Flying Above London In The Network Rail Helicopter

Network Rail got in touch to ask "Would I like a ride in their helicopter?" - over the Christmas period when no trains were running into Charing Cross and Cannon Street. "Yes please!" I replied, and found myself at Rochester Airport on Boxing Day, to take a flight and see the work that it does.
The helicopter is part of Network Rails Air Operations Team, you can see more about them here:
www.networkrai...
You can also track the Network Rail helicopter at anytime by going to www.planefinder.net and typing in its code 'G-NLDR' to see where it's been.
Thanks to Mike Pearse (ITV) for additional footage
Music by David Cutter: davidcuttermus...

[@pickled51]

Hey Geoff - while you were flying around the London Bridge Station, my partner and I were up in the Shard viewing London and wondering who was flying a helicopter around the building on Boxing Day. You had a better idea of the upcoming weather than us. We went for a walking tour in East London later in the afternoon. About 10 minutes into the tour, the rains started which lasted the entire 2 1/2 hours of the tour. Thank you for another interesting video. And yes, the background music was a bit loud.

[@MartinKronstrom]

Where do you scan your Oyster card on that helico?

[@hilarywoolley449]

You dont

[@jordandurham8951]

Hilary Woolley I think that may have been a joke...

[@theyoutubeguy1]

Nah fam there's a blue pad on the door

[@LemoncloudGT]

I don't think the helicopter is a public transport method

[@Alice-sp5jd]

@@hilarywoolley449 r/whooooosh

[@ciaranbird3373]

Wow these guys go to the moon and back to keep our railways rolling and we really owe them one. Top job lads

[@Gorantaylis]

It's cheaper to fly by helicopter than it is to travel by rail ;)

[@Nooticus]

Kinda not even a funny joke...

[@TheOhhblind]

Hahaga

[@oliverbrelsford5472]

Feels like it

[@BaZzZaa]

Looks like network rail nicked a police helicopter and stuck their logo over the top 😂

[@Tuberuser187]

It really does, it even has the clam shell panels that lots of police Helicopters have to load stretchers for backup/emergency air ambulance use.

[@TonyTheYouTuba]

I always love that part on a flight where you're low enough to see the buildings and streets and cars. Getting to see it in a chopper over London for so long, I totally get why you're so giddy about it. Great stuff. Love the mil spec camera gear too!

[@buzzukfiftythree]

Great video. Rochester was my local airport for the first 50 years of my life. As a kid in the late 50s/ early 60s I used to watch DC3s coming into land from Southend, Jersey etc.

[@davidrobert2007]

*Geoff Neistat

[@Thammarith]

I feel like the background music is a bit too loud tbh, but interesting video as always.

[@TheOhhblind]

Yeah the background music is way too loud

[@RoulinBrooks]

The music was way too loud when Chris was describing how they use the aerial imaging. You could barely hear him.

[@davekirwin]

Fascinating! Love to see places from the air, such a different perspective on things.

[@TheNordicYeti]

I don't think I will ever understand my fascination for these videos but they are definitely fascinating

[@jamiec4388]

Forget trainline, it's heliline now!

[@SamSitar]

more helilines please.

[@Scott757300]

Nice to see what goes on in the helicopter, seen it a couple of times, the most recent was a few months ago when they were surveying the Wemyss Bay line. Great video Geoff, awesome views and very interesting!

[@garykreeger7434]

Geoff, another great video of our railways from a very different perspective and one which helps to keep them running - well most of the time - in a way I expect many of us didn't know existed. Happy New Year!

[@mukeshvig174]

Amazing job, guys 👍👍

[@chuckyzzz]

What a great experience and informative video.

[@gerrynewnham9932]

Did the same trip from Rochester to Central London in a British Rail (hired) helicopter mid 1980s looking at routes for HS1. What an amazing experience.

[@SamSitar]

great overhead perspective.

[@heyhococo]

Should’ve been at Teesside Airport... ;)

[@jonathancook4022]

Hi Geoff, I really hate complaining since I know how much effort you put into your videos, but the background music stating just after the 3min mark is a bit loud. Does anyone else concur with me?

