Every year, Barcelona revs up for the Spanish Formula One Grand Prix at the Montmeló circuit. For air operators in the region, this is the busiest weekend of the year.

INTERVIEW WITH JORDI TORTRAS, PILOT AT TAF HELICOPTERS

What is the role of TAF at this event?
Jordi Tortras: We are tasked with organizing the air traffic and managing the heliport at our center of operations, the Circuit de Catalunya. We do everything required in relation to the civil aviation authorities, and Barcelona and Gerona airports, to obtain the necessary authorizations for transferring people to the circuit in Montmeló. At the track, we set up a structure with air traffic controllers, aircraft ground handling, and facilities for preparing personnel.

What type of operations did you perform this year?
J.T.: Passenger transportation was the main activity, requiring some 35 helicopters. TAF performed 80% of these transfers, and we also had two EC135s configured for EMS missions. We monitored and controlled traffic using an AS350 B2 Ecureuil, and we controlled safety with an AS355 F2 Ecureuil that belongs to the Catalan police.

How long have you been doing this work at the Spanish Grand Prix, and what does it entail?
J.T.: We have been taking part in this event ever since the circuit was inaugurated. Clients fly in to Barcelona International and Gerona airports aboard their private jets. We pick them up there with our helicopters. We use Gerona airport because the facilities for business travelers at Barcelona International Airport are relatively limited.
This year, work began on April 24, transferring pilots and equipment to the track. By April 25, everything was up and running and the first free practice sessions began. The qualifying practice sessions were held on April 26 and it was on the following day, the day of the race, that we performed most of our missions.
The air logistics was entirely under our responsibility, and there was a 20,000-liter fuel tanker for us on the track. We also erected a hospitality tent for clients, and we coordinated the work of the air traffic controllers and the ground personnel, who were responsible for boarding and unloading passengers.