May 21 - 27, 2011
TURKS AND CAICOS WEEKLY NEWS
13
NATIONAL
TCI’s stunning landscape is best viewed from above
Providenciales resident Ben Gearing of TCI Helicopters says helicopter riding is the best way to see TCI’s natural beauty
The views from the Bell 206 helicopter are clear and panoramic
Touching heaven By Rebecca Bird TCI’s natural beauty is obvious. Every day the sparkling turquoise waters, thick green vegetation and vibrant wildlife can force a smile from even the hardest soul. But what if there was an opportunity to explore the islands from a completely different view point? Not from the ground or in a plane speeding over the unique landscape, but drifting just a few hundred feet above the ground. That is exactly what Ben Gearing of TCI Helicopters is offering. And it’s an experience not to be missed. Providenciales resident Ben, 36, was fascinated by aviation at an early age. When he was 13 he flew model aircraft and at 16 he did work experience at a UK helicopter maintenance company. From there he studied for four years to become an aircraft maintenance engineer in Bristol, England, and in 1996 he began flying lessons. After graduating in 2000 with engineering and flying qualifications he continued to fly in the UK for two years slowly building his experience, both as an aircraft engineer, and private pilot. “I consider myself to be very fortunate to have had access to a very accomplished instructor from the Royal Air Force,” he told the Weekly News. “From the first few hours I was taught the basics right through to advanced aerobatics from Air-Vice Marshall B L Robinson RAF Ret’d. “Not only an instructor but a good mentor, I was encouraged to take my flying to a different level. “So I saved all the money I could find, took out a loan, quit my job, and headed off to the USA.” Twelve weeks later Ben had his commercial, multi-engine and
– Helicopter tour provides breathtaking views of the TCI
“Sometimes, flying feels too godlike to be attained by man. Sometimes, the world from above seems too beautiful, too wonderful, too distant for human eyes to see.” - Charles A Lindbergh, The Spirit of St Louis, 1953.
instrument ratings. Since he was a relatively low time pilot he decided to learn how to become a flight instructor. And after a few more weeks of intense training he achieved his goal. “Flight instructing forces you to learn about the art of flying to a higher level,” he explained. “You have to be able to break down each part of an aircraft, and its operation, to a teachable level for students to absorb. “My engineering schooling and experience has enabled me to teach much more effectively, and it also allowed me to start flying helicopters.” Ben said he was “deeply flattered” when the owner of the flight school he trained and taught at awarded him a full helicopter sponsorship. Within six weeks he achieved his commercial helicopter certificate to the credit of a dedicated instructor and a flight school sponsorship. For the past eight years he has flown in the Turks and Caicos Islands, for the most part gaining his experience flying for Global Airways. After a few years of charter flying, and almost 9,000 flights he decided to make a change and try the private flying scene. With about 5,000 hours of flying experience, and more than 30 different aircraft under his belt he thought he still had room for more and was delighted to be offered an opportunity to fly for Canadian-run TCI Helicopters. Three weeks of intense emergency training followed by three flight tests later he converted his existing
helicopter licence to a Canadian licence. “For those of you that don’t know, helicopters fly using the same physics as aeroplanes do,” Ben explained. “The fundamental difference is the wings of a helicopter rotate in circles rather than accelerated down a runway. “The rotating wings allow a helicopter to create lift in exactly the same way a Boeing 747 does. “Only that the helicopter is stationary and the ‘wings’ are moving. To me this is appealing because helicopter are able to hover, move straight up and down and even backwards! From a safety stand point a helicopter is extremely safe, Ben added.
“Contrary to what most people think a helicopter is quite capable of gliding. “In fact, with all my experience as a pilot and having flown all sorts of aircraft from wooden fabric World War II planes to modern fast jets I would prefer to be in a helicopter should an engine fail. “The reason is because I can bring the helicopter to a complete stop just prior to making a normal landing, even without the engine!” TCI Helicopters offers a range of “truly amazing” tours around the Turks and Caicos Islands. The views from the Bell 206 helicopter, which seats up to four passengers, are clear and panoramic. During the 20 minute tour passengers will explore Chalk
“The helicopter is probably the most versatile instrument ever invented by man. It approaches closer than any other to fulfilment of mankind’s ancient dreams of the flying horse and the magic carpet.” - Igor Ivanovitch Sikorsky, comment on 20th anniversary of the helicopter’s first flight, September 13, 1959.
Sound, Long Bay Beach, the Conch Farm, Leeward Channel, Little Water Cay, and Grace Bay Beach. Adding another 10 minutes to the tour means that the stunning islands of Pine Cay and Parrot Cay are also on the agenda. Meanwhile the leisurely 45 minute flight takes passengers to North and Middle Caicos, and some tours also land in Middle Caicos for a lunch stop at the famous Daniel’s Café. “I’ve flown here for many years and until you take a trip in a helicopter you won’t see the natural beauty as it really is,” Ben said. “Given the growth of the islands and support we have received from the local Civil Aviation and Airports Authorities I’m confident that TCI Helicopters will continue to grow, and continue to support the community of the Turks and Caicos Islands.” Flights cost from $185 per person and TCI Helicopters also offers discounted rates for local residents. For more information visit www. tcihelicopters.tc