Astrum Helicopters

FIRE!!FIRE!! Never Fear the Astrum Team Is Here!!

2010-08-27T09:55:00.001-06:00

I am please to announce the Astrum Helicopters Team have completed the training “Fire Extinguisher & Evacuation Training”. We participated in the theory & practical exercises in this training. In this training we learnt’ the intake of the Helicopters which is very important in putting out helicopter related fires. Our staff is better prepared to face any fire.

Training Officers – Belize National Fire Service

Margarito, Andy, Ada, Victoria & Reuel

Vinicio & Gustavo Sr. Listening intently

Theory part of the training

Ready to put the Fire Out!!

Final Instructions before the practical

Group Pic!

Fire Blazing!! Super Hot!!

Lets see what Reuel has Learned!

Reuel extinguishing the Big Fire

Margarito good job!

Ada extinguishing her lee Fire!!

Andy think he is already a Fire Fighter

You must get low to approach the Fire!!

Vinicio the fire is out; you can stop sweeping

That fire was no match for Mr. Gustavo

Empty Extinguisher! Always lay on the side when empty

Victoria Forman

info@astrumhelicopters.com

My 2 yrs MILESTONE!!

2009-10-22T15:46:00.000-06:00

I am delighted to report today October 22nd, 2009 officially marks my 2 yrs Anniversary at Astrum Helicopters. As I reflect on my first day at work. Thinking how long will I last. Not only a new beginning in my life but a completely different field of work. I have always been an outdoors person working in the tourism industry as a tour guide snorkeling, cave tubing etc.. But, being the type of individual i am; I was ready for the challenge.

I must say though after a few months it began taking a toll on me. It was not as easy as i thought it would be, being full time in an office. They where many bumps but, with the great advice from my mom, family, friends & Co-workers. I made it to this milestone, through all the hurdle’s. Really coming out of my comfort zone & trying something different. I am very ecstatic about the experience i have gathered over the years i have been here at Astrum Helicopters. Working with different Agents, booking tours & meeting my clients most of all.

They where many fun times too in & out of the office. Have you ever heard the statement “seeing is believing”. I agree totally with this. As I soar across the country of Belize I have develop a new appreciation for this priceless Jewel Belize. From the hidden waterfalls, mountains, caves, rivers and pristine reef i have seen it. The flexibility of the helicopter to capture that memory is priceless as Mr. Gustavo Sr. maneuvers with great skill. Hopefully one day he will pass on these skill to me. LOL!! Yeah, my favorite trick is the hammer head!! The time went by so quickly, i can’t believe it is 2 yrs already & i would not have not change anything through out my journey here. There so much to say but i have attached some pics to further some up the good times at Astrum.

My First Flight in the Helicopter

Favorite View of the Waterfall

Breathe taking pool & waterfalls in the Sibun Gorge

Water Everywhere

Helping out!!

Astrum Beauties

Me & My Bosses

Me & Vinicio (Maintenance Director)

Enjoying my day at Work!!

Victoria Forman

info@astrumhelicopters

What’s Happening Today At Astrum

2009-08-07T14:33:00.001-06:00

Today is one of the go slow days!! But nevertheless the boys always finds something to do!! It was all about the float Inspection. Here at Astrum Helicopters safety is always a priority so, regular check on all equipment is done on a regular basis. Below i have taken some snap shots of the boys hard at work.

Getting ready for filling the floats with air

Vinicio Pumping air in the floats

Inspecting as the floats fill up

Getting in some Laughter

Maintenance Apprentice Jorge (M2)

Pump it up!

Maintenance Apprentice Reuel (M3)

Inspection Time!

Victoria Forman

info@astrumhelicopters.com

Flash back of the week!!

2009-06-05T17:26:00.001-06:00

Well as this week winds down to the finally. I must say this was a good week so i guess being a bit tired is okay for my hard work. As i went through my pictures i came a across the pictures from my last week’s flight. Which was very extraordinary beautiful as always. Below I have made an album for you to view as was taken through my eyes. I felt privilege too to fly with Gustavo Jr. as it’s not all the time we can be out at the same time. But, you can tell he was born to be a pilot. So if you are ever in Belize come and fly with Astrum Helicopters we will give you the experience you can’t forget.

