ten years of certainty for den helder airport

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EDITION
OCTOBER 2012 | VOLUME 15
15
THE REGIONAL AIRPORT OF NORTH-HOLLAND-NORTH
ten years of
certainty for den
helder airport
The signatures with which cooperation between Den Helder Airport and
Maritime Airbase De Kooy has been officially confirmed have been placed.
According to Airport Director Conny van den Hoff, this now means that the
jobs of 500 employees at Den Helder Airport and another 5,000 at Defence,
offshore companies and suppliers have been secured for at least ten years.
The State Secretary for Finance Frans Weekers signed the document on
behalf of the national government and Director Conny van den Hoff signed
it on behalf of Den Helder Airport. This took place after both had taken a
helicopter flight over Den Helder.
The signing of the collaboration agreement. f.l.t.r.: Alderman Kees Visser, The State Secretary for Finance Frans Weekers,
Director Conny van den Hoff and Minister Hans Hillen.
Numerous dignitaries,
took the floor. The first to set the
an entire package, i.e. a pearl
including Minister of Defence
ball rolling was Den Helder
we will be developing in the
Hans Hillen, witnessed the
Mayor Koen Schuiling, who
coming years.” In his speech,
official signing of the agreement
talked about the unique
Alderman Kees Visser indicated
between the National Real
combination of airport and
the importance of the offshore
Estate and Development
seaport and its importance for
industry for Den Helder.
Corporation (RVOB) and Den
the Dutch economy. “Along with
Helder Airport on Monday,
the Royal Netherlands Navy, the
27 August. Before the official
Royal Naval Institute and the
signing, various people involved
marine companies, this forms
FOREWORD
FOREWORD
In recent months, all sorts of special things have been
happening in and around Den Helder Airport. The
absolute highlight was the signing of the 10-year shared
agreement between Maritime Airbase De Kooy and Den
Helder Airport, for which many jobs have been secured
for the future. You can read more about it in this
newsletter. We also had the Heldair Show Maritiem,
organised with our neighbours, which once again was a
major success. Partly thanks to the fine weather, the
visitors once again arrived at this event in great numbers,
which faithful to tradition, concluded with a spectacular
air show.
In other news, the new construction next to Hangar 5 has
begun. An additional work area, warehouse and
changing room will be created on the ground floor, and
the first floor will have new offices for the helicopter
companies DanCopter, which will fly for NAM/Shell
started on 1 July and Noordzee Helikopters Vlaanderen
(NHV), will start flying for Wintershall from Den Helder
Airport on 1 January 2013. This year, we will also be
expanding the large parking lot for passengers and
visitors. In order to continue to meet demand for parking
spaces, some 165 additional spaces will be created.
In this issue, in an interview with Base Manager Bram
Sevenhuijsen, we devote further attention to DanCopter's
return to Den Helder Airport and Chief Pilot Jörg
Langenhorst very enthusiastically talks about Bristow´s
SAR operations. We also have an interview with Inge
Hekking, who is able to hold her own as a woman in a
man's world and lawyer Irma van den Berg who has put
in a lot of work in applying for the new permit based on
the Nature Conservation Act. In turn, wetlands inspector
Wim Tijsen talks about the importance of the Balgzand
nature reserve and together with Major Jan Verest, we
provide a brief update on the Heldair Show Maritiem
2012.
If you would still like more information about us after
reading this newsletter, I cordially invite you to visit Den
Helder Airport. Of course, all information and news can
also be found on our website:
www.denhelderairport.nl
Conny van den Hoff
Directeur
www.facebook.com/denhelderairport
@dha_info
Luchthavenweg 10A, 1786 PP Den Helder, The Netherlands
Phone: +31 223 63 56 66 | Fax: +31 223 66 08 92
Internet: www.denhelderairport.nl
E-mail: info@denhelderairport.nl
- continued on page 2 -
1
ten years of certainty for den helder airport
“Given our location in respect
of the oil and gas fields
offshore, Den Helder forms the
centre of the North Sea. This
“Given our location in respect of the oil and gas fields
offshore, Den Helder forms the centre of the North Sea.”
provides a lot of quality
(CONTINUATION)
had very good cooperation with
our valued neighbours from
Maritime Airbase De Kooy. We
will now look at how we can
benefit each other further.”
employment. This can be
maintained and even grow
Setting an example
further thanks to the unique
impressed that Den Helder
Airport. North Holland North
operate from Den Helder
Defence Minister Hans Hillen
cooperation with the Defence
never gave up the struggle for
can develop further.”
