In the world of scientific research, helicopters have emerged as critical tools. Their ability to access remote areas quickly and efficiently allows scientists to collect real-time data, monitor ecosystems, and develop conservation strategies to protect our planet’s biodiversity. 

This blog explores the multifaceted role of helicopters in scientific research, from wildlife conservation and marine science to geology and meteorology. You’ll learn how helicopters enable researchers to gather crucial information in hard-to-reach locations so they can address the most pressing challenges facing our planet today.

Wildlife Conservation

Helicopters can play a vital role in wildlife conservation efforts. Their ability to access remote and difficult terrains makes them invaluable for monitoring wildlife populations, conducting surveys, and assessing habitats. Here are a few specific ways in which helicopters facilitate real-time data collection and assist in conservation efforts:

• Aerial Wildlife Surveys – Helicopter chartering companies like Helicopter Express are often called upon by governments, research groups, and wildlife associations to perform aerial wildlife surveys in areas like national parks and wildlife preserves. An aerial wildlife survey is a method of collecting data on wildlife populations via helicopter in order to identify species, evaluate habitat health and diversity, monitor population changes, and evaluate the effectiveness of existing wildlife management policies. The noninvasive nature of helicopter transport enables researchers to gather key data without disturbing the wildlife.

• Wildlife Collaring and Tracking – Scientists, landowners, and park municipalities also collaborate with helicopter chartering companies in order to catch wildlife, fit them with tracking collars or chips, and release them back into the wild. This humane process enables researchers to collect key data on wildlife movements, population dynamics, and seasonal behavior. Radio collar data also helps fish and game societies adjust their hunting seasons to minimize the impact on animal populations.

• Capture, Relocation, and Administration of Medical Care – Scientists, park rangers, biologists, and other wildlife experts also team up with helicopter chartering companies to plan and enact the capture, relocation, and treatment of wildlife in need of medical care. The skilled helicopter experts at Helicopter Express can work with your team to address every aspect of your project plan, including the species, sex, age, and number of animals to be captured; the date of the capture; the purpose of the capture; and more.

Essentially, helicopters contribute to efficient monitoring, humane tracking, and medical interventions to support the protection of diverse species and their habitats.

Marine Science

Marine science, sometimes referred to as oceanography, is the study of marine life and oceanic organisms. Marine biologists can harness their passions into a number of different disciplines, including animal physiology, ecology, wildlife conservation and technologies, deep-sea biology, and more. Here are a few ways in which helicopters contribute to these disciplines and act as vital tools for marine biologists interested in understanding and preserving marine life:

• Marine Life Surveys – Helicopters are capable of flying over oceans and enabling oceanographers to collect imagery data so they can monitor coral reefs, coastal ecosystems, and populations of marine animals, such as dolphins, sharks, and whales. They can cover more ground in a much shorter time than boats and provide an invaluable bird’s eye view of the sea below. Aerial imagery allows scientists to assess marine habitats, study changes over time, and develop conservation strategies.
  
  
• Movement Tracking – Via helicopter, marine scientists can track the movements and migrations of important marine species to gain insight into their behavior and monitor their populations.
  
  
• Research and Field Experiments – Helicopters are capable of transporting groups of researchers and their equipment to remote locations, where they can establish research stations and conduct experiments. For example, the fleet of helicopters available for hire from Atlanta-based helicopter charter company Helicopter Express can transport up to 9 passengers at a time.
  
  
• Pollution Response Efforts – Marine biologists can hire helicopter crews to take them to areas that have been affected by oil spills and other pollutants so they can assess the damage and devise effective crisis response plans.
  
  
• Ensuring Compliance of Regulations in Marine Protected Areas – Marine protected areas are defined regions of oceans, estuaries, lakes, parks, and other areas that are managed for the long-term conservation of marine resources and ecosystems. Helicopters enable marine scientists to perform aerial surveillance to ensure regulations are being strictly followed in these protected areas.

By providing aerial support for surveys, movement tracking, research, conservation, and pollution response efforts, helicopters significantly contribute to the understanding and preservation of vital marine ecosystems.

Geology

‍Geology is the study of the structure and evolution of the Earth and its natural mineral and energy resources. Helicopters play a significant role in geology in several ways:

• Aerial Surveys and Environmental Assessments – Geologists can charter helicopters to assist in mapping and assessing geological features to help them understand natural resources, such as aquifers and groundwater. They can also help identify areas with high radon risk, geological hazards, valuable minerals, or the potential for geothermal energy.
  
  
• Geophysical Measurements – Helicopters can be outfitted with key instruments to help geologists perform geophysical surveys and magnetic, electromagnetic, and gravity measurements to detect important geological structures below the Earth’s surface.

• 3D Imaging – Geologists can utilize helicopters as tools for creating 3D models of Earth’s structure and composition. They use these models to better understand radon risks and the potential of natural resources, such as water and various minerals.
  
  
• Natural Disaster Tracking – Helicopters are useful for monitoring and examining the impacts of natural disasters (such as volcanic eruptions) to provide accurate data and facilitate emergency response plans.

Overall, helicopters enhance the capabilities of geologists by quickly transporting geological teams and their equipment to remote areas and challenging environments so they can conduct research, collect samples, and formulate plans for harvesting natural resources and mitigating harm.

Meteorology

Meteorology is a science which studies the atmosphere and its phenomena, such as climate and weather (with a major focus on forecasting weather). Here are a few of the important roles that helicopters play in meteorology:

• Weather Observations – Helicopters can collect real-time data on temperature, humidity, and wind speed to support weather forecasting.
  
  
• Storm Tracking – Helicopters are capable of monitoring severe thunderstorms, hurricanes, and other threats to provide critical information on storm development and intensity.
  
  
• Atmospheric Sampling – Helicopters can contribute important data regarding air quality and climate change through atmospheric sampling. This is a process in which aerial teams collect air samples at different elevations and analyze their components.
  
  
• Imaging and Data Collection – Helicopters can be outfitted with specialized cameras and weather instruments to capture high-resolution imagery and data. This helps meteorologists understand meteorological phenomena such as cloud formations, precipitation patterns, and more.

• Meteorological Training and Research – Meteorological teams can hire helicopter charter companies like Helicopter Express to assist in establishing research initiatives and training programs. This type of hands-on learning provides meteorologists-in-training with real-world experience in weather observation and data collection.

There are many advantages to using helicopters to support the field of meteorology, particularly for capturing small gradients of temperature, pressure, and humidity. Helicopters have lower minimum flying speeds than airplanes, which allows for more accurate measurements with sensors that have time lags. They are more versatile than balloons or kites due to greater stability, range, control, and altitude. 

Overall, helicopters enhance meteorological research and operational capabilities by offering flexibility and access to a wide range of atmospheric conditions.

Helicopters Are Transforming Scientific Research

In conclusion, the integration of helicopters into scientific research has transformed how we study and protect our natural world. Their unique ability to access remote and challenging environments allows researchers to efficiently gather data across diverse fields, including wildlife conservation, marine science, geology, and meteorology. This aerial support minimizes disturbances to wildlife and ecosystems and allows for the development of effective conservation strategies.

The ongoing collaboration between researchers and helicopter charter companies like Helicopter Express highlights the importance of technological advancements in addressing ecological concerns. If you’re ready to incorporate helicopters into your research strategy, give the experienced team of pilots at Helicopter Express a call. We operate one of the most powerful and versatile fleets in the Southeast, and we’re ready to work with you to find the perfect aircraft for your scientific research.