[@oliverdots]

Why would you put a negative comment about something as simple as sound mixing? Can you imagine the amount of work Geoff has put in with his video's, to get to the point where Network Rail invite him along as an observer on one of their flights? Imagine being Geoff on that flight, what a moment in his life, something to share with us, to share with his grand kids, an experience we can only drool at. And you put a negative comment because you could have edited this better and ...........had to turn your volume down. I really don't get some people.

[@jonathancook4022]

Please read my original comment again. Its a problem with the balancing of audio levels, not the overall volume being too hard. Also, I even state that Geoff puts hard work ito the videos he makes, and in a way, I am apologising at the start about being complacent.

[@konstantinschubert5344]

Plus, your comment is totally valid and on-topic. EDIT: Aside from that, Geoff is a professional. It's obviously a rare slip up with the sound and we're all just happy that we found a rare issue.

[@oliverdots]

Just let it go, that's all I'm saying.

[@antonm1834]

I agree, the background music is too loud, very difficult for me to understand any speech, just a mistake though I guess, nothing to argue about (+oliverdots).

[@oliverdots]

I admire you so much. I have a great interest with trains but when I watch your knowledge, I realize I can't be any where near as interested as I think when, I see a REAL fanatic like you. You are such a likable character and a pleasure to watch. Thank you for your amazing video's Geoff. I've seen your video's just get better and better. You are in your comfort zone now and that, can only be a good thing for us followers.

[@trainmaniacstudios8216]

Would of been nice to see some more arial shots of the railway lines, but an extremely interesting video. Good job Geoff :)

[@mydogsitsonbenches8915]

Love the videos Geoff but could you get the All The Stations music man to compose you some BGM? The Casey Neistat music is like a global pandemic.

[@tomhami]

The electric distribution companies also use helicopters to look for problems like broken insulators etc. Best way to cover the mileage and I'd assume they can cover more than one line at a time.

[@al66class59]

Imagine how ironic it would be if a test train derailed... they’re meant to prevent them not be involved in them

[@pg26571]

Hi Geoff welcome to Rochester and I loved the music please play more where can I get it ??? And yes I’m being serious 😄

[@LeoStarrenburg]

Impressive video ! I see they use FLIR equipment, just as we do in distribution panels and the like. What makes me wonder is why they take TI's from tracks in possession, with no trains running there is very little to no current whatsoever flowing and the bad contacts etc. won't show up i.m.h.o. Hope someone will give an explanation. Besides that, a helicopter flight is always +++

[@SirDominic]

Was that Meridian taking the footage of you taking off? They had a piece on the news about the helicopter and I wondered if you were there as well

[@SirDominic]

Geoff Marshall not as spectacular as yours as they weren't in the thing but it was informative nonetheless.

[@clackmannan]

BAE is just down the road, opposite what was then Mid Kent College and is now a housing estate. Back in the day, when BAE was known as GEC, they'd occasionally get flypasts from the local RAF fighter of the decade. And every time some local woman would ring up and complain about the noise. Until one year, when a flypast was arranged and she didn't call. So GEC called her to make sure she was OK

[@denisshaw1]

Great vid Geoff - I think your low-key and unshowy style is perfect for the subject matter which is why I enjo all your vids...first class!

[@havingalook2]

W H A T - how bloody lucky were you to have had that wonderful experience! Lucky bastard you LOL! And such nice blokes to have been there with you. Can't think of a better way to spend Boxing Day.

[@BTRailwayProductions]

Very nice! I never knew they had a helicopter - I hope you had a great time Geoff!

[@matthewknight4318]

I’m here because you were disappointed about your helicopter viewing figures

[@TheMightyKinkle]

Shawn talking about the cameras was great!

[@Sim0nTrains]

Great Video Geoff, really enjoyed watching this.

[@nnmmnmmnmnnm]

Fascinating. I have been in a helicopter once but only in rural Essex - still awesome. Can you not get a similar view of London cheaper by flying your drone - or is London all a no fly zone?

[@arihdenal4026]

nnmmnmmnmnnm You cant fly a drone anywhere in the UK.

