan intended meant that refuelling was necessary after the transfer from Trinidad. Sadly, on the day of the flight it was found that Tobago did not stock the right sort of fuel for the helicopter. It proved impossible to get a supply before I left the island five days later.

I have avoided making any comment about the matter until now because I had no wish to embarrass Tony and Sharon and because I was hoping for some positive news on the launch of the Tobago service.

I am now delighted to announce that this service has actually commenced.

Tobago Helicopter Ltd., trading as Tobago Helicopter & Flying Club, recently commenced operations from Crown Point Airport, Tobago. The club operates a helicopter and a fixed-wing aircraft. They are currently sourcing a second helicopter. The project is run by Sharon Eldred. Sadly, for health and other reasons, Tony Vieira is no longer associated with the company.

I have asked Sharon to provide further details of the club’s activities and either I or she will post them here as soon as possible.

Naturally I hope it will be possible to complete our aerial survey of the north of Tobago on my next trip to Tobago, in early 2007. In the meantime, may I wish Sharon and the club every success with this exciting new service .

Henry Prempeh · Post by **Henry Prempeh** » Sun May 21, 2006 9:44 am

Thanks for the update on this project Steve. I'm sorry to hear that Tony is no longer involved, but quite pleased to read that there is now a helicopter sightseeing service available again. We will certainly be getting in touch with the club when we return in December.

By the way, your current aerial photo number 49 is going to the wrong link.

Kind regards,

Henry

Post by **Steve Wooler** » Sun May 21, 2006 10:24 am

Well spotted, Henry, and thanks for pointing it out. All fixed.

John Redburn · Post by **John Redburn** » Sun Jul 02, 2006 9:00 am

Thanks for the info Steve, we're visiting in a few weeks and are interested in helicopter flights, I checked the link on your site and they aren't up and running yet, do you have anymore info on their services? Thanks John

Post by **Steve Wooler** » Sun Jul 02, 2006 9:08 am

Hi John

No, I'm afraid I haven't got any further information. However, I'm going to email Sharon Eldred and inform her of your interest, so hopefully she will update us.

John Redburn · Post by **John Redburn** » Sun Jul 02, 2006 9:14 am

Many thanks for that Steve, look forward to hearing from you.
Regards
John

Post by **Steve Wooler** » Mon Jul 03, 2006 8:58 am

Hi John

Sharon has just confirmed that they are up and runnings and VERY busy - so it is important to book early.

Where on our site did you see a link to their website or other contact information? I need to remove/update this.

The Club's email address is [email protected] and/or you can contact them on (868) 749-6664 or (868) 639-9865 (cell).

John Redburn · Post by **John Redburn** » Tue Jul 04, 2006 7:16 am

Thanks for the info Steve, it isn't a broken link on your site as such, their site is not up and running. The reference is on this page:

Post by **Steve Wooler** » Tue Jul 04, 2006 8:19 am

Hi John

Thanks for that. I thought I had removed all links to that page pending confirmation of the details from the Club. I've now updated the page and removed the website address - apparently the club has been so busy that they simply haven't had time to organise anything website-wise.

Contact Sharon - believe you me, you're in for a treat.