tropicair, Author at Tropicair

Close to the limits!

Posted on December 2, 2017December 2, 2017 by tropicair

Four days of planning and coordination ended in ‘one of the most dramatic recovery missions in Kenya’s history’. Under the remarkable leadership of Simon Gitau (Kenya Wildlife Service Assistant Director and former Park Warden), a team of 5 technical climbers, 20 supporters on the ground and a Tropic Air helicopter, piloted by Ben Simpson and Timmy Flowers, together recovered the body of fallen climber Fang Wenchao off the north face of Batian peak. A tragic accident following his summit achievement and a great loss for his family and friends.

For Tropic Air, this is most most daring and courageous helicopter rescue successes, ever! Operating at an extreme altitude of 16,800 feet – near to the helicopter limits – it took a great deal of piloting skill and confidence, and an intimate understanding of the mountain’s climate and terrain.

At a hover long line and stretcher was dropped to the rescue team – who had endured a 24 hour technical climb in below zero temperatures – and the body was airlifted to the Sirimon Park Gate and taken by vehicle to Nanyuki.

Heavy rains in Northern Kenya

Posted on December 1, 2017 by tropicair

Heavy rains in northern Kenya – and the landscape is transformed! Most spectacular images of the Suguta Valley flooded and the Baragoi River flowing! Thank you Jens Kozany or Segera Retreat for sharing your pictures.

Anti-Poaching Training in Laikipia

Posted on July 15, 2017August 8, 2017 by tropicair

Training with the rapid response anti-poaching team on Ol Pejeta Conservancy.

In preparation for wildlife related incidences and insecurity in northern Kenya’s vast rangelands, dedicated and courageous rangers are familiarized with helicopter procedures, and simulated exercises played out to ensure quick and safe response.

Thanks to Pete Newland and 51 Degrees for their ongoing commitment to keeping our wildlife safe. Thanks also to Ian Aitken for the photos!

3rd hanger for Tropic Air

Posted on June 27, 2017July 18, 2017 by tropicair

Tropic Air’s 3^rd hanger space is nearing completion. Modern, with new offices, this will give us the additional capacity that we need to expand our aircraft maintenance services. With a great team of engineers and mechanics, we are now not only carrying out base and line maintenance, structural repairs and avionics on our own fleet of planes and helicopters, we also have 20 different types of airplanes and helicopters within our scope of work. For 16 years we have been an Approved Maintenance Organization, certified by Kenya Civil Aviation Authority, and we are extremely proud to be one of East Africa’s best aircraft maintenance facilities.

Congo’s Virunga Mountains by Helicopter

Posted on May 9, 2017August 8, 2017 by tropicair

The Virunga Mountains are a chain of 8 volcanoes running along the borders of Congo, Rwanda and Uganda, 7 of which are found in the Virunga National Park and only two are active – Mount Nyamuragira and Mount Nyiragongo.

Mount Nyiragongo standing at 3,462 metres is Africa’s most active volcano. It has been erupting almost continuously for the last century, and its main crater contains a magnificent lava lake.

Mount Nyamuragira has erupted over 40 times since 1885. It has a lava lake that simmers deep within the crater, and although very small and often disappears, scientists believe that in time this lava lake will become permanent.

Remembering the early days at Tropic Air

Posted on March 17, 2017January 9, 2018 by tropicair

Remembering how Tropic Air began – very special days

Looking back 20 years – the early days of Tropic Air – when all we had was this one Cessna 206 and one Cessna 182! Exploring the empty landscapes of northern Kenya and landing wherever our wheels would allow.

Above left: The single 10km long sand dune that dissects the vast salty Chalbi Desert.

Above right: further north looking down at the Kalacha springs, where we supported a small permanent grass-roofed camp that was owned and managed by the Gabbra community.

We would land on a track, just long enough to accommodated our Cessna 206 – and taxi to the shade of the acacia trees – close to the oasis which had fresh water and beautiful doum palms, and where the simple and wonderful Kalacha Camp stood.