Airport. Employment for the
said in conclusion that the
Department.” The alderman
the survival of Maritime Airbase
After this, Airport Director
500 employees of the
signing created a win-win
immediately took advantage of
De Kooy, thereby keeping Den
Conny van den Hoff briefly
29 companies active at the
situation for all parties. Defence
the opportunity to point out
Helder Airport open. “There was
mentioned the unique location
airport has also been
is under increasing pressure
that the NH90 helicopter
a lot at stake. The survival of De
of the airport in respect of the
guaranteed. As well as another
from cutbacks. “Therefore, it is
simulator, which replaces the
Kooy was uncertain for a long
continental shelf. “Every other
5,000 indirect jobs at Defence,
important that we increasingly
recently divested simulator for
time. And closing it would have
location in the Netherlands and
offshore companies and
enter into this type of joint
the Lynx helicopter, would fit
been a disaster for the entire
abroad means longer flight
suppliers.” The airport director
ventures with civilian
right in in Den Helder.
region. By signing the new
distances. Longer flight
also reported that the
companies, both national and
agreement, that disaster has
distances, in turn, mean higher
agreement with the National
international. We also warmly
Disaster for the region
now been averted and ten years
costs, but also greater
Real Estate and Development
support this collaboration
The State Secretary for Finance
of certainty have been created
environmental impact. The oil
Corporation was achieved in a
agreement and I hope that this
Frans Weekers was very
for De Kooy and Den Helder
companies can continue to
good atmosphere. “We have also
sets a good example.”
LATEST NEWS LATEST NEWS
LATEST NEWS LATEST NEWS
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offshore energy
trade fair
As in 2011, Den Helder Airport is participating in the
Offshore Energy trade fair this year. It will be organised by
Navingo on Tuesday, 23 and Wednesday,
24 October in the RAI in Amsterdam. At the fair, Den
Helder Airport has its own stand in the Den Helder
Pavilion in Hall 8. Visitors can register online free of
charge. You are cordially invited.
rare bird
Once again, a rare bird recently touched down at Den
Helder Airport. This time it was a EC120B Colibri helicopter
with registration OY-HTK. The owner of this EuroCopter is
the film production company Thomas Kristensen APS from
Copenhagen. The rare bird was en route from Calais, France
to Groningen Airport. It refuelled and stayed overnight at
Den Helder Airport.
Photo: Den Helder Airport
2
a lot of work on
the new permit
application
For the past seven years, lawyer Irma van den Berg has been involved in
drafting and submitting the necessary permits, based on the Nature
Conservation Act, for Den Helder Airport. A new application for this permit
was very recently submitted. Work on this application had already started in
mid-2011, since it often involves more than meets the eye. The application in
question was submitted on 24 April of this year to the Province of North
Lawyer Irma van den Berg: ”The transparency with which Den Helder Airport
operates is a good choice.” (Photo: PAS Publicaties)
Holland and is expected to be granted shortly.
It was quite obvious during the
movements take place over a small has monitored the flight
Association, with which there is
to cooperate with them as a client.
interview with Irma van den Berg
section of the Wadden Sea. An
that she enjoys her work at SIX
application was then submitted for
movements over the Wadden Sea.
good contact. “Personally, I find it
We hope that a new permit will be
This monitoring has shown that
positive that Den Helder Airport
granted no later than October of
Advocaten, an Amsterdam-based
law firm where she is one of the
that. At one point it became
the conclusions from the
conducts this process in all
this year, with 1 January 2013 as
apparent that more research had
previous study appear to be
openness. It makes it very pleasant
the commencement date.
partners. “We are a niche office,
to be conducted on the effect of
correct. Therefore, it is expected
founded in 2008, in construction,
helicopter movements,
that an expansion of flight
real estate and government. My
particularly on the birds and seals
movements will not create any
partners work on civil
in the Wadden Sea. Research
problems.”
construction law and tenancy. I
agency IMARES was called in,
However, Den Helder Airport is
mainly focus on administrative
which then performed a so-called
also working on expanding its
law.” Irma came in contact with
appropriate evaluation based on
activities. For example, it is
Den Helder Airport for the first
this law. Since it showed that the
looking at setting up scheduled
time in 2005, while working for
helicopter movements did not
service with fixed wing aircraft
another law firm. “In that year, the
have significant adverse effects on
between Scotland and Den
maximum number of flight
the bird and seal population, a
Helder. “The first year of the new
movements for which a permit
permit was issued. Since this
permit could serve as a trial
was granted would be exceeded.
