An R44 Raven II helicopter piloted by Quentin Smith and co-pilot Steve Brooks landed at the South Pole on January 18, 2005. This was another historic first for the two British pilots, as they were the first to land an R44 helicopter at the North Pole in June 2002.

Smith (40 years old) and Brooks (44 years old) began their journey in Buenos Aires on December 29, 2004 and reached the world’s southernmost city, Ushuaia, Argentina, after a week of flying. To arrive at their next destination, the Argentina Antarctica base in Jubany, the pilots had to fly past Cape Horn and across the Drake Passage. Smith described this portion of the journey as “480 miles of the most treacherous weather in the world”.

On January 17, after several days of preparation and weather delays, the pilots flew the R44 to within 5 nautical miles of the South Pole. They waited for weather conditions to sufficiently improve to get approval to land at the South Pole. “Everything in the interior is white, lifeless, and too harsh for life,” said Smith. “Flying is dependent on having good contrast in the texture of the snow, weather is critical”.

The two pilots built igloos and spent the night in sub-zero weather encased in fog. On the morning of January 18 they received permission to fly to the South Pole. With the temperature -25 C°, they built a small igloo around the Raven II’s engine compartment. Using an avgas-cooking stove inside the igloo, they warmed the engine to +2 C°. “The engine started first time with no difficulty,” reported Smith.

The South Pole is 9,300 feet above sea level but to arrive at this destination Smith was required at times to fly the R44 at 14,000 feet density altitude. At the time of landing, however, the conditions were perfect; the temperature was -26 C° and it was a beautiful blue sunny day. The two pilots spent some time picture taking and enjoying their accomplishment before beginning their return journey.

FMI: www.robinsonheli.com