Photo Contest Entries

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Pilots of a Sikorsky UH-60 Black Hawk helicopter of the Swedish Air Force waving goodbye to the crowd at the Royal International Air Tattoo 2025.

Kris Christiaens

0

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Eye-to-eye with a Boeing AH-64 Apache attack helicopter of the British Army Air Corps during a night mission at RAF Odiham.

Kris Christiaens

0

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G-UHGB of Heli-Lift services at Llangynidr moors, Wales.
The aircraft was tasked with carrying equipment onto the moor to be used to fix a gas pipeline

Alex Lee

2

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VORTEX565 ZH894 from 18 sqn RAF flying through the Usk Valley, South Wales. This aircraft was heading to Sennybridge training area to conduct troop transport

Alex Lee

2

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Crewman checking the rotor clearance of a Royal Navy Merlin HC4 after landing in a confined area on Salisbury Plain Training Area
JUNGLY14 845nas ZJ130

Alex Lee

2

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A Czech Police Bell 412 dropping water at a training exercise with Czech and German firefighters.

Johannes Herrmann

2

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Operator of the German Federal Police Air Unit Blumberg ready for dropping on a wildland fire in Saxony.

Johannes Herrmann

4

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Idyllic scenery at a spring sunset HEMS call for 'Christoph 34' from Güstrow, Germany.

Johannes Herrmann

2

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Refueling stop at Bautzen airfield for this Sky Heli EC135 prior to a powerline inspection flight.

Johannes Herrmann

3

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A Czech Air Force Venom taking off for a flying display at Caslav Air Base Open House 2025.

Johannes Herrmann

3

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A German Federal Police EC135T2+ departing for a patrol flight along the German Polish border.

Johannes Herrmann

4

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Sunrise over Peace River

Becky Grimsrud

6

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A Messerschmitt-Bölkow-Blohm Bo 105 helicopter shows its maneuverability in combination with fireworls and pyrotechnics during the Sanicole 2025 sunset airshow.

Kris Christiaens

49

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Royal Navy Merlin MK4 Helicopter Commando low level flying on Dartmoor in support of the Ten Tors 2025 event under Operation Wyvern Tor.  The RN rotary assets assist with many logistics of the event including, transport, load delivery, casevac etc.

Bob Sharples

7

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This summer, I had the unique opportunity to accompany Air Zermatt on two days of real live mountain rescues. With my camera, I was able to get up close and personal as the crews set off on demanding missions in the Valais mountains at short notice.

These were intense hours full of impressions, marked by situations that are far removed from everyday life: the moment when seconds count, the interaction between pilot, rescue specialists and doctors, and the incredible precision with which everyone in the team acts.
 
For me, it was not only a special experience photographically, but also very moving on a human level. The mountains reveal their full beauty, but also their dangers – and the professionalism of Air Zermatt commands deep respect.

Michael Portmann

13

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This summer, I had the unique opportunity to accompany Air Zermatt on two days of real live mountain rescues. With my camera, I was able to get up close and personal as the crews set off on demanding missions in the Valais mountains at short notice.

These were intense hours full of impressions, marked by situations that are far removed from everyday life: the moment when seconds count, the interaction between pilot, rescue specialists and doctors, and the incredible precision with which everyone in the team acts.
 
For me, it was not only a special experience photographically, but also very moving on a human level. The mountains reveal their full beauty, but also their dangers – and the professionalism of Air Zermatt commands deep respect.

Michael Portmann

15

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This summer, I had the unique opportunity to accompany Air Zermatt on two days of real live mountain rescues. With my camera, I was able to get up close and personal as the crews set off on demanding missions in the Valais mountains at short notice.

These were intense hours full of impressions, marked by situations that are far removed from everyday life: the moment when seconds count, the interaction between pilot, rescue specialists and doctors, and the incredible precision with which everyone in the team acts.
 
For me, it was not only a special experience photographically, but also very moving on a human level. The mountains reveal their full beauty, but also their dangers – and the professionalism of Air Zermatt commands deep respect.

Michael Portmann

13

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Helicopter Rescue in Winter – An Extraordinary Experience
Experiencing a helicopter rescue in winter as a photographer is anything but ordinary. As the rotor blades cut through the icy mountain air and snow clouds swirl around, you witness an impressive interplay of precision, courage, and technology. The team works with meticulous precision, every movement perfectly coordinated.
As a photographer, you suddenly become part of this dynamic while simultaneously observing the fascinating harmony between humans and machinery. Such moments not only deepen your respect for the mountains but also your appreciation for life and the people dedicated to saving it.

