Author: tropicair

Milestone for Binny Oldenburg as she completes her final flight as a commercial pilot. A lifetime spent flying, Binny’s career started in Tanzania as a bush pilot, continued in UK, and her final years have been back here in Kenya.

For the last two years Binny has been flying our Cessna Caravans, and has been an integral and much appreciated member of our fixed wing team, with an immaculate flying record. She will now shift roles and take on an office position as Director of Flight Operations. Congratulations Binny!

The first time in a chopper for these Samburu warriors and elders!  We stopped on the top of the Ndodo Mountains (Samburu) to drop our clients who wanted to walk from one end to the other.  12 Warriors and elders, came see meet us, intrigued by the helicopter, and we offered them a lift to the site where we were collecting our guests.  It was just a few minutes, but they loved every moment. We posted this on our instagram feed, and got such a great response – mostly about the socks!  @ Jamie Roberts

On 14th August at dawn, Tropic Air launched two helicopters onto the upper slopes of Mount Kenya, with 4,000 Rainbow Trout fingerlings on board, with the task of restocking the alpine lakes.

We dropped the tiny 4 month old fingerlings into several lakes including Fox Tarn, Lake Ellis and Lake Alice – all located at altitudes over 11,000 feet and up to 14,000 feet.

Coordinated by Ed Ghaui, donations were made by several individuals, conservationists and sports fishermen who pledged funds to buy the fingerlings and support the operation, to the value of USD 4,400.

A morning by helicopter exploring the semi arid and hostile lands of the Suguta Valley, northern Kenya, where the remote Pokot people dominate the landscape, living a life as semi-nomadic pastoralists completely unaffected by the pressures of modern living.

Charming and hospitable, the Pokot rarely meet other tribal groups, let alone people from foreign lands!  Landing in the helicopter, they welcome us with a traditional ceremony, both the men and the women with unique dress and customs.  It’s a very special encounter!

The 20th Lewa Safaricom Marathon took place last weekend at Lewa Wildlife Conservancy, honoured with the presence and participation of the First Lady Margaret Kenyatta.

All 1,300 runners raised funds in support of community conservation projects including education and health, where such facilities are so important in these more remote regions.

The Tropic Air helicopter provided air support for the runners – we surveyed the track for wildlife and injured athletes throughout the morning, and were thankful that just one runner need a bit of medical help.  The high altitude, soaring temperatures and rough terrain make this one of the world’s toughest marathons – not to mention one of the most spectacular locations, with Mount Kenya on the horizon and game roaming freely.

Thank you Bobby Neptune for being on board and taking some great shots of the entire event.  Our helicopter was piloted by Timmy Flowers.