Le Havre-Fécamp Pilot Station has announced the arrival of its new H135 helicopter which landed on the tarmac of Le Havre-Octeville airport around 5:00 p.m. on November 28, 2024. This moment will mark a decisive step in the history of the station, a pioneer since 1976 in the use of helicopters for maritime piloting.

A pioneer at the global level, the Le Havre Pilot Station was the first French station to integrate a helicopter for its operations, starting with an Alouette III in 1976. This tradition continued with the successive adoption of several models, notably the Dauphin AS365 N3 , in service since 2007. The new H-135 T3H thus becomes the seventh aircraft to join the Le Havre fleet, meeting the growing needs for speed and safety in complex maritime conditions.

The helicopter is a major asset in piloting large ships and in bad weather , when rough seas complicate the use of pilot boats. Its main missions include winching or landing pilots on distant ships, such as those serving the Antifer oil terminal, located 25 nautical miles from the port. With a rapid intervention capacity , it can drop pilots on several ships in a single flight, even in rough seas.

Le Havre joins the stations of Dunkirk and Bordeaux, which use this AIRBUS Helicopters machine for their services to the ship. This model is also used in 65 countries , confirming its reliability and versatility.

The arrival of the H135 is part of a global approach to strengthening safety for Le Havre maritime pilots and the ships they accompany. With modern infrastructure and high-performance resources, the Le Havre-Fécamp pilot station continues to stand out as a world reference in its field.

The official presentation will also be an opportunity to unveil photos and videos highlighting the helicopter in action, reflecting the commitment of Le Havre pilots to an ever more efficient and innovative service .