[@pawpatrolnews]

What happens if you have to go potty while in the helicopter?

[@maiconjunior2303]

Why is this video not longer! 😩

[@RustyPetterson]

I know! More time in the air, less time saying goodbye in the hotel! Maybe Geoff should start another channel covering his hot beverage fetishes. (Only joking. Or AM I?? Haha.)

[@SwordQuake2]

That Sean guy appears to be a really awesome man.

[@HenrysAdventures]

Very interesting video! Love the music!

[@PinderProductions]

That looks so fun. I would love to go in a helicopter over London one day.

[@rosiefay7283]

5:30 But we don't need to imagine that, because Google Maps!

[@marthaanderson2656]

What an amazing job it would be to fly the lines and see what there is to see. Amazing technology going towards making the rail lines safe. thanks for bringing this story and Happy Adventure Filled 2018

[@JobberE69]

Oh.... lucky Geoff!!! Awesome vid, a different view of London and great to know that part of the job! :)

[@martinhd3705]

Hi Geoff, it's great that you had the opportunity to take that ride. You look like you had fun. Thinking of all the great videos you make you deserved every single minute up there.

[@drfusioncraft]

The music got a casey neistat vibe to it

[@neo15flm15]

My local airport, I’ve sat in that Helicopter!

[@bfapple]

I'm a NR employee and I don't get these sorts of perks...

[@bfapple]

Sadly not; because "we don't run the trains", I'm told TOCs have no incentive to subsidise us!

[@bfapple]

I've donned the hi-vis a few times this month but I don't get to do many visits like yours!

[@johnouk2051]

I work for Rochester Airport and don't get these perks either... 🤣 didn't even know they were coming in on a closed day. 😂

[@cbrbikerdaz]

DB I'd Love a XL Network rail hi vis jkt I'm terminally ill n can only dream of working for NR. It'd be my ideal job . Iv been in manual work since leaving school.

[@mcguy0888]

Happy New Year Geoff!

[@raphaelnikolaus0486]

Don't really remember having watched it back then. Might have slipped me, as I had only started following you in Summer 2017, after having re-visited London 14 years after then last visit. And binged ATS through the (late) summer, catching up to live, if I remember correctly. Just got here by chance, after having watched NR's AIVR footage of the Forth Bridge, with this video being among the recommendations. The wonders of KZbin.

[@TonyH-8208]

I remember the NR Heli flew to Dublin a few times :D

[@LisaMarli]

What fun. Glad you went and could share it with us.

[@the_alex_ellis_channel6923]

Geoff - I like the music, but you need to turn it down, as it was making it quite hard to hear what Chris was saying.

[@sirBrouwer]

I could imagine that people would love to pay a small fee for the opportunity to just sit in that helicopter while they are just doing there actual job.

[@TheFatVeganOne]

It's always so cool to see you in places I recognise! Would love to see what the UK Power Networks chopper is used for

[@haywardsteve]

Same idea as the NR one it carries a thermal camera to check for faults on overhead power cables

[@EinkOLED]

I bet those helicopters are ex police.

[@TheMightyKinkle]

They do look like them

[@AlisonWheeler]

Not sure why pilot said they only work for Network Rail when there's another heli in the same livery alongside with a UK Power Networks logo on! Nice video though :-)

[@mikecowen6507]

AlisonWheeler Different pilot, different client.

[@crazyandorian]

No, he said *he* only flies for Network Rail. He said it’s a private company that contracts out to different companies, and he is contracted out to NR on a long term/permanent basis. Presumably the other helicopter is a similar set up, a pilot who works for the same private company he does but is contracted out to that company and also flies pretty much just for them.

[@ianvirco5897]

You Jammy G... !!! I like aviation, i like flying in light aircraft (= aircraft that are not airliners ) and I'd love to fly over London, those Guys have a dream job !

[@ellenkingsley]

Up till about a year ago when I went on the London Eye I didn't know London was circular I loved the picture of London you out up on Twitter better than the photos I took on the London Eye

[@siwel888]

Why the 2 min delay to get out at the end?

