Thunder Aviation - Essential Information for Charter Flights

How far can we fly?

The maximum range of the AW109 variant equates to around 400 miles (London to Aberdeen)

How fast do the aircraft fly?

Typical cruise speeds are around 165 mph which equate to the following approximate flight times.

London to Lake District - 1hr 30 min
London to Salcombe – 1hr 5 mins
London to Southwold – 40 mins
London to Edinburgh - 2hr

Thunder Helicopters

Fleet information is detailed below. Please get in touch via 'contact us' or 'WhatsApp' and our team will provide any further information about our helicopters you may require, including further specifications, certificates and maintenance history.

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AW109 Trekker

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Thunder 1 & 2 (AW109 Trekker) were acquired, brand new, from Leonardo/Agusta in 2026 and are a master of style and performance featuring a streamlined, stylish shape and unrivalled elegance in its interior finishes, in addition to advanced avionics. The continuation of our updated fleet, Thunder 3 & 4, are currently estimated for delivery in 2027.

The 4-axis autopilot Trekker is a new top-of-the-range helicopter of the AW109 light twin helicopter family. It represents the continuous evolution of the original concept to provide modern solutions to meet market requirements in a multitude of applications. Positioned at the upper end of the light twin CS/FAR 27 segment (3,175kg – 7,000lb), the Trekker features high performance capabilities, providing levels of cabin space and payload previously available only on intermediate category helicopters, whilst retaining attractive economics typical of the light twin category.

The Trekker’s spacious, unobstructed passenger cabin (2.10m – 6ft 11in max length) is easily accessible through large sliding cabin doors (1.40m – 4ft 6in), one on each side of the fuselage. A comprehensive selection of interiors and mission equipment makes the Trekker a suitable platform for a multitude of roles, including Executive/VIP transportation, EMS, Law Enforcement, SAR and various Utility operations.

The Trekker’s 815 shp new generation Pratt & Whitney Canada PW207C turbo-shaft engines with Full Authority Digital Engine Control (FADEC) ensure outstanding performance capabilities both hovering and in flight, including full Cat. A/Class 1 capability, whilst retaining low fuel burn characteristics. The best-in-class payload and range characteristics, and the high cruise speed, give the Trekker capabilities which are unique in its category.

The new glass-cockpit with a redesigned layout provides excellent visibility and an ergonomic working space for the pilots. The new full digital, scalable avionic system incorporates the Genesys EFIS (Electronic Flight Instrument System) with 3D Synthetic Vision, FMS (Flight Management System), HTAWS (Helicopter Terrain Awareness Warning System), HITS (Highway In The Sky), engine monitoring and flight recording embedded functions to deliver ultimate situational awareness and cutting edge automated flight management capabilities. State-of-the-art digital avionics for single/dual pilot IFR operation and a four-axis dual duplex digital autopilot coupled with a Flight Director are typical features of the helicopter which maximise safety of operations and ensure a low pilot workload.

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WEIGHT (MGW) INTERNAL LOADS
3,175KG - 7,000LB

WEIGHT (MGW) EXTERNAL LOADS
3,350KG - 7,385LB

OVERALL LENGTH
12.96M - 42FT 6IN *ROTORS TURNING

OVERALL HEIGHT
3.60M - 11FT 9IN

MAX ENDURANCE (5,000FT, ISA, MGW)*
4H 19MIN *WITH AUXILIARY FUEL TANKS - NO RESERVE

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AW109SP (Managed Fleet)
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The GrandNew is a new top-of-the-range helicopter of the AW109 light twin helicopter family. It represents the continuous evolution of the original concept to provide modern solutions to meet market requirements in a multitude of applications. Positioned at the upper end of the light twin CS/FAR 27 segment (3,175 kg – 7,000 lb), the GrandNew features high performance capabilities, providing levels of cabin space and payload previously available only on intermediate category helicopters, whilst retaining attractive economics typical of the light twin category.

The GrandNew’s spacious, unobstructed passenger cabin (2.30 m – 7 ft 7 in max length) is easily accessible through large sliding cabin doors (1.40 m – 4 ft 7 in), one on each side of the fuselage. A comprehensive selection of interiors and mission equipment makes the GrandNew a suitable platform for a multitude of roles, including Executive/VIP transportation, EMS, Law Enforcement, Offshore and various Utility operations.

The GrandNew’s 815 shp new generation Pratt & Whitney Canada PW207C turbo-shaft engines with Full Authority Digital Engine Control (FADEC) ensure outstanding performance capabilities both hovering and in flight, including full Cat. A/Class 1 capability, whilst retaining low fuel burn characteristics. The payload/range characteristics and the very high cruise speed give the GrandNew capabilities which are unique in its category.

The new glass-cockpit with a redesigned layout provides excellent visibility and an ergonomic working space for the pilots. The new full digital, scalable avionic system incorporates the Cobham’s 3D Synthetic Vision EFIS (Electronic Flight Instrument System) with FMS (Flight Management System), HTAWS (Helicopter Terrain Awareness Warning System), HITS (Highway In The Sky) and flight recording embedded functions to deliver ultimate situational awareness and cutting edge automated flight management capabilities. State-of-the-art digital avionics for single/dual pilot IFR operation and a four-axis dual duplex digital autopilot coupled with a Flight Director are typical features of the helicopter which maximise safety of operations and ensure a low pilot workload. A new Radio Management System (RMS) permits the centralized management of radio communication and navigation systems of the helicopter while the Integrated Display System (IDS) provides aircraft/engine data monitoring, crew alert and maintenance data pages.

