Patong Helicopter

[GiantFan]

For the last week or so, a small helicopter has been buzzing my house on the hills of N. Patong. This afternoon, about every 15 minutes. Comes over my house towards Patong Bay, turns to the left and then swings back a few minutes later and heads along Patong Hill Road toward Kathu.

I was thinking maybe that company out by the airport (Skydance?), but no way they can get from Patong to the airport, land, and then get back in 15 minutes. Bangkok BIB doing land surveys? Don't think so, they just came over again (6:10PM) and these guys are not working this late. I wish they would stop. Apocalypse Now flashbacks. This is the End!

Any ideas?

[LivinginKata]

Yes, I heard them buzzing about the Nanai area much of this afternoon. I just assumed it was making land ariel survey work.

[eezergood]

I reject all of these observations, in favour of some secret society/Thaksin style conspiracy...... (Its been a long few days)

[JetsetBkk]

Yes, I heard them buzzing about the Nanai area much of this afternoon. I just assumed it was making land ariel survey work.

Maybe the DSI at work?

[Shot]

I heard George Lucas is looking for an open green space near the sea.

[surangw]

a tour?

http://www.skydance.aero/

[tolsti]

I think it is a Robinson R44 operated by these guys http://www.helithaiandassociates.com/fleet.htm and conducting short tour flights. I think that the Skydance bird was also in the area yesterday as there were 2 different helicopters flying around.

[jocko]

I heard George Lucas is looking for an open green space near the sea.

Good luck George beware of missile's.

[eezergood]

Thaksin, looking to start a southern revolution

[candypants]

it is an inexpensive alternative to the airport taxi

[gopherit]

it is an inexpensive alternative to the airport taxi

I think you will find that the helicopter is being used by Absolute to take customers on tour of their resorts

[Chalongian]

Sea pearl villas up the hill on the way out of Patong to Kathu have a helicopter and heli pad apparently. The Pilot was doing his sea survival training at the same time as me in bkk last year, he said they were gonna start doing tours over phuket and neigbouring islands. Could be them?

[GiantFan]

Sea pearl villas up the hill on the way out of Patong to Kathu have a helicopter and heli pad apparently. The Pilot was doing his sea survival training at the same time as me in bkk last year, he said they were gonna start doing tours over phuket and neigbouring islands. Could be them?

Oh great. Not only are they causing aggro on the ground but now in the air. What's next, a speedboat?

[eezergood]

Sea pearl villas up the hill on the way out of Patong to Kathu have a helicopter and heli pad apparently. The Pilot was doing his sea survival training at the same time as me in bkk last year, he said they were gonna start doing tours over phuket and neigbouring islands. Could be them?

Oh great. Not only are they causing aggro on the ground but now in the air. What's next, a speedboat?

They send their cusotmers in helicopters to get them out of the reosrt & stop them complaining! Genius

[Payboy]

Patong Helicopter

Actually, that was my nickname when I lived down South in the 90's.

[Old Croc]

I live near the Big Bhudda. Helicopters fly (tourists?) over the icon frequently.

[GiantFan]

Update. HELILUCK is the name of the company working out of the Absolute Sea Pearl on Patong hill. They have a U tube video that shows a takeoff, tour of Patong, Kamala, Laguna, and then landing. I can even see my villa.

Website is OK, but doesn't show prices. Not sure who did the English translation, but it needs work. Also, no mention of TAT license (or any other government licenses that may be required). Not sure if these are required for a website.

They seem to be doing OK. Afternoon flights overhead start around 3PM, but sometimes noon. On average, they fly over about every 15 - 20 minutes. Website says that Patong tour is 10 minutes long, so this makes sense. Estimate 8 - 12 flights / day. Happy to say that I haven't heard it when weather has been sketchy.

The helipad that you see on landing looks a bit small. I'm no expert, but having those trees that close would make me worry. Especially with the winds that blow through that cutout through the Nakkerd Hills. I live on the hill in N. Patong and it is usually breezy. I surely would not like to live in those condos directly under the flightpath. It's loud enough from my place.

Finally, I couldn't sign off without commenting on the name. I want no luck to be associated with any helicopter that I fly in!

[phuketsub]

Maybe it's gotten to the point where it is cheaper to hire a helicopter than a tuk-tuk.

And helicopter pilots wouldn't be running the risk of being pulled out and beaten by the tuk-tuk drivers.

[stevehaigh]

its a US drone but don't worry, they never bomb civilians. if you are hit, you will simply be reclassified as an enemy combatant.

[GiantFan]

555, Better make sure to mail my IRS tax return soon or I'll be on the blacklist.

[stevehaigh]

555, Better make sure to mail my IRS tax return soon or I'll be on the blacklist.

you're a month later already

[Pakaty]

They are starting to annoy me here in Kamala. And I'm a pilot and even worked at a Helicopter flight school so I'm fairly sypathetic to aircraft noise. But they flying over ther the house too often and too low for my taste. Bring on the rain it's getting hot out there. It sure was nice and cool Sunday....quiet too except for a bit of thunder.

[eezergood]

They are starting to annoy me here in Kamala. And I'm a pilot and even worked at a Helicopter flight school so I'm fairly sypathetic to aircraft noise. But they flying over ther the house too often and too low for my taste. Bring on the rain it's getting hot out there. It sure was nice and cool Sunday....quiet too except for a bit of thunder.

We did have a lot over in Patongski today also

[jocko]

It's the Pringles chopper making sure there is no shortage for our Comrades.