Sea King – helicopter

Delivery

05.10.2023. Our Sea King and Navajo aircraft arrived. However, we were not in a position to start works over the winter months due to other work commitments. So, after a little head scratching, we decided to try to get the helicopter down the side of our farm buildings to store inside for the winter.

Stripping out

29.01.2024 – We finally made time to start stripping out and preparing the Sea King for insulation, wiring and boarding. An incredibly tedious job due to the sheer amount of cables and pipework that were buried in the walls. None of which can be removed easily!! Two weeks later we had prepped the walls ready for British insulation services to come and apply a foam insulation ready for us to start boarding.

Boarding the inside

20.04.24 – We have now finished boarding the inside. This had to be done by using two layers of 3mm ply, the first of which to find some sort of fixings. This meant cutting the board into small enough pieces to be able to bend them roughly into shape. A second layer was then added to take out some of the bends in the shape of the helicopter to provide a better surface to attach the final layer of pvc boards.

PVC boards and underfloor heating

22.04.24 – We have now, just about. finished the pvc boarding. Although it does look like we have had some sort of breakdown! I’m sure it will look alright by the time we have finished adding the furniture and decorating it! The under floor heating has also been installed and tested. The next step will be to lay the floor on top of it.

Internal layout

30.05.24 – The floor has now been laid over the underfloor heating and we have begun fitting out the inside. The beds were the first to be done with a double bed at the rear of the helicopter and twins bed at the front that can be converted into another double if required. A sofa has been put in opposite the sliding doors, towards the rear, creating the opportunity to enjoy the view over the lake from the comfort of the helicopter. We have now started fitting the kitchen units and building a small wc.

Finishing the inside

10.07.2024. Running slightly behind schedule we have now finished the inside, bar the furnishings. The beds/benches have been built. Storage added to these wherever possible. A small kitchen has been fitted with plumbed in sink and hot water. A small toilet has also been added for convenience.

The bench seating at the front of the helicopter can either be left as single beds or converted into a King size. A pop up table will also be available to be used along side the bench seating to create a small dining area.

Crane

Today we are lifting the Sea King onto its new location. Yet again, a job that not many people have experience at! With not knowing the overall weight and having also had one of the wettest summers of all time, the crane drivers are not exactly confident that this is even possible!

Finished !

The Sea King has now been finished and has had it’s first guests! The finishing touches have been completed, furnishings added and a decking area built outside overlooking the lake. The Sea King will now sleep up to 5, with a fully functional kitchen, it’s own toilet and a lovely deck with bbq and fire pit.