[@justinripka2855]

John Lewis I believe it has to do with rotors winding down and also apparently something to do with the turbine engines cooling down, maybe Incase of an inadvertent relight or something, they don’t want you in the path of the rotor or under it.

[@railotaku]

Engine Cooling, It's the same on some Turboprop Airliners (The Dash 8 needs a 30 second cooldown once stationary before the engines are turned off)

[@duncanrogers5762]

Hi Geoff a friend told about very good Duncan

[@Drdee1]

I'm going to Corrour in April - who do I talk to about getting airlifted in?

[@RustyPetterson]

Most English hillwalkers end up getting airlifted OUT by Mountain Rescue. You could try that, all you need is to wear a t-shirt and flip-flops. Haha.

[@Drdee1]

Fair comment Rusty, but I've done a bit of walking in the Highlands and only plan to do a circuit of Loch Ossian

[@Brian3989]

Why does Network Rail use a helicopter? Why do power distribution companies use helicopters? With those cameras recording hot spots it's easy to pick out technical problems.

[@simonmiller6852]

Good video Geoff, I work for network rail and even we don’t get the chance 😂

[@bfapple]

I just posted exactly the same comment! We need some special kind of elearning don't we...

[@charliekimong]

When I saw the thumb nail I noticed that this helicopter is actually located at the same airport where I fly!

[@stevenjlovelace]

That guy Chose Corrour. Makes me want to go there even more.

[@Dog1eg]

TBH I liked the music. I was going to comment on the fact that you should have popped into the Holiday Inn to get a coffee but you beat me to it!

[@jonathanma2741]

any chance i can get a rail replacement helicopter? haha

[@johncassels3475]

Fabulous - they should publish an aerial view of railways book!

[@harveydee9115]

Awesome Video. I went on the Waterloo diversion route yesterday, had no clue you checked the tracks for me.

[@nikf3188]

Bet you felt like Anneka in that just minus the jumpsuit hahaha

[@MrRevika]

That livery is a police helicopter

[@jadencorner4476]

It has a yellow front yay

[@TheDanielCoyle]

I didn't realise there's a Network Rail photographer...is there a TfL/Tube photographer position at all?

[@goatgamer001]

Helicopter helicopter

[@LongHaulPilot]

Hi Geoff

[@ianellis4276]

Left handed handshake - Geoff, have you ever been a scout?

[@SGMiner21]

Is it a train? Is it a plane? No its the Network Rail Helicopter!

[@almostanengineer]

I feel like this deserves a dislike! Dawlish Warren Rules 🙃

[@peebee143]

Glorious! Enjoyed this vid immensely. Hope you have had an enjoyable Christmas.

[@DavidShepheard]

All the National Rail Helicopters. All of them!

[@dronespace]

I didn't even know they had helicopters!

[@SimonPain]

There's a green screen opportunity there at the end :)

[@TheOhhblind]

Omg it looks like the camera has eyes and a mouth haha

[@harveydee9115]

To the helicopters or all the airport's?

[@jontymarsh0463]

my mum works in the hotel behind the airport

[@newforestroadwarrior]

Good to see our fare rises being put to good use

[@TrainsInTheSouthWest]

YOUR A GOOD MAN GEOFF :)

[@DavidOGreen516]

Fir.... Hi Geoff

[@callumBee]

Whats with the obnoxious background music. Very American blogger esq. :( Not like you to have that feel. Good video though overall! :D

[@halcyondaystunes]

Very interesting video Geoff.

[@briancarson9309]

Wonderfully interesting.

[@gerobsnell4170]

I love the face on that camera!

[@100dislikes6]

Rail helicopter? Bus helicopter? Plane Helicopter? Tram Helicopter? Helicopter Helicopter? Car Helicopter? Boat Helicopter? Geoff helicopter? Duck Helicopter? First and you posted on my birthday Helicopter?????

[@RichardGMoss]

As always, fascinating

[@georgesheldon2137]

Go to droitwich 😂

[@michaelbruchas6663]

Happy 2018!

[@lionvillelion]

@ 6:51 Happy Camera!

[@johnshumnet]

cool, it’s yellow headed👍🏼

[@altheagray103]

Cool