Fresh off a flight across South Uist, the Live Better Connected podcast series continues. In this episode our Director of Policy and Communications Gareth Elliott sits in conversation with, Skyhook Helicopters Pilot, Guy Stephens.

Guy has been piloting helicopters for many years and sheds light on how he got into this career. He explains that his parents lived near a local helicopter base which he attended, be-friending the pilots there and developing his piloting skills.

Guy has since been flying, installing much-needed mobile infrastructure in rural areas across the UK. A helicopter is often required for the installation of infrastructure in rural areas as there are no cranes, roads, or access tracks to the site.  

Helicopters are beneficial for mast installations as they rapidly enhance the speed the infrastructure can be put up, while also limiting the impact on the local area and to residents. During Gareth’s visit to South Uist, the mast Guy assisted the installation of went up within a day and Guy further explains that across the three days he is on site, three masts will go up. Without a helicopter the installation process of a single mast can take several days to complete.

Guy provides great insight, further expressing the positive public reception to the mast installation in the area. To find out more watch the full podcast episode here, and watch Gareth’s recent vlog video to find out all that he got up to during his visit to South Uist.

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