In the cockpit of a Royal Navy HMS Gannet Sea King search and rescue helicopter en-route to Glencoe, Scotland.
Over more than 3 decades and one thousand flying hours TEPA has accompanied both RAF and Naval search and rescue helicopter crews, documenting all aspects of the incredible work of these extraordinarily talented and disciplined aircrews. This documentation began in 1980 with Wessex helicopters at HMS Lee-on-Solent and RAF Valley and has continued, later flying with Sea King crews at more than half a dozen UK bases.
An HMS Gannet Sea King search and rescue helicopter. Despite weighing 10 tonnes, Navy 177 is deceptively agile as it flies through Glencoe’s beautiful ‘Hidden Valley’. First produced around 50 years ago, the Sea King has proved to be a versatile and reliable workhorse, though long overdue replacement. In 2015 this venerable fleet was retired and the service privatized and run by the US-owned Bristow helicopter company in a ten-year, £1.6 billion contract.
RAF Lossiemouth search & rescue flight. After a major avalanche on Creag Meagaidh (1,140m), above the Spean Valley, a ski stretcher brings an injured mountaineer to the rescue helicopter waiting by a frozen loch, its rotors turning to counter vicious down draughts.
RAF Valley search and rescue Wessex helicopter. Rescue helicopter in hover approach, Tryfan, Ogwen Valley, North Wales, as the winchman holds a flare to guide the pilot.
HMS Daedalus, Lee-on-Solent, Isle of Wight. A Royal Navy Wessex SAR helicopter lowers a winchman down cliffs at The Needles, Isle of Wight.
An RAF Lossiemouth search and rescue winchman is lowered from the helicopter over a stomach-churning drop to two climbers, trapped on Ben Nevis’ Tower Ridge.
An RAF Lossiemouth search and rescue crewman is winched down near sea cliffs.
An RAF Lossiemouth search and rescue flight recovers a downed fast jet pilot from a survival dinghy.
