Bryce Nietvelt is looking for a sponsor for his extremely rare aircraft. Photo: Oliver Jacques.
The first ever aerobatic helicopter to enter the Southern Hemisphere is now parked at a hangar in Griffith Airport.
Aviation veteran Bryce Nietvelt has become one of just three pilots in the world trained to operate a specialised chopper that can do loops and rolls and fly upside down.
After learning how to operate it in Arizona, he purchased the extremely rare machine and transported it by ship and truck to Griffith.
“Learning how to fly it was incredible,” he said.
“My muscles tensed up during the manoeuvres as we swung around 360 degrees. We stay in positive G [normal gravitational force] the whole time, going at 190 km/h. Even though you are upside down, you’re being pulled down into your seat.”
Aerobatic helicopters were pioneered by energy drink company Red Bull, which flies them for marketing purposes. They’re often featured in airshows, major sporting events and for corporate functions across the United States and Mr Nietvelt believes his new purchase could become a hit in Australia.
Bryce has been in aviation for two decades. Photo: Oliver Jacques.
The 41-year-old managing director of agricultural aviation business Riverina Helicopters is looking for a sponsor or partner who will help him realise that vision.
“The major sponsor will get full naming rights to the helicopter that will become the second most recognised in the world,” he said.
“With my current contacts at airshows and motor sporting events along the east coast of Australia, I will be taking every opportunity to showcase this incredible machine and entertain crowds with manoeuvres such as loops and rolls.
“I would also become an ambassador for the sponsor. I have engaged a marketing manager that will take care of all social media platforms with regular content of the machine in action, driving brand exposure.”
Mr Nietvelt grew up in Swan Hill and joined the Air Force straight out of school as an avionics engineer, before becoming a helicopter pilot.
He moved to Griffith in 2021, when he took over Riverina Helicopters, which is based at the airport. His business operates Robinson R44 and Bell 206 Jetranger helicopters to help farmers with crop spraying, feral animal control, aerial pollination, mustering and other functions.
His journey to bring an aerobatic helicopter to Australia started three years ago.
“In 2022, I was invited by the Tocumwal Aviation Museum to showcase my Robinson R44 Helicopter as a static display at the Tocumwal Airshow, only to find that it was the only helicopter amongst over 50 aeroplanes,” he said.
“It was at that show that I recognised the need to increase the exposure, status and capabilities of helicopters at airshows, as opposed to the often unnoticed work helicopters are doing daily, behind the scenes.”
If you’re interested in partnering with Mr Nietvelt or sponsoring his helicopter, you can email him at [email protected]