expires on 31 December 2012, we
period. Once again, we will
The Wadden Association and a
are now working on the new
closely monitor whether there
number of other environmental
permit.”
are effects on the bird and seal
conservation movements took
population on the Wadden Sea.”
legal action at the court in
New application
In the middle of last year, Irma
Leeuwarden. This case would
The new permit within the
started work with Den Helder
ultimately be solved. During that
framework of the Nature
Airport on drafting the permit
period, it also became clear that
Conservation Act concerns the
application, which was ultimately
from then on, Den Helder Airport
application for a total of 27,000
submitted on 24 April. Parallel to
would need a permit, based on the
flight movements a year, two
that, there will be consultations
Nature Conservation Act 1998.
thousand more than in previous
with all parties involved,
This is because some of the flight
years. “Over the past years, IMARES
including the Wadden
•
On Friday, 17 August, we bid farewell at Maritime
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detection of submarines from the navy frigates.
at Den Helder Airport. The S92 can transport a
The Defence Helicopter Command, which also
total of nineteen passengers over a distance of up to
Lynx helicopter that had been stationed until then
includes Maritime Airbase De Kooy, has a new
430 nautical miles.
on one of the naval ships. The official farewell of
commander: Captain Jan Willem Westerbeek. He
the Westland Lynx was held on Tuesday, 11
succeeds Captain Theo ten Haaf, who accepted the
became the new supplier of Jet A-1 fuel for the
September with a special fly-by of Apache, Cougar,
job of Deputy Director Operations at the Armed
helicopters and aeroplanes operating out of Den
Chinook and NH90 helicopters. The Royal
Forces. The transfer of command took place on
Helder Airport or calling in at the airport in
Netherlands Navy has been working with this type
Monday, 20 August at Airbase Gilze Rijen.
transit. Before the end of the year, BP will start
Airbase De Kooy to the last operational Westland
•
•
•
On 1 September of this year, oil company BP
Since recently, CHC Helicopters Netherlands has
construction of an entirely new fuel system,
aircraft were stationed at our neighbours. They
had a brand new Sikorsky S92, the successor to the
including an expansion with three new tank
were used for SAR and training tasks and for the
recently phased-out S61-N helicopter, at its disposal
locations.
of helicopter since 1976. A total of 24 of these
43
heldair show
maritiem another
resounding
success!
Director Conny van den Hoff of Den Helder
Airport and Major Jan Verest, Deputy Chief of
Traffic Control at Maritime Airbase De Kooy
can look back with great satisfaction at
Heldair Show Maritiem 2012. Jan Verest
is also chairman of the project group
that is responsible for organising the
event. After a year of preparation, the third edition of this joint
event was another resounding success.
Photos: Ministry of Defence
Visitors flooded in on Saturday,
15 September, particularly in the
afternoon, when the sun broke
through the clouds. Conny van
den Hoff: “For a long time it
The motto of
fascinating.” Jan Verest
Den Helder Airport were putting
confirmed this, but was also
in full days to get everything set
Heldair Show Maritiem 2012
enchanted by the demonstration
up and running smoothly,
of the Swip Team. Both the
particularly during the final
this year was 'Come Together'
airport director and the project
weeks prior to the event.” Conny
manager commend the
van den Hoff was also very
looked like the weather would
not be cooperating that day.” Jan
cooperation of the Municipality
pleased with the companies at
Verest adds: “The preceding days
Eye catchers at the static show
NH90.” Aside from the air
of Den Helder, the Police
Den Helder Airport that opened
were very windy and wet. Due to
were the two strikingly painted
market and the static show,
department and the Royal
their doors for the visitors.
strong winds, a number of teams
Westland Lynx helicopters.
