Ex-N3599X. Later SX-HDO, F-GUPF

Developped from the single engine SA-360 Dauphin (only 36 units built), the SA-365C Dauphin 2 was just a bit more successfull, with some 80 units manufactured between 1977 & 1981. The Dauphin-Series only became a success with the introduction of the AS-365N version. 3A-MJP is a 1978 built airframe first operated in the US as N90049, followed by a conversion to C3 standard in 1984 (registered F-WYMC). Heli Air Monaco then flew it till around 2012. In July 2011, this airframe wore a Israel AF type camo livery for Bratt Pitts movie World War Z (shot in Malta). Sold to the Philippines as RP-C1207.

At Héli Air Monaco it costs €850 to charter a five-passenger Ecureuil for a seven-minute flight to Cannes airport.

A scheduled flight from Monaco to Nice on Héli Sécurité costs €140 one-way. Privately chartering this chopper to go to Cannes will set you back €3200, but an Ecureuil is rather cheaper at €990.

During a previous trip to these parts in 2008, I photographed this Italian chopper 100 km to the east at Albenga, a field now fenced like a prison. Monaco's heliport is fortunately still surprisingly friendly.

Reflecting the heliport as it whirls away.

Monaco's heliport is still a surprisingly friendly place to take photos.

I'm not into celebrity spotting, but I enjoyed shooting at Monaco's heliport on this fine afternoon.

Reflecting the whole principality as it whirls away from Monaco Heliport.

Nice helicopter of Nice Hélicoptères.

Operated by Héli Air Monaco. Photographing the helicopters in Monaco was fun, scenic and surprisingly hassle-free.

Registered in 2007. By 2017 the same mark was carried by a CitationJet registered to the Principality of Monaco.

Seen with 3A-MCM and VP-CBD.

Not the cheapest place to learn to fly, I presume. Has the Aéroclub de Monaco logo on the cowling.

Baggage handling, Monaco style. Operated by Nice Hélicoptères.

Landing on spot A.