Total Air Management Services (TAMS) has landed a multi-million Pound contract with Transco to survey gas pipelines throughout Britain. The contract, coupled with substantial investment from South Yorkshire Investment Fund, has enabled TAMS to purchase four new Schweizer 333 helicopters.

Transco is responsible for transporting gas from around 90 suppliers through its network of pipelines to over 20 million customers across Britain. Its pipes go through some inhospitable areas and can take three to four times longer to survey on foot than in the air.

The decision to purchase the Schweizer over any other aircraft was due to a long research process conducted by md John Tickner. “The aircraft has got a very good track record so far around the world,” said operations manager Mick Cooper. “The reliability is very good because it uses improved parts and improved engines. In the event of a heavy landing, the Schweizer gives the people inside very good protection.

“The 333 has been designed primarily for utilities and patrol work,” he added. “The configuration of either three or four seats in a line make it a very good aircraft for the pilot and observer, as they have a brilliant view forward for the patrol they are doing.”

The 333 helicopters will have the equipment needed for the survey work, the keyboard and screen, integrated into the front of the aircraft as opposed to the observer having a laptop on their knee. This will make the job of checking 170,000 miles of pipeline a lot easier.

The four new Schweizer helicopters will be arriving from New York in stages, with the first two arriving at the end of March and the next two arriving in May and June. The company is hoping to have all four in service this summer. The helicopters will be based all over Britain but TAMS’ maintenance base will be centralised at Sheffield City Airport. Two pilots from TAMS trained for the 333 at Heli Holland and, after being checked for TRE status, can now train other pilots.

Whilst awaiting delviery of the four Schweizer helicopters, the company has been operating a pre-owned 333 purchased at the beginning of this year in France. “So far it’s been very good for the type of work we’re doing,” notes Cooper.

“Everything we’ve done so far is meeting expectations and living up to the hype given to us by Schweizer themselves.”

Launched in 2001 by two former South Yorkshire Police helicopter pilots, John Tickner and Mike Crichton-Kane, TAMS provides helicopter pilots, training, technical, and engineering services, as well as leasing aircraft. Due to the need for bigger offices to cope with the expansion, the company has moved its headquarters six miles from Sheffield City Airport to Rotherham.

After such a big investment for the company, what does the future hold for TAMS? “Anyone in business should never look to stand still,” said Cooper. “They should always be looking to the future and to expansion, but at the moment we have nothing in the pipeline. Should any opportunities arise, then we will give them due consideration.”