Michael Portmann

15

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Helicopter Rescue in Winter – An Extraordinary Experience
Experiencing a helicopter rescue in winter as a photographer is anything but ordinary. As the rotor blades cut through the icy mountain air and snow clouds swirl around, you witness an impressive interplay of precision, courage, and technology. The team works with meticulous precision, every movement perfectly coordinated.
As a photographer, you suddenly become part of this dynamic while simultaneously observing the fascinating harmony between humans and machinery. Such moments not only deepen your respect for the mountains but also your appreciation for life and the people dedicated to saving it.

Michael Portmann

14

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Air Zermatt asked me to document their daily helicopter missions – from flying supplies to remote mountain huts to transporting materials to high-alpine construction sites. Always impressive to witness their precision and skill in such extreme terrain.

Michael Portmann

14

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Air Zermatt asked me to document their daily helicopter missions – from flying supplies to remote mountain huts to transporting materials to high-alpine construction sites. Always impressive to witness their precision and skill in such extreme terrain.

Michael Portmann

15

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Air Zermatt asked me to document their daily helicopter missions – from flying supplies to remote mountain huts to transporting materials to high-alpine construction sites. Always impressive to witness their precision and skill in such extreme terrain.

Michael Portmann

11

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This summer, I had the unique opportunity to accompany Air Zermatt on two days of real live mountain rescues. With my camera, I was able to get up close and personal as the crews set off on demanding missions in the Valais mountains at short notice.

These were intense hours full of impressions, marked by situations that are far removed from everyday life: the moment when seconds count, the interaction between pilot, rescue specialists and doctors, and the incredible precision with which everyone in the team acts.
 
For me, it was not only a special experience photographically, but also very moving on a human level. The mountains reveal their full beauty, but also their dangers – and the professionalism of Air Zermatt commands deep respect.

Michael Portmann

12

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H125 supporting S64F Skycrane in mountain external load ops.

David Leipsig

15

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High altitude operations Western Saudi Arabia

David Leipsig

15

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PJ Helicopters Blackhawk 9PJ lifts out of the dip as Coulson's CH47 9CU returns for another load of water while battling the Dale Fire.

Jeremy Ulloa

25

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Siller Helicopters CH-54 Helitanker 95B makes a water drop on the Wolf Fire as a firefighter looks on.

Jeremy Ulloa

23

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CalFire's S-70i Copter 605 makes a direct hit on a flare up on the Gibble Fire.

Jeremy Ulloa

21

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Leonardo AW139 "Carabinieri" call-sign "Fiamma 03" during "SATER 1-25" military exercise with "Soccorso Alpino Emilia Romagna" SAER and Italian Air Force.

Domenico Marchi

25

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Leonardo UH-169A "Guardia di Finanza" callsign "Volpe 512" MM82062 during the exercise with the "Emilia Romagna Alpine Rescue" in "Pietra di Bismantova" municipality of Castelnovo nè Monti.

Domenico Marchi

31

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A dog handler of the Belgian Federal Police Special Units is lowered from an MD902 Explorer police helicopter during a demonstration of the Belgian special police units.

Kris Christiaens

133

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This Merlin of 846NAS was photographed from another Merlin during an anti-terrorism training mission over the North Sea, just after dropping of Dutch special forces on a ship.

Aj de Heer

26

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Three Merlins of 846NAS and a Dutch police AW139 are on their way to the target, a coast guard vessel 15 out of the Dutch coast near Amsterdam, to drop off a large force of SOF-operators to train a hostage rescue operation.

Aj de Heer

28

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Dutch special forces operators are fastroping from a Merlin of 846NAS during an anti-terrorism training mission over the North Sea, and about to perform a simulated hostage rescue on board of Dutch Coast Guard vessel Barend Biesheuvel.

Aj de Heer

30

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A Merlin of 846NAS turns towards the target location during an anti-terrorism training mission over the North Sea, with Dutch special forces operators about to perform a simulated hostage rescue on board of a Dutch Coast Guard vessel. Photo is shot from another Merlin which is providing top cover for the operation, together with a Dutch police AW139.

Aj de Heer

23

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Dutch Air Force CH-47F is delivering troops through fastroping to the former Holland-America-line flagship SS Rotterdam during a training mission in Rotterdam. The ship, nowadays in use as a hotel, is featuring in this picture together with another famous Rotterdam landmark, the Euromast. There was only a brief spell of sunlight, pinching through the clouds at the right moment.