most of the visitors´ attention
Netherlands Military
The motto of Heldair Show
decided to come to Den Helder
Highly manoeuvrable
went to the air show. Conny van
Constabulary. But also the many
Maritiem 2012 this year was
with their aircraft on Saturday
helicopters that had their official
den Hoff: “We brought in
volunteers, including traffic
'Come Together'. According to
instead of Friday.” Conny: “This
farewell earlier this month after
something entirely new with
directors from Den Helder and
the airport director, this name
resulted in some delay in the
36 years of trusted service. Jan
the Jet Provoost Team. It was the
Leeuwarden and students from
was consciously chosen due to
morning program, but
Verest would have liked to have
first time that this team
the Aviation department of the
the close cooperation between
fortunately the air show could
seen the Lynx fly one more time,
demonstrated its skills outside
Amsterdam University of
Den Helder Airport and
start at the scheduled time. True
but unfortunately this was no
England. The Dutch Thunder
Applied Sciences, who lent a
Maritime Airbase De Kooy,
to tradition, the show was
longer possible. “However, we
Yaks also gave a beautiful show
hand in and around the
which could not exist without
presented by the well-known
were able to give a demo with
and the performance of the
passenger building. Jan Verest:
each other and which was
commentators Jan Cocheret (in
the successor of the Lynx, the
French Breitling Jet Team was
“There are two working groups
recently confirmed with a 10-
the field) and Leo van der Goot
under the project group that
year joint use agreement. But it
(on the control tower). It is always
organises Heldair Show
also referred to bringing many
great to see the attraction of this
Maritiem: working group 'Air'
people together to enjoy this
event on youth. Once again, the
was directed by 1st lieutenant
special event. “I would estimate
organisation made sure that
Jan Duin and working group
that between 25,000 and 30,000
they would have a great time
'Ground' was directed by
people attended the event. And
and would learn a lot about what
lieutenant Gerrit Geerdink. Both
that is a wonderful reward for
the aviation sector has to offer.
had already started preparations
everyone who helped to organise
The flight simulators were
a year ago. These working
it.”
particularly popular.”
groups and the small team from
Postscript:
The organisation of Heldair
Show Maritiem regrets the crash
of two aeroplanes that were en
route to their home base or their
next air show after the event.
Fortunately, both pilots and the
technician who was on board are
doing well under the
circumstances.
Photos: Hans Rademaker.
4
dancopter is
back again
They are roosting again at Den Helder Airport. The helicopters
operated by DanCopter from Esbjerg in Denmark. Their mission
from 1 July: to fly passengers and goods between the mainland and
the Dutch sector of the North Sea oil and gas fields for a period of at
least five years for NAM/Shell, says DanCopter Base Manager and
Base Manager and helicopter pilot Bram Sevenhuijsen finds himself back on
familiar ground with DanCopter.
helicopter pilot Bram Sevenhuijsen.
The two helicopters will make
At the time of this interview,
the same sector.” As a
briefly worked as a wealthy
Bram Sevenhuijsen has just set
helicopter pilot, he has worked
Irish businessman's regular
up and furnished his office in
for various employers such as
pilot before I joined
the airport office complex at
Schreiner Airways, for whom
DanCopter.”
Den Helder Airport and is in
he transported harbour pilots
the middle of the start-up phase
from the Maasvlakte to
A second chance
for the operations that have
seagoing ships and also flew an
In fact, Den Helder Airport is
been commissioned by
air ambulance helicopter from
familiar ground for DanCopter.
NAM/Shell. Bram actually has
a base in Nijmegen. When
“We were posted here a number
were answered when a contract
DanCopter is due to occupy in
two jobs. “I wear the Base
Schreiner was taken over, he
of years ago for a job for Shell;
with NAM/Shell was signed
December. The two helicopters
Manager's cap for 50% of my
continued the latter activity
the initial assignment was
recently. The contract will run
will make approximately 12
time and spend the remainder
under the flag of CHC
flying offshore helicopter trips
for five years with various
flights a day. DanCopter, whose
up in the air as a pilot.” Before
Helicopters. “My next job for
for a period of three weeks.
renewal options and consists of a
primary site is located in
joining DanCopter in 2008,
CHC was flying offshore trips
Those three weeks turned into
number of different activities. For
Esbjerg, Denmark, is a fast-
Bram had already acquired a
from Den Helder Airport as the
a period of approximately 3
example, since 1 July we have
growing helicopter operator.
great deal of experience in
captain of their S61N
years. When the three years
been flying two EC155B1
The first helicopter flight was
flying helicopters. “When I
helicopter. After a while, I was
were up, there wasn't enough
helicopters out of Den Helder
made in the Danish sector of
started as a fixed-wing pilot in
offered the opportunity of
work for us here, so the
Airport on trips from and to
the North Sea oil and gas fields
1991, I found it difficult to find
flying Search and Rescue (SAR)
operation at Den Helder
locations in the Dutch sector of
on 1 February 2003. Now, nearly
work after a time. So I decided
operations in Ireland with an
Airport had to be shut down.
