HELICOPTERS are part of Weymouth and Portland’s DNA and have been for decades, so the closure of our SAR base was a blow.
Not only did it affect the integrity of cover along our coastline, but it meant the potential loss of skills, jobs, the base - with its purpose-built hanger - and of course aircraft.
Now, as I’m sure you know, a new commercial helicopter company is about to take delivery of its two refurbished Royal Navy Sea King Mk 5 aircraft in their new orange livery.
They were formerly used by 771 Naval Air Squadron for SAR missions across Cornwall.
HeliOperations, under CEO Steve Gladston, has already started to train German naval search and rescue pilots at another site.
Once some operational technicalities have been ironed out, the training will continue at Portland.
The arrival of this company is a welcome development for the area, and one which I have long supported, along with the local authority and the wider community.
It promises new jobs, apprenticeships and the maintenance of aviation expertise.
Prior to closing the SAR facility, many of the pilots were part of Steve’s team and the local knowledge they have gained will prove invaluable.
Incidentally, Portland is one of the few deep-water ports on the south of England which can accommodate our two new aircraft carriers.
Who knows what opportunities they might bring.
Meanwhile, the company will concentrate on its bread and butter work of training pilots and crews to fly on to many platforms, including oil rigs and super-yachts.
Helpfully, passing SAR aircraft will be able to refuel, both day and night.
Yes, we lost our SAR aircraft, but helicopters will remain on Portland, along with all the skills associated with them.