View Full Album

Victoria Forman

info@astrumhelicopters.com

Astrum Helicopter's Family Moments

2009-05-22T15:37:00.002-06:00

Have you every sit back and laugh at the good times you had in your family, work or school? Well that's what i did today!! It was quit a lot of funny things we did together. I enjoyed laughing at the boys catching all the critters. Oh & Vini his facial expressions just put a smile on my face. Not to mention, the dogs Blade & Butch they always keep you active with their mischief. Ada & I always are up for the next action & adventure. I enjoy reminiscing about the past because it always put a smile on your face. I have put together an album so you can enjoy our special moments.

Make a Smilebox photobook

Victoria Forman

info@astrumhelicopters.com

Invest Only In The Best!!!

2009-05-12T14:48:00.001-06:00

Belize is a Paradise untouched, pure and divine. It's no wonder we invite you to explore this paradise. The Land of the Ancient Maya’s and our fore-father’s. Their is so many places you can choose from the coastline to mountain ridges & Islands . As you peer in the jewel soaring aboard Astrum Helicopters pick a peace of paradise to call yours. Invest only in the BEST and the best is Belize. Our attractions & diverse terrain are limitless. But to give you a sneak peak of paradise that could be all yours i have attached some pictures of this Land Belize. Enjoy!!!

Hopkins

Beautiful River

The Placencia Development

Extravagant Waterfall

Hidden Mountain Ridges

Beautiful Caye’s off Glovers Reef Atoll

Edge of the Glover’s Reef Atoll

Peering in my piece of Paradise

Northern Lagoon

Victoria Forman

info@astrumhelicopters.com

Blue Hole Exploration

2009-02-27T17:59:00.001-06:00

The day was divine!!! As the sun glow in the Horizon my anticipation grew higher as we soar over this enchanted land Belize. One of the things that stand out to me was the second longest barrier reef in the world glistening from below as we drop off in the deep blue sea. But, I can't help but to think what lay's below the dark blue abyss of the Caribbean sea as we cross over open sea but not long after we entered the Turneffe Atoll and soar over many of it's pristine cayes. Not long after we where on our way to the magnificent wonder and world Heritage the Great Blue Hole and then I stop to think it is amazing how many people have never seen it from this perspective but here today I got the chance to do just so. Then It was like WOW!!!! Really Magnificent in color and size. Then after a few spins it was off to explore the cayes of the atoll Long Caye & Half Moon Caye. As we head back I can't stop thinking about what I have just experienced. Well of course my journey had to come to an end but that memory is not one that can be bought. So I'll share some pictures caught on my memory chip of my exploration of the Great Blue Hole enjoy!!!

The Reef

Drop off Turneffe Atoll

The Great Blue Hole

Belize City

NBC Today Show LIVE from Belize

2008-11-21T16:57:00.000-06:00

Astrum Helicopters had the chance to work with the NBC TODAY Show (TODAY goes to the Ends of the Earth) during their LIVE broadcast from Belize on November 17 & 18^th, 2008. All the aerial views and the stories with the helicopter where done using the services of Astrum Helicopters.

To view the videos you can visit our dedicated video page, hope you enjoy the videos.

For this project we outfitted our Bell 206 Jet Ranger B3 with a Nose Mount for a Wescam System.

You can also view the videos directly from MSNBC:

Discovering the Blue Hole

Nov. 17: The reef off the coast of Belize known as the Blue Hole may be in trouble because of rising ocean temperatures. TODAY’s Matt Lauer reports.

http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/21134540/vp/27766272#27766272

An aerial view of the Blue Hole

Nov. 17: TODAY’s Matt Lauer takes a helicopter tour above the Blue Hole and along the coastline of Belize.

http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/21134540/vp/27766231#27766231

Continuing Cousteau’s journey

Nov. 17: TODAY’s Matt Lauer talks to Jacques Cousteau’s grandson Fabien about the secrets that lie under the sea and the global concerns about the state of our planet’s water.

http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/21134540/vp/27765080#27765080

Worries about ecotourism

Nov. 17: NBC’s Kerry Sanders looks into whether the ecotourism industry has become a problem. TODAY’s Matt Lauer talks to Blake Ross, director of Long Caye Belize, about the issue. (Today Show)

http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/21134540/vp/27767723#27767723

Lauer swims with the sharks

Nov. 18: Matt Lauer goes snorkeling with sting rays, sharks, and other fish off the coast of Belize. The TODAY co-host is in the Central American nation as part of the show’s “Ends of the Earth” series, which is focusing on the future of the world’s water.