the North Sea oil and gas fields
10 years later, the parent
to enrol in a helicopter pilot
S61 helicopter. I really loved
But obviously we hoped to be
and we have started up
company is active in Denmark,
training course. When I
that job. Having flown Search
given a chance of coming back
operations out of Norwich with
Norway, the Netherlands,
qualified in 1997, I stayed on in
and Rescue for two years, I then
at some stage. And those hopes
two helicopters of the same type,
England and Nigeria where a
flying to and from locations in
collaboration has been set up
the British sector. The spare
with a local partner. Bram
helicopter for our operations in
Sevenhuijsen continues:
the Netherlands and England
“DanCopter is part of the
will be stationed at Den Helder
Blueway Group. DanCopter
Airport. Our team at this airport
falls under Blueway Offshore,
will soon number 14 pilots and 8
one of the divisions in this
service technicians, most of
group. This company also
whom live in the Kop van Noord-
operates in Norway in the
Holland area. This is obviously
offshore sector. The group also
also a positive boost for
has onshore activities in
employment here.” The contract
Norway in the form of Airlift, a
with NAM/Shell also includes
company that deploys aircraft
helicopter operations from
for lifting work. In addition,
Kristiansand to the Norwegian
Airlift operates a unit that
sector. DanCopter will start this
makes SAR flights from
activity on 1 July 2014.
Spitsbergen.” When asked
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45
Strengths
the base manager says: “In
DanCopter has temporarily
addition to quality and safety,
rented office space in the airport
our major strength is flexibility.
office complex at Den Helder
We are capable of setting up an
Airport and storage space in
operation almost immediately
Hangar 5. Den Helder Airport is
in any part of the world. And we
currently building an office
always take off on time. That's
extension at Hangar 5, which
what I call added value.”
bristow: active in sar operations
for nearly ten years
(winches) that are operated by
Bristow Helicopters started conducting search
one of the two crew members.
and rescue (SAR) operations at Den Helder
The other crew member is
medically trained and is used
Airport in December of 2003. The operations are
to pick people up out of the
commissioned by NOGEPA, the Netherlands Oil
water and to treat the
and Gas Exploration and Production
sector, ships are always willing
wounded. “In the shipping
to cooperate in these exercises.
Association, i.e. the trade association
A rescue operation that made
representing the interests of the oil companies
a great impression on me was
an incident in the North Sea in
engaged in the exploration and production of oil
2006, when we had to go in
and gas in the Netherlands. In the event of an
search of the lifeboat Anna
Margaretha in a very heavy
emergency, the Coast Guard may use Bristow's
SAR helicopter, according to Jörg Langenhorst,
storm. It had capsized a couple
Hoisting exercises are performed with the SAR helicopter on a regular basis.
(own photo)
who as Chief Pilot is responsible for civilian SAR
of times and had incurred a lot
of damage. After we found it,
we brought a wounded crew
member on board and took
operations at Den Helder Airport.
him to hospital. And some two
years ago, a shell dredger sank
As Chief Pilot, Jörg Langenhorst
manages the SAR operations of
Bristow Helicopters at Den Helder
Airport. (own photo)
Jörg Langenhorst is of German
the Puma Tiger and even later
this occurs once a week. It
people at sea. But if an
to the north of Terschelling.
for the Sikorsky S61-N. “Here,
often involves little things:
employee has a so-called
We received a crew member
too, I started at the bottom of
bruised fingers, a broken arm
personal location beacon and
on board who was picked up
the ladder. I have now been
or leg or people who have hit
falls off a platform at sea, we
out of the water by another
Chief Pilot and Head of the SAR
their head. But we also
have equipment on board to
ship. We brought the man to
department for about two and
evacuate people with heart
lead us to this beacon. We also
hospital. It was the first time
a half years.” He manages
problems or people who
have radar equipment to
that I had someone on board
approximately 30 people,
become badly wounded in a
detect ships and strong
who didn't make it.”
including twenty pilots and
crash.” It has also been agreed
searchlights. In the event of a
other crew members and ten
with NOGEPA that the Dutch
threat of a ship colliding with
A lot of experience
mechanics. “It is unusual to
Coast Guard may call on
a platform or an oil platform,
Bristow Helicopters has a lot of
collaborate with so many
Bristow's SAR helicopters in
the SAR helicopter is used to
in-house SAR experience. For
different nationalities here.