Aj de Heer

25

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This picture is a shout-out to the people and their assets that dedicate their lifes to rescue others at sea, at moments when the water and winds are most unforgiving. This picture is shot during the festive ending of SAR Katwijk, an annual rescue-event in The Netherlands.

Aj de Heer

25

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Tuscanian HEMS helicopter I-ROAV (known as PEGASO 2) taking off from Careggi hospital in Florence.

Ezio Giaccone

25

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Alpha Company 2nd Battalion 10th Aviation Regiment aerial rappelling operation/familiarization

Lam Nguyen

25

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Alpha Company 2nd Battalion 10th Aviation Regiment conducting flight to Forward Arming and Refueling Point (FARP) for feasibility of used of future deployment

Lam Nguyen

23

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Alpha Company 2nd Battalion 10th Aviation Regiment conducting sling load operation for proficiency and retention at the northern training area located near Fort Drum.

Lam Nguyen

22

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My photo shows 2 UH-60M’s of 4-3 Assault Helicopter Battalion, 3rd Combat Aviation Brigade, stationed at Hunter Army Airfield engaged in air movement operations along the southern border on 30 April, 2025.

Phillip Nojunas

24

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Otago Southland Rescue Helicopter Mt Dobson Ski field South Island New Zealand

Clayton Girven

26

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Otago Southland Rescue Helicopter RCCNZ tasking Mt Earnslaw South Island New Zealand

Clayton Girven

26

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Gold Coast Helitours R44 on the pad at sunset

Chris Bashall

29

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Christchurch Helicopters G2 with a student learning sling

Chris Bashall

56

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Gold Coast Helitours Squirrel on the pad at night

Chris Bashall

25

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Took this picture with Savoie Helicoptere, 
During a logging mission in Haute-Savoie, being at the heart of the action allowed me to capture these images and truly appreciate their expertise and professionalism.

Titouan Marel

24

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Took this picture with Savoie Helicoptere, 
During a logging mission in Haute-Savoie, being at the heart of the action allowed me to capture these images and truly appreciate their expertise and professionalism.

Titouan Marel

25

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Took this picture with Savoie Helicoptere, 
During a logging mission in Haute-Savoie, being at the heart of the action allowed me to capture these images and truly appreciate their expertise and professionalism.

Titouan Marel

30

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Took this picture with Savoie Helicoptere, and the H125 F-HDRU
During a logging mission in Haute-Savoie, being at the heart of the action allowed me to capture these images and truly appreciate their expertise and professionalism.

Titouan Marel

22

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Took this picture with Savoie Helicoptere, 
During a logging mission in Haute-Savoie, being at the heart of the action allowed me to capture these images and truly appreciate their expertise and professionalism.

Titouan Marel

25

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Took this picture with Savoie Helicoptere Team, 
During a logging mission in Haute-Savoie, being at the heart of the action allowed me to capture these images and truly appreciate their expertise and professionalism.

Titouan Marel

28

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Took this picture with Savoie Helicoptere, and their new H125 ! 
During a logging mission in Haute-Savoie, being at the heart of the action allowed me to capture these images and truly appreciate their expertise and professionalism.

Titouan Marel

29

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Rescue swimmer holding the "guide-line" during hoist excercise to a vessel in the Baltic sea. Swedish Maritime Administration. A common training sortie that we perform daily.

Andreas Abramsson

24

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Landed at the Karolinska University hospital rooftop helipad in Stockholm with a patient after a medevac from a vessel off shore. Dramatic clouds with a crisp blue skye. Not all rescue missions are in bad weather.

Andreas Abramsson

26

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Crew getting ready to head back from a successful medevac rescue mission that ended up at the Karolinska Universty Hospital in Stockholm. A patient with head injuries from a falling accident on board a vessel was hoisted and airlifted back to mainland.

Andreas Abramsson

25

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Precision Helicopters N332X AS332L1 Super Puma during Fire Reppeller Training at the Wenatchee Valley Reppellers Airbase at Pangborn Memorial Airport.

Ryan Higgins

26

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Precision Helicopters N332X AS332L1 Super Puma during Fire Reppeller Training at the Wenatchee Valley Reppellers Airbase at Pangborn Memorial Airport.

Ryan Higgins

27

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A very unique Rotak Helicopter Services Kaman K-1200 KMAX N357KA doing water bucket drops fighting a wildland fire in East Wenatchee, WA in support of ground crews.

Ryan Higgins

27