Excel Charter has six Twin Squirrels among its fleet of ten helicopters based at Stapleford Aerodrome near London. "We put our Twin Squirrels to work in an unrivalled variety of roles," says head of flight operations Ian Perry.

The private pilot's long love affair with newly-modernised Gazelle helicopters is increasing in intensity. Martin Wood, managing director of MW Helicopters, said: "Gazelle owners are like members of a club - once you have flown a Gazelle, you have to own one. Demand for refurbished Gazelles has been increasing steadily over the years but is especially buoyant this year."