http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/21134540/vp/27782284#27782284

Cousteau on our troubled waters

Nov. 18: TODAY’s Matt Lauer talks to Jacques Cousteau’s grandson Fabien about the state of our oceans and the effects that rising temperatures have on sea life.

http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/21134540/vp/27782319#27782319

Preserving marine wildlife

Nov. 18: TODAY’s Matt Lauer finds out what conservationists are doing to try to preserve marine wildlife off the coast of Belize.

http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/21134540/vp/27782889#27782889

Wildlife in peril in Belize

Nov. 18: NBC’s Kerry Sanders meets some of the endangered species in Belize. TODAY’s Matt Lauer talks to Losita Lee of the Audubon Society about the state of the wildlife.

http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/21134540/vp/27783851#27783851

Preserving the coral reefs

Nov. 18: TODAY’s Matt Lauer talks to Melanie McField about the Healthy Reefs for Healthy People Initiative.

http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/21134540/vp/27785285#27785285

Wonders Of Belize!!

2008-11-13T12:34:00.001-06:00

It not everyday life through a trilling adventure at you but when it does embrace it and never let it go. That's just the experience I had when I took an amazing Helicopter Ride to Glovers Reef (Middle Long Caye). It was so beautiful I can't express it in words. The water was so peaceful and the islands lay still in the ambiance of the Caribbean Sea. At one point we gain altitude of approximately 2,000 ft and I was just blown away with what I saw. I saw all three atolls at once (Turneffe Atoll, Lighthouse Reef Atoll and Glovers Reef Atoll)! Not many people get that opportunity!

We then landed on the beautiful Island of Middle Long Caye where there is a gorgeous research center known as the Glover’s Reef Marine Reserve and Research Station (www.wcsgloversreef.org) funded by the Wildlife Conservation Society (WCS – www.wcs.org). This place is well kept and brings to life the best of nature. I personally wanted to stay but soon it was time to go. We took our final spin around the island and indulge in its beauty once more. Then it was back over the Glover's Reef Atoll for a final view and a breath taking one at that. It makes you appreciate being created and knowing that we have a wonderful creator at the end of a spectacular flight as such. Just to give you a taste of my experience. Enjoy the pictures below.

Victoria Forman

info@astrumhelicopters.com

What's Blazing At Astrum!!!

2008-10-09T17:05:00.001-06:00

Well its all About Family Time Today!! Mr. Gustavo Sr. had the grill blazing up!! It was a Guatemalan Cook Out!! Once I thought though we would have had charred beef but Paul came to the rescue and calm the flames with a bucket of water. The end result was super!! The food was delicious I have to say it's true men can cook better than women SOMETIMES!!! It was also amazing since it was the first time we all had lunch together. Family time is always sweet. To share some of our fun enjoy the pictures below.

Head Chef - Mr. Gustavo Sr.

Assistant Chef - Paul

Oops!! You blazing too much over there Mr. Gustavo Sr.

Salad Specialist - Vinicio

Together Time

Edward I haven't eat as yet

Ada this is sooo good

This food is Divine

The Astrum Family

Victoria Forman

info@astrumhelicopters.com

First Belizean Company To Receive Air Operator Certificate (AOC)

2008-09-01T15:57:00.000-06:00

Today is a day of great Accomplishment for our company Astrum Helicopters. As we are the first Belizean Company to receive our Air Operator Certificate BCAR OPS 3 - 001. With years of hard work from Mr. Marco Vinicio Franco our Director Of Maintenance; his hard work finally got paid off today. Below enjoy the Pictures of our final process to victory!!

Mr. Jose Contreras - Director Of Civil Aviation

Mr. Nigel Carter - Operations Officer Of Civil Aviation

Mr. Ismael Perrera - Airworthiness Officer Civil Aviation

Mr. Gustavo Giron Sr. - Director Of Operations Astrum Helicopters

Mr. Marco Vinicio Franco - Director of Maintenance Astrum Helicopters

Mr. Jose Contreras & Mr. Gustavo Giron Sr. - Victory in Hand

Victoria Forman
info@astrumhelicopters.com

Astrum Helicopter's New Members of The Family!!!!