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WEIGHT (MGW) INTERNAL LOADS
3,175 KG - 7,000 LB

WEIGHT (MGW) EXTERNAL LOADS
3,200 KG - 7,055 LB

OVERALL LENGTH
12.96 M - 42 FT 06 IN *ROTORS TURNING

OVERALL HEIGHT
3.40 M - 11 FT 02 IN

MAX ENDURANCE (5,000 FT, ISA, MGW)*
4 H 22 MIN *WITH AUXILIARY FUEL TANKS - NO RESERVE

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Flown by the best.

Our Captains have led spear-head, front-line operations in the most challenging environments on earth. From the expanse of the wide open desert, to the unforgiving mountains of the Arctic Circle; they have excelled in their continued pursuit of excellence in the air by day, and by night.

Projecting military global air capability requires exceptional leadership, planning and communication skills; and our pilots have been tested in the harshest of conditions. The ability to integrate multiple agencies, identify contingencies for all eventualities and clearly communicate them in time to enable customer success is at the very heart of our ethos.

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Tom Partrick MBE
CPL(H) IR TRI AW109
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Tom is the CEO of Thunder Aviation. He joined the Royal Air Force in 2003 as a Pilot and served for 20 years, amassing over 5,000 hours of flying time and serving on front line tours in Afghanistan.

In 2008 Tom completed the Operational conversion onto frontline duties being posted onto Number 7 Squadron Royal Air Force. On this Squadron he went on to learn to operate the Chinook in a wide range of challenging roles. Fast roping troops onto moving ships, dispatching small inflatable boats at wave height, vehicle interdiction and helicopter assaults to name a few of the challenging disciplines required.

Following 6 tours of Afghanistan, Tom progressed to his next career goal of becoming a Qualified Helicopter Instructor where he would have the responsibility to train the next generation of pilot recruits onto the unit. Responsible for training the disciplines already mentioned, he also taught environmental techniques to safely negotiate operating in desert and arctic conditions as well as long range overwater maritime techniques landing on ships.

In 2018 he joined the esteemed Number 32 (The Royal Squadron) flying the Agusta 109 helicopter out of RAF Northolt and has supported a wide range of passengers from the Prime Minister and other senior government officials to the highest ranking military officers and on occasion, members of the Royal Family.

Tom received his MBE in 2019 and subsequently went on to found Thunder in 2020.

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Mike Killick
CPL(H) IR AW109

Mike flew his first solo flight shortly after his 16^th birthday in an Air Cadet Glider from Kenley Aerodrome in Surrey. By 17 he was awarded a Royal Air Force Flying scholarship and had gone on to achieve his Private Pilots’ Licence (Aeroplanes), passing his flying test the same week as his driving test.

In his extensive and decorated military career Mike has served in Afghanistan and was selected to join 7 Squadron Royal Air Force, operating the Chinook in a number of specialist roles.

Mike left the Royal Air Force in the summer of 2022 following 22 years of service; and having seen the vision for Thunder Aviation followed in the footsteps of his friend and Squadron colleague Tom to join the team. Having successfully converted his military flying qualifications to civilian licences in 2021 he has already built up a wealth of civilian VVIP flying experience on the Thunder fleet, and delivers the levels of professionalism and ability that has been instilled in him throughout his extensive military career.

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Luke Huntley
CPL(H) IR AW109

Luke joined the RAF in 2003 soon after his 18^th birthday. During a military career spanning 22 years, Luke has flown over 6000 hours on helicopters, conducting military operations and humanitarian missions all over the world.

Luke commenced his first frontline tour as a Chinook helicopter pilot on Number 27 Squadron. During this time, he completed 8 operational deployments to Afghanistan as well as numerous exercises supporting British troops in challenging environments, from the Artic circle in Norway to the Atlas Mountains in Morocco. His most recent deployment was in support of disaster relief efforts in the Caribbean, after it was hit by Hurricane Irma in 2017.Luke spent the last 5 years of his Chinook career on Number 18 Squadron, as a Qualified Helicopter Instructor instructing frontline Chinook crews on a wide range of operational disciplines including maritime, desert and artic operations. Luke was the 2016 Chinook Display Captain and had the privilege of displaying the Chinook’s capabilities at numerous international air shows.

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Giles Edwards
CPL(H) IR AW109

Giles joined the Royal Air Force in 1999 as a pilot, serving over 24 years on operations and exercises across five continents, including Iraq and Afghanistan, and in environments including temperate, desert, arctic, maritime and mountainous environments.

Initially flying the Chinook on the front line, Giles developed as a Qualified Helicopter Instructor, training and mentoring current and future pilots. He later became a Standards Examiner and Instructor Examiner, ensuring both operational and instructional standards of Chinook pilots, and pilots across the Royal Air Force Support Helicopter Force.

Following 14 years flying the Chinook, in 2016, Giles joined Number 32 (The Royal) Squadron at RAF Northolt, flying the AW109SP in support of a wide range of passengers from the highest-ranking military officers, senior Government officials, to the Prime Minister.

Since leaving the RAF in March 2024, Giles continues to proudly work alongside former colleagues from both his Chinook and AW109SP days.

Andrew Devoy
Head of Sales

Andrew has amassed nearly a decade of experience in Business Aviation, building invaluable relationships with clients and industry experts through various roles. Primarily focussed on rotary, Andrew has managed the day-to-day operations of various helicopter types as well as bespoke, high usage client itineraries. Alongside a specialism for helicopters, Andrew has broadened his skills in the Private Jet sector - previous roles have encompassed the selling of private jet charters nationally and internationally. More recently, he has expanded his knowledge of jet brokering with a leading brokerage and has brought this skillset to Thunder Aviation to broaden the aviation portfolio on offer to our clients.

Thunder’s clients benefit from his unrivalled eye for detail, ensuring a seamless experience from initial enquiry to charter completion.

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