life-threatening situations. “We
evacuate the crew from the
some 25 years, four SAR
Our team is comprised of
are often used for search
platforms. We call this
helicopters were flown in
people of Dutch, German,
actions for missing swimmers
downmanning. If there is
England, two in the north out
English and Scottish descent.
or surfers. And we recently
sufficient time, we can take
of the Shetland Islands and
All with different backgrounds
participated in a search action
along nine people at a time,
Outer Hebrides and two in the
and cultures that together
for a missing aeroplane. Later,
each on a seat. In an
south out of Portland and
form a very close team.”
it turned out that this plane
emergency situation, we cram
Solent. “We lost this contract to
descent, but has been working
had crashed on the Maasvlakte
the entire aircraft full. The
the competition five years ago.
for many years in the
Cooperation
due to inclement weather. Our
record number of people we
Part of it, however, will return
Netherlands. He has this to say
Since the Defence department
people then provided medical
have evacuated in an SAR
next year, when we will be
about it: “In 1997, via an
has insufficient SAR capacity,
assistance on site.”
operation is 33. This took
operating with two S92
exchange programme between
NOGEPA decided to insource it
place in the UK, when a crew
helicopters from the
the Dutch and the German navy,
themselves. “Bristow started
Effort
had to be evacuated from a
Shetlands. We also still have an
I ended up at what was then still
with this at the end of 2003.
Bristow has two large Sikorsky
sinking ship.”
SAR service in Norway, close to
Naval Airbase De Kooy in Den
First for a period of five years,
S61-N SAR-helicopters
Helder. I flew Lynx helicopters
with twice an option to renew
stationed at Den Helder
A lot of training
EC225 is used.” Thanks to the
there until 2004. After starting
for one year. After that, the
Airport. Jörg: “From 7.30 a.m. to
The SAR crews are on call for
stationing of two S61-N
on the Lynx as a student, I went
contract was constantly
9.00 p.m., we are ready with a
24 hours, which start or end
helicopters, Den Helder
through the entire process to
renewed and we have now
helicopter at 15 minutes'
daily at 1:00 p.m. During each
Airport has a very high
become an instructor. I then
been in this position for almost
notice. After an alarm comes
shift, about one and a half to
readiness level. “During the
applied for a job at Bristow
ten years. We hope that
in, we are airborne well within
two hours are practiced
past years we have achieved an
Helicopters. There were no
another year will be added or
that time. During the night,
according to a fixed
average of 99.8 percent. But
vacancies at the time, but I was
that a long-term contract will
we are beeped in case of an
programme. This also
what makes this so special is
able to start a year later at
be concluded again.” The SAR
alarm and airborne within
includes hoisting exercises to
the fact that, despite the many
Bristow's SAR department at
work for NOGEPA mainly
half an hour. Every SAR
fish people out of the water or
different nationalities in our
Den Helder Airport.” Jörg
consists of evacuations of
helicopter is manned by two
to pick up the wounded from
team, we can provide optimal
received his type ratings by
wounded men from offshore
pilots and two crew members.
a sailing ship. For the hoisting,
service and an excellent
flying SAR helicopters: first for
platforms in the Dutch sector
We have a special thermal
the heli is equipped with two
product. This makes me very
the Super Puma MK 2, later for
of the North Sea. “On average,
imager on board that can trace
electrically powered hoists
proud of my staff.”
63
Hammerfest, for which an
balgzand: crossroads for
bird migration
Each month, in cooperation with several colleagues and volunteers, Wim
again, but there are some that
birds than helicopters.” However,
stay. It is striking to see some 100
Wim hopes that the results of a
spoonbill couples that breed
study on the effects of the flight
annually on a dam about a
traffic on breeding meadow birds,
kilometre off the coast of Den
recently held in the vicinity of all
Oever. All in all, it is a unique area
Dutch airports, will be included
flying on to southern Europe or Africa. In short, an incredibly beautiful and
that you find nowhere else in the
in the decision-making on the
unique nature reserve that Wim Tijsen has fallen in love with and that he
world. There is good reason why
new permit for Den Helder
it has been designated a Natura
Airport.