2008-08-14T12:52:00.001-06:00

They say animals are man's best friend and I agree!! They are always sweet and loving and the best part they don't talk back!!! It is never a dull moment when new animals are found at our Heliport. Everyone comes out and view them and some of us get pretty daring. So I would like to share those happy moments with you of our Astrum's wildlife family from Snakes to Scorpion and our newest member Butch. He is a mix with Rottweiler & Doberman! Butch is spoiled!! You see, everyone loves him up and especially his Grandpa Gustavo who always buys him new treats & toys. We each take turns to watch, play or walk him and even endure his mischievousness at times. But all in all he is a very smart and obedient dog and takes commands well. Below are pictures of our new FAMILY members!! Enjoy

Slime

Scar

Lizette

Goliath

David

Flash

Gallia

Butch

Lights Camera Action!!!

2008-08-04T16:25:00.000-06:00

Everyday is a unique day at Astrum's Heliport. Some times it can be slow but sometimes it comes with alot of ACTION!!! The Tiger Aspect Production Crew from London filming stop in on their trip to Belize to film with our Bell 206 B3 Jet Ranger Helicopter. They were doing a documentary in Belize and we were proud to be apart of it. They are the first production crew to use our GYRO Stabilizer Mount. This mount makes filming smooth and easy.

It was so much fun to see the Helicopter do tricks in the Air and move like it was soooo easy!! One trick I like especially was the Hammer head! Oh boy!! I wanted to be in the Helicopter so bad!! Everybody had their own responsibility in this Documentary shoot. My role was the Astrum Helicopter's photographer, Gustavo Jr. was the Overseer, and Gustavo Sr. was the pilot. Working with Helicopters is a very fun job and days like today you really appreciate the opportunity to work with them. Below I have provided some of my work for your enjoyment.

Victoria Forman

News Release: Aerial Film Helicopter Services in Belize

2008-06-23T09:02:00.001-06:00

Belize City, Belize, June 23, 2008 – Astrum Helicopters announced today the delivery of its new Aerial Exposures Gyro Stabilized Platform equipped with 4 KS-8 Gyros from Kenyon Laboratories.

The Aerial Exposures Gyro Stabilized Platform is based on the use of Kenyon Laboratories Gyro Stabilizers. Depending on the camera weight and the amount of stabilization required the system uses either two, three or four high powered gyro stabilizers. Stabilization is provided in all three axes. The Gyro Stabilized Platform with 4 Gyros can accommodate cameras up to 25 lbs*.

Astrum Helicopters is expanding its services to accommodate the growing market in Belize requiring helicopter services.

Canon XL H1 with 2 KS-8 Gyros

Panasonic DVCPRO50 with 4 KS-8 Gyros

About Astrum Helicopters

Founded in 2004, Astrum Helicopters is the first company to offer commercial helicopter services in the history of Belize.

Astrum Helicopters provides consumers with on demand, reliable, fast and affordable helicopter transportation between Belize City, local airports and private heliports. All flights utilize state-of-the-art Bell 206 helicopters configured for four and six passengers.

Astrum Helicopters is headquartered in Belize City, Belize. For more information, please visit www.astrumhelicopters.com.

Sunny Day equals Fun times!!

2008-06-12T17:29:00.001-06:00

Today is another superb sunny day in Belize; and I got to share it with my new friends -Tiffany, Frank, Chris and Sathiel. Our day started as I met them at the Fort Street Tourism Village for the first time. As with all my clients the little bird in the back of my head began to singing I hope they like me!! As we walk along the pier to van I took a glance at everyone and saw the excitement on their faces. As we all arrive at the van we were greeted by the gleaming smile on Paul's face. We were all tuck in the Van and our Journey began as we head to the Astrum Helicopters Heliport.

As the tour began We all enjoy the laughter of each other as we look at the cities attractions and positive interchange of questions and information. I even got a smile out of Frank!! Thirty minutes later we arrived at Astrum Helicopters Heliport.

Astrum's Heliport

Gustavo Jr. was anxious to meet us. We laughed for a few as everyone make themselves at home because here at Astrum we are all family. As they watch the Preflight Safety DVD I bet I heard a few hearts pounding as the time is getting closer to an amazing flight over this beautiful Jewel we called Belize. Soon the time came and everyone got buckled in there window seats ready for a spectacular flight. Me & Gustavo Jr. said our goodbye's as in a heart beat they were up and soaring over Belize City & the reef.

