Blue Hole Exploration

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

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!!

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!!!

 

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

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

 

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

Butch

Lights Camera Action!!!

  

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

info@astrumhelicopters.com

News Release: Aerial Film Helicopter Services in Belize

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!!

 
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

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)

Astrum Helicopters’ Blog

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).

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.