RAeS Alan Bristow Memorial Lecture: Joint Helicopter and UAV Operations in Search and Rescue

The Alan Bristow Memorial Lecture is held annually to highlight the legacy of the man who founded the largest international helicopter group. Alan was a true pioneer, a great innovator and fully supported progressive ideas for developing all aspects of aviation, in particular, Rotorcraft. Bristow continues to operate in this spirit, leading the industry in innovations, many of which are now standard in today’s operating environment.
This lecture discussed current joint helicopter and UAV SAR operations conducted by Bristow Helicopters on behalf of the Maritime and Coastguard Agency. It included the lessons learned both from an operational effectiveness viewpoint and having to work within the current airspace regulations and constraints. The potential for future medium and long term joint crewed and uncrewed operations were identified, along with any regulatory and airspace changes necessary to support them.