City Over Flight

St. Georges Caye

The Barrier Reef

RCCL Enchantment of the Seas

Final View of the City

Since everyone was gone on their Helicopter Adventure I sat and ponder for a moment on the beautiful Sunny day and how it just warms your heart and especially how it was raining for the past week you really appreciate it more. Soon before your know it, I heard the Helicopter getting ready to land. I wondered if everyone had an awesome time! But before I could ask the question, I could see the big smile on Tiffany's face. I know it was a hit!!! As we all greet each other after the flight, everyone was amazed about the beauty of Belize and what they had all seen (manatees, rays, cayes, their ship etc..). They all express there gratitude to our wonderful and skilled pilot with over (11,000 hrs) Mr. Gustavo Sr. as with out him the experience would be nothing. Few minutes later the photo shoot began group pictures, single shot, couples it was sooo fun.

Helicopter Photo Shoot

Frank getting ready to take us for a spin!!

Come closer & closer group shot

It all brought out the kid in us! Unfortunately the day had to end at some point but the memories of today will last me for a lifetime and to all who shared it with me. I am sure with the smiles and comments from everyone they all had a well spent day in Belize!! So as an invitation to all on your next Travels to Belize choose Astrum Helicopters and come spend Fun Times with us.

Astrum Helicopters Family

Victoria Forman
info@astrumhelicopters.com

Tropical Storm Arthur from the Air

2008-06-04T09:11:00.002-06:00

Aerial pictures of Tropical Storm Arthur that generated heavy rainfall in Belize over 36 hours, resulting in flash flooding, 5 fatalities and 2 missing persons.

The pictures where taken aboard Astrum Helicopters (www.astrumhelicopters.com) on our first recognizance flight early morning on June 2, 2008.

Humming Bird Highway

Heavy Equipment overturned by river

Humming Bird Highway into Dangriga

North Stan Creek River Mouth at Dangriga

Citrus Flooded

Kendal Bridge missing (Souther Highway, Sittee River)

Belize from the Air

2008-05-26T14:44:00.001-06:00

Video presentation of Astrum Helicopters.

Aerial scenes of Belize highlighting the many destinations we offer.

This 5 minute video gives you a great overview of Belize.

Helicopter Pilot in Belize

2008-03-19T08:20:00.002-06:00

Astrum Helicopters (www.astrumhelicopters.com) is currently seeking qualified applicants for a position as a tour pilot in Mother Natures Best Kept Secret - Belize (www.travelbelize.org). We operate Bell 206B3 & Bell 206L4, primarily flying cruise line tours, helicopter adventures and transfers for VIPs.

Minimum Requirements:

2,500 hrs PIC total time
500 hrs turbine in Bell 206B and/or 206L
Current in Bell 206B and/or 206L
FAA or equivalent license
Current Medical FAA class I or equivalent
English language proficiency

Maximum age to apply 55 years.
Maximum weight 200 lbs.

This is a full time position, vacation pay, work permits, license conversion. Minimum monthly guarantee, total compensation is dependent on total flown hours.

Additionally we will provide: work permits and validation of your helicopter pilot license in Belize (you need to pass an exam with Civil Aviation for this process).

Position available immediately.

Please email resumes (detailing hrs by helicopter type) to: jobs@astrumhelicopters.com

Astrum Helicopters' Blog

2008-01-22T20:00:00.000-06:00

Welcome to Astrum Helicopters' Blog.

Astrum Helicopters is a helicopter company in Belize offering Helicopter Services in Belize and Central America.

We specialize in Helicopter Transfers, Helicopter Adventures and Helicopter Charters, you can read more about our services in our website (www.astrumhelicopters.com/services.htm).

Astrum Helicopters operates Bell helicopters, below is a picture of our Bell 206 Long Ranger L4 (white helicopter on the left) and our Bell 206 Jet Ranger B3 (gray helicopter on the right).

Belize is a small nation on the eastern coast of Central America, on the Caribbean Sea bordered by Mexico to the northwest and Guatemala to the west and south. The only English-speaking country in Central America, Belize was a British colony for more than a century and was known as British Honduras until 1973. It became an independent nation in 1981. (more...)

Belize provides a unique environment for helicopter travel, most destinations are within 1 hr from Belize City by helicopter with a large number of attractions within a 30 minute flight. Below you can see a map of Belize with sample one way travel times from Belize City:

We will be posting information about our adventures on a regular basis so make sure you check our blog frequently.