FAMILY OWNED AND OPERATED
30 years…
Helicopters Otago has been providing aerial support to the Otago, Southland, Fiordland and Westland regions for over 30 years. What began as a single helicopter agricultural operation has grown to become the busiest agricultural and Emergency Medical Service (EMS) helicopter company in New Zealand. There are many exciting things happening here at HeliOtago. Sign up to our email list to keep updated.
one of the largest helicopter operations in New Zealand
Helicopters Otago Limited have been operating in the Otago and Southland regions of New Zealand since 1990. We have grown significantly since beginning with one hire helicopter, to now owning and operating one of the largest helicopter operations in New Zealand with over 20 helicopters and 90 staff, covering a regular geographical area of 175,000 km2..
Agriculture
The agriculture department of HeliOtago continues to grow with a fleet 9
dedicated agricultural and up to 13 helicopters providing the wider South Island with the aerial support from spraying to pest eradication.
IFR routes
With fleet modernization and an expanding clientele and operational reach, HeliOtago, with the support of Otago Southland Rescue Trust, has invested in expanding our Instrument Flight (IFR) capability. This initiative involves establishing IFR routes to all our regular medical centers and significant points of interest across the region. Due to our unique temperatures and terrain challenges, some of these routes are as low as 1200 feet above mean sea level (AMSL).
Graeme and Rosslyn Gale
Helicopters Otago was founded in 1993 by Graeme and Roslyn Gale after selling their sporting goods store. The couple went after their aviation dream and leased a MD500. Their main clientele was agriculture, supplemented with a bit of commercial work. In 1998, Graeme made a bid to take on the EMS contract and made it his mission to leave a mark on the aeromedical industry with better procedures and equipment.
Air Ambulance
We have been successfully operating the Air Ambulance and Rescue Helicopter service for the lower South Island since 1998. The Rescue Helicopter is always on standby, ready to respond to serious accidents and medical emergencies.
Night Vision Goggles (NVG)
HeliOtago was one of the first operators to bring in Night Vision Goggles (NVG) to supplement their night rescue flying and are still the only certified NVG service center in New Zealand.
