Icelandic surveying specialist Gardaflug is still enjoying consistent survey activity, despite a reduction in government funding. “The market has steadily declined over the last few years,” explains owner/pilot Ulfar Henningsson. “I think that is because there has been less funding from government agencies, especially after Iceland decided not to join the EU. All the funding that was supposed to come from there was cut down.”

Iceland applied to join the European Union and formal negotiations began in 2010. However, in 2013 the Government of Iceland suspended its application to join the EU. Of the three aircraft Gardaflug operates, only the Partenavia Observer has been operational for the past two years, since the Skymaster is undergoing engine and propeller changes while the Cessna 185 is under major renovation. “I have had the Skymaster since 1988 and the Partenavia since 1994,” adds Henningsson. “I don't foresee any changes to the fleet but if I were to let any go it would be the 185 and the Skymaster. Both of these are outfitted for survey work, so they have large windows and a camera hole.

“I have used the Skymaster for ocean surveys. It has been very handy because of the high wing which is positioned behind the photographer, who sits next to the pilot. The photography out of that aircraft is exceptionally good.”

The Partenavia has a much larger camera window, so it is used for aerial photography with a digital camera.