A world pioneer, the Station des Pilotes du Havre was the first French station to integrate a helicopter into its operations, starting with an Alouette III in 1976. This tradition has continued with the successive adoption of several models, including the Dauphin AS365 N3, in service since 2007. The new H-135 T3H is the seventh helicopter to join Le Havre’s fleet, meeting the growing need for speed and safety in complex maritime conditions.
A world pioneer, the Station des Pilotes du Havre was the first French station to integrate a helicopter into its operations, starting with an Alouette III in 1976.
A tradition of innovation
Safety and efficiency at the heart of operations
The helicopter is a major asset for piloting large vessels and in bad weather, when rough seas make it difficult to use pilot boats. Its main missions include winching or landing pilots on remote vessels, such as those serving the Antifer oil terminal, located 25 nautical miles from the port. With its rapid response capability, it can drop pilots on several ships in a single flight, even in heavy seas.
Today, the helicopter carries out 1,800 pilot embarkations and disembarkations a year (1,754 in 2007, including 400 landings), day and night, in almost all weather conditions.
The helicopter is permanently manned by two crews. A crew consists of a pilot and a winch operator. The use of the helicopter does not currently incur any additional costs for the owner of the piloted vessel. Pilots are taken on board either by landing or by winching.
A new helicopter for the station
On November 28, 2024, the new H135 helicopter from Airbus Helicopters will land on the tarmac of Le Havre-Octeville airport. This event will mark a turning point in the history of the station, which has pioneered the use of helicopters for marine piloting since 1976.
Modernity and increased performance
The H135 boasts state-of-the-art technology:
- Maximum speed: 252 km/h (136 knots).
- Range: 633 km with standard tank.
- Equipment: Helionix avionics with four-axis autopilot, emergency flotation system and life raft certified for sea state 6 outside on skid and automatic percussion.
- Capacity: 1 pilot, 1 winch technician, 3 passengers (marine pilots).
Its maneuverability and energy efficiency make it ideal for the modern challenges of marine piloting at the Station.
A national and international reference
Le Havre joins the Dunkirk and Bordeaux stations, which use this AIRBUS Helicopters machine for their ship services. This model is also used in 65 countries, confirming its reliability and versatility.
A major step forward for maritime safety
The arrival of the H135 is part of a global initiative to enhance safety for Le Havre marine pilots and the ships they accompany. With its modern infrastructure and high-performance resources, the Le Havre-Fécamp pilot station continues to stand out as a world reference in its field.