Tijsen counts the birds on the Balgzand and just off the coast of the former
island of Wieringen. A Natura 2000 area, unique in the world and crossroads
where migratory birds from Greenland to Siberia come to fatten up before
2000 area.”
believes should be handled with extreme care.
On excursion
Birds
“The good thing,” Wim says in
By profession, Wim Tijsen is the
When asked whether the birds on
conclusion, “is that Den Helder
project manager of meadow bird
the Balgzand become accustomed
Airport consults with all parties
protection at Landschap Noord-
to the helicopter traffic to and
involved, including the Wadden
Holland. “I teach farmers and
from Den Helder Airport, Wim
Association, Landschap Noord-
volunteers how to protect
replies: “If things happen on a
Holland and the Environmental
meadow birds. I also try to
regular basis, birds get used to
Federation of North Holland for
motivate them to take them into
them in one way or another. If a
this permit application. It is a
consideration, particularly during
helicopter or aeroplane comes
good way to prevent conflict.
breeding season.” As a volunteer,
along every now and then, they
Many people believe that
he also works as a wetland
take that for granted. A kind of
environmental and nature
inspector of the Balgzand and the
habituation occurs. But it is the
conservation organisations are
coast of Wieringen for BirdLife
unexpected things that provide
opposed to everything. But that is
Netherlands. “The Netherlands
unrest. The ideal situation is and
not necessarily the case. Den
has a variety of Natura 2000 and
remains a sense of tranquillity
Helder Airport currently has
wetland areas. They are closely
and to avoid having flight traffic
25,000 flight movements a year.
monitored by so-called wetland
in such a bird area as much as
The Balgzand achieves this
inspectors who report on the
possible.”
number easily each day and in a
condition of the area, how it is
For the new permit requested by
natural way without a drop of
the airport, IMARES has to test
kerosene. That is good reason to
reactions from the birds. It also
ensure together that this unique
investigates whether the increase
area is handled with extreme
in the number of flight
care.” The wetlands inspector
managed and whether certain
types of birds are improving or
deteriorating. You can actually
Wetland inspector Wim Tijsen at one of his special places, with a view of the
Balgzand. (Photo: PAS Publicaties)
consider us the eyes and ears of
the Netherlands Society for the
movements has an effect on the
would also like to encourage
Protection of Birds. We also focus
planning of Natura 2000 areas
Siberia, having covered distances
birds. “I am in a committee that
everyone in the Den Helder
our attention on the spatial
and the wetlands. This is also why
of two to four thousand
can assess that report, together
region to come along on an
I have been consulted on the
kilometres or more. When they
with a number of experts.”
excursion of the Balgzand
expansion of the number of flight
arrive here, they are very
The wetland inspector has this to
sometime. To see with their own
movements of Den Helder
emaciated. The Balgzand is then
say about the additional flight
eyes what is going on in their
The Den Helder Airport
Newsletter is distributed in a
broad circulation and is meant to
inform interested parties about
the activities at and around Den
Helder Airport.
Reproducing of parts of the
content is only authorized with
source indication.
The content has been compiled
at information. No rights can be
drawn upon the content in fact.
Airport. In addition, I am on the
used to regain their strength or to
movements that may be coming
backyard and how special this
committee for advice and
fatten up, as we call it. After that
with fixed wing aircraft: “In
area is. “There is nowhere in the
assistance for the remote areas of
they usually migrate further
theory, I believe that scheduled
world where you find as many
the Municipality of Hollands
south. It is a very quiet, eutrophic
planes have even less effect on
birds as you do here.”
Kroon.” Once a month Wim
area. This is of international
counts the birds on the mudflats
importance for the many types of
and reports these numbers to
birds that fatten up here, such as
Den Helder Airport
Luchthavenweg 10A
1786 PP Den Helder
Telephone: +31 (0)223 63 56 66
Fax: +31 (0)223 66 08 92
www.denhelderairport.nl
info@denhelderairport.nl
SOVON Vogelonderzoek
the red knots, spotted sandpipers,
Nederland. He can often be seen
grey plovers and spoonbills. The
at the tide gauge station on
Balgzand is an assembly point for
Wieringen, where he has an
spoonbills, particularly in late
excellent view of the Balgzand
summer. Sometimes there are as
and the Wadden Sea, just off the
many as eight hundred. Other
coast of Wieringen.
types of birds that are regularly
COLOPHON
Editor
PAS Publicaties
Postbus 47
1760 AA Anna Paulowna
Editorial staff
Paul Schaap
Conny van den Hoff
Marion Tijsen
Marjolein van Dam
Of international importance
curlew sandpipers, curlews,
The wetland inspector has this to
common terns and unusual terns
Production
PAS Publicaties, Anna Paulowna
say about the importance of the
and many different types of gulls.
