Helicopters offer numerous practical benefits for both individuals and businesses that make them an attractive option, but being equipped with knowledge is vital to ensuring you are making an investment that is suitable for your lifestyle. This goes beyond the initial cost of purchase.
As revered aviation experts, Multiflight understands the necessity of commitment and maintenance in aircraft ownership. Take a look at our best advice on where to look and what to know before purchasing your first helicopter.
The benefits of owning a helicopter
1. Flexibility
One of the most compelling reasons to invest in a helicopter is the flexibility it offers. Helicopters take off and land vertically, lending them to a wider range of landing spots than fixed wing aircraft, as long as the location is suitable and the landowner has given express permission for you to land.
2. Privacy in travel
Like private aircraft, owning a helicopter offers unparalleled privacy in travel. Whether you’re flying solo or with a small group of friends or colleagues, you can enjoy the freedom of travelling without prying eyes.
This can be invaluable if you require time to process upcoming meetings, or require discretion due to the nature of your career.
3. Time saving
Time is a precious commodity and owning a private helicopter can give this back to you. Helicopters are one of the quickest options when investing in a private aircraft, allowing you to bypass traffic congestion and avoid the delays associated with commercial air travel.
With a helicopter at your disposal, you can travel directly to your destination without the need for layovers or connecting flights, saving you valuable time that can be better spent on more important matters.
4. Travel to private destinations
Helicopters have the ability to access remote and inaccessible locations that are off-limits to other forms of transportation.
How much does a helicopter cost?
Price of purchase
The cost of purchasing a helicopter can vary widely depending on factors such as the make and model, age, condition, and optional features. Second hand helicopters will cost far less than brand new helicopters, and can be the more sensible option if you are purchasing for the first time.
Buying a second hand helicopter will give you the opportunity to test whether the lifestyle it offers suits you, without incurring the price of a brand new helicopter which can be up to 4 times the cost.
Multiflight can help you decide which aircraft best suits your needs. Take a look at our helicopters for sale and make an inquiry today.
Cost of helicopter management
Owning a helicopter involves more than just the initial purchase price. There are numerous expenses associated with helicopter management that you must consider before making the investment. These include:
- Ongoing maintenance and inspections
- Hangar fees
- Insurance
- Pilot training and certification
Carefully consider your options and conduct thorough research to discover whether the ongoing costs are manageable for you. Otherwise, you might consider owning a private jet.
Fuel costs
Fuel is one of the most consistent costs associated with helicopter ownership. Helicopters consume fuel at a higher rate than fixed wing aircraft. The cost of aviation fuel can vary depending on factors such as location, market conditions, and fuel taxes. On average, helicopters consume anywhere from 10 to 30 gallons of fuel per hour of flight.
Where can you not land a helicopter?
If you wish to take your helicopter to a location you haven’t before, you need to know where to land. There are certain places where helicopter landings are restricted or prohibited due to safety, security, and regulatory reasons, and landing in these areas can result in fines and penalties. These include:
1. Restricted airspace
Certain airspace areas are restricted for helicopter operations. These include military bases, government buildings, power plants and other sensitive locations where security is prioritised.
2. National parks
National parks and wilderness areas have strict regulations governing helicopter landings because the land is protected by law. These regulations are designed to protect sensitive ecosystems, protected wildlife, and habitats from the disturbance that landing a helicopter can cause.
If you aim to visit a protected body of land, you should look for a suitable landing spot nearby, and familiarise yourself with the laws of the country, region, and park itself.
3. Urban environments
Unless there is a direct landing spot, such as a heliport or airport in the city centre, these are typically off limits to helicopter landings. This can be due to noise pollution, disruption to public life and the safety of residents.
4. Private property
Unless you own the land, or you have express authorisation from the landowner, you should never land a helicopter on private land.
5. Environmentally protected areas
Wetlands, wildlife reserves and protected habitats are off limits to helicopters.
Can you take luggage on a private helicopter?
Depending on the type of helicopter you buy, you will have access to different sizes of helicopter storage. Typically, the space is limited but you will have the capacity to bring a small to midsize suitcase as well as hand luggage.
This can also depend on the number of people travelling.
When looking at helicopters for purchase, look at the space available for luggage and consider whether it suits your needs.
How to find helicopter pilot lessons
Finding reputable pilot lessons can be daunting. Before settling on a school, make sure you:
- Research flight schools
- Check ratings and reviews
- Visit the flight school
- Accommodate your schedule
- Make sure their training aircraft are in good condition
- Inquire about their available instructors
- Seek recommendations from existing pilots
Choosing the right helicopter training school will ensure you and your passengers are safe every time you fly.
How to choose a helicopter
1. Consider its purpose
Whether you are considering owning a helicopter for personal use or business excursions, understanding the purpose of your helicopter will help you understand the make, model and size that is most appropriate for your lifestyle. For example, someone who requires a helicopter for aerial photography will have different priorities to medical evacuators.
2. Set your budget
Helicopters come in a wide range of prices depending on whether you are purchasing brand new or used models, the size you are after, and the capabilities of the aircraft. Consider factors such as maintenance, upfront costs, fuel efficiency and pilot training.
By determining your budget before inquiring about an aircraft, you can focus your search on models that are within your financial needs.
3. Consider its features
Different helicopters are designed for different purposes, so it’s important to evaluate their performance and capabilities relative to your requirements.
Look at:
- Maximum speed
- Range
- Payload capacity
- Fuel efficiency
- Altitude performance
4. Do your research
There are numerous helicopter manufacturers, each offering a variety of models tailored to different requirements. Knowing your options can make the difference between finding a helicopter that serves you for years, or investing in a sub-standard model.
5. Seek professional advice
Choosing the right helicopter is a significant decision that requires careful consideration and expertise. Don’t hesitate to seek advice from experienced helicopter pilots, owners, and industry professionals who can offer valuable insights and guidance based on their knowledge and experience.
When you purchase a helicopter from Multiflight, you gain access to expert advice and guidance from a respected and experienced company for aircraft sales. We offer consultations with our aviation advisors who will talk you through the process and pair you with the correct aircraft to suit you, or your businesses, individual needs. Once you are happy with your aircraft, we offer helicopter engineering and ongoing helicopter management to ensure your helicopter is available and in top condition whenever you need it.
