UK Rescue Chopper Draws Giant Christmas Tree Over Dartmoor
A UK Search and Rescue helicopter turned heads by creating a massive Christmas tree shape in the skies over Dartmoor during a routine training flight. The festive design, spotted on the flight tracking site FlightRadar24, stretched from Okehampton to just south of Dartmoor, sparking both cheers and jeers online.
Festive Flight Plan Sparks Debate
The Bristow Helicopters crew plotted a low-level, authorised training route that doubled as a giant Christmas tree — possibly the biggest in the UK. A spokesman said:
“UK Search and Rescue teams are constantly training, and on this occasion, they were able to plan a particularly seasonal route for their routine helicopter exercises.”
“This authorised session allowed them to keep their lifesaving skills sharp while spreading a bit of festive cheer, 24/7 readiness never stopping.”
Fuel Waste or Festive Fun?
While many praised the clever aerial decoration, some criticised the fuel use amid Britain’s ongoing cost-of-living and fuel crisis. Comments ranged from:
- “What a waste of fuel and to think of all those elderly people who can’t heat their houses, absolutely disgusting…”
- “Money well raised during a fuel crisis,”
Despite the backlash, Bristow Helicopters confirmed the flight was fully authorised and part of essential training, cleverly combining duty with some holiday spirit.