Creator
NeverSeen,
GRAPHIC ART&DESIGN
Balgzand area: “The Balgzand is a
Birds take a couple of weeks to
crossroads for bird migration,
fatten up. And sometimes it even
particularly for shorebirds. They
takes them a couple of months.
come here from Greenland to
The majority continue to migrate
Print
Dékavé Managing Print
encountered include brent geese,
47
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WOMEN IN THE OFFSHOREWORLD
rare bird
inge hekking,
small but brave
She may be small in stature, but platform employee Inge Hekking knows how
to hold her own in a crew that further consists of 22 men. She is undaunted
and does not shy away from heavy work. Hundreds of bags from offshore
workers pass through her hands each day. Her employer is CHC Helicopters
Netherlands. But she is also in prime condition outside working hours since
she has been doing high-level judo for years.
Platform employee Inge Hekking: “I've always been ready with a quick reply.”
Her roots lie in Papua New
she asked if I would come by for
In a man´s world
delightful to spend a lot of time
Before the helicopters take off,
Guinea, where Inge Hekking
a cup of coffee. At that time I was
To her great surprise her wish
outdoors. I also like the
we´re very busy loading luggage
was born in 1960 in the village
working as a nutrition assistant
was quickly answered. “Two
opportunity to take all sorts of
and freight and accompanying
of Hollandia, in the interior of
in Gemini Hospital. When I
weeks later I received a phone
courses. For example, in fire-
the departing passengers. And
this former Dutch colony. “In
looked out the window during
call, asking whether I would like
fighting, dealing with
when the aircraft return, freight
1962, our family was forced to
my visit, I saw men walking with
to come for a job interview. I was
hazardous substances,
and luggage are unloaded and
flee to the Netherlands due to
carts. When I asked what they
immediately taken on as
refuelling helicopters, security
the arriving passengers are
the prevailing civil war. My
were doing, my friend replied
platform employee, in technical
and lifting and working with a
accompanied to the passenger
father was a sailor and would
that they handled freight and
terms, a ramp handler, although
forklift truck.”
building. We also ensure that the
join us later.” Their arrival was
luggage, accompanied
I figured that the men would not
The crew in which Inge works
helicopters have refuelled before
followed by stops in various
passengers to and from the
be happy to see the arrival of
has fourteen permanent
departure. In addition, we ensure
places across the Netherlands
helicopters and provided fuel for
this small woman. But
employees and eight insourced
that the assembly points are
before the family settled in Den
the aircraft. It seemed like nice
everything went well. They tease
staff who work in three shifts,
always neat and tidy and we keep
Helder. When asked how she
work that I would also enjoy.
me sometimes, but I know how
from 6:00 a.m. to 10:15 p.m. Inge
the records. Between flights there
ended up at Den Helder Airport,
Particularly because I like to
to tease them back. I've always
also works in the night shift if a
is some time to catch your
Inge replied: “About fifteen years
work outdoors.”
been ready with a quick reply.
Search and Rescue (SAR)
breath.” Inge worked on a
ago I was called by a girlfriend,
I'm extremely happy here.
helicopter has to be deployed.
temporary basis during the first
who worked here at Operations;
There's a lot of freedom and it's
“It´s always all or nothing for us.
two years and received
permanent employment in
1999.”
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Martial arts
Aside from her work at Den
Helder Airport, Inge is also
proficient in sports. “I have
always done a lot of sports.
Particularly fitness and weight
training, but also various martial
arts such as judo, jujitsu and
pencak silat. Unfortunately, I had
to stop the latter two sports after I
had several operations on my
feet, but I still do judo. I´m second
dan. Although people still
underestimate me, I know how to
hold my own.” In her leisure
time, Inge also likes to tinker
with cars, together with her
brother and she makes beautiful
furniture from scaffolding wood.
“I am very satisfied with what I
have and always try to do my best.
With the new AW139 and EC155
helicopters, the cargo hold is
somewhat higher than with the
S76, which requires somewhat
more lifting on my part. But
partly thanks to my good
physical condition, I can still
manage just fine.”
8