From concerns about safety and costs to confusion around who can fly and where you can land, myths have created unnecessary barriers for those who might otherwise enjoy the extraordinary benefits of helicopter ownership.
At Multiflight, we recognise these misconceptions and understand how they can complicate your decision making. That’s why we’ve created this guide: to address the most common concerns and show how helicopter ownership can be a safe, practical, and rewarding investment when managed correctly.
1. Helicopters aren’t fit for regular flying
One of the most persistent myths is that helicopters are unreliable for regular flying. In reality, modern helicopters are engineered to the highest safety and performance standards, with advanced avionics and rigorous maintenance schedules ensuring they are perfectly suited for frequent flights.
Whether you’re flying for business or accessing a remote property, helicopters are a practical and highly dependable mode of transport.
With regular servicing by certified engineers and adherence to aviation authority guidelines, helicopters are capable of providing consistent, safe, and efficient operations.
2. Engine failure will result in a crash
This is perhaps one of the most alarming misconceptions. Many assume that should a helicopter’s engine fail, a crash is inevitable.
The truth is that helicopters are designed with a safety feature known as autorotation. In the event of an engine failure, the rotor blades continue to spin, allowing the pilot to glide the aircraft safely to the ground.
Pilots are extensively trained in handling such scenarios, and autorotation procedures are a fundamental part of helicopter flight training. While an engine failure is a rare occurrence due to strict engineering and maintenance standards, even in such cases, pilots have the training and the tools to land safely.
3. Flying a helicopter is dangerous
Flying, in any form, carries inherent risks. However, when it comes to helicopters, the perception of danger is often overstated. In fact, helicopters are built with multiple redundancies, advanced navigation systems, and other tested safety features that make them no more dangerous than other forms of aviation.
Like fixed wing aircraft, safety depends on responsible operation and regular maintenance. With the correct instruction from a certified flight training school, future owners can learn to fly with confidence, and those who prefer not to fly themselves can rely on professional pilots.
4. Only certain people can learn to fly a helicopter
Some believe that only individuals with exceptional skills or prior aviation experience can learn to fly a helicopter. In truth, anyone with the commitment and passion to learn can do so. Helicopter flight schools provide tailored training programmes that cater to different experience levels.
Learning to fly a helicopter is a step by step process, beginning with basic principles and gradually advancing to complex manoeuvres.
General criteria for learning to fly a helicopter in the UK:
- Age: Minimum 17 years old to hold a Private Pilot Licence (PPL(H)).
- Medical fitness: An aviation medical examination (Class 1 or Class 2) to ensure good health and eyesight.
- Language proficiency: Ability to read, speak, and understand English.
- Commitment: Dedication to both theoretical study and practical flying hours.
- No prior experience required: Beginners start with basic principles and progress steadily.
5. Buying costs make up the largest portion of the budget
While the initial purchase price of a helicopter is significant, it is not the only cost to consider. Ongoing expenses such as maintenance, insurance, fuel, crew salaries (if required), and hangarage can form a substantial part of the ownership budget.
For many owners, operational costs over the lifespan of the helicopter will often exceed the initial purchase cost. This is why it’s essential to work with an experienced aviation management partner, such as Multiflight, to understand and optimise your investment in helicopter ownership.
Costs can include:
- Fuel: Costs vary depending on flight frequency and distance.
- Insurance: Covers liability, hull insurance, and passengers.
- Maintenance and repairs: Scheduled checks, part replacements, and unplanned repairs.
- Pilot and crew salaries: For those who prefer a dedicated professional pilot.
- Training and recurrency: Regular training ensures pilot skills remain current.
- Hangarage and parking: Secure storage facilities to protect the helicopter.
- Landing Fees and permissions: Associated with using helipads or airports.
- Avionics and upgrades: Keeping systems updated for safety and compliance.
Over the lifespan of ownership, these operational costs often surpass the initial purchase price.
The initial purchase is only one component. Long term ownership costs must also be factored in.
6. You can earn back the purchase by chartering
While it’s true that some helicopter owners offset ownership costs by chartering their aircraft, it is unrealistic to expect to completely cover the purchase cost this way. Chartering requires meeting strict regulatory requirements, and the demand for charters may not always match the availability of your aircraft.
That said, working with a professional aviation management company can help you explore chartering as an option to supplement your operating budget. It should be seen as a contribution to ownership costs rather than a guaranteed return on investment.
7. You can land anywhere you want
Helicopters are renowned for their versatility and ability to access locations that fixed wing aircraft cannot. However, that doesn’t mean you can land absolutely anywhere. Strict aviation regulations and local permissions apply when choosing landing sites.
Helipads, private estates, hotels, and certain commercial sites often have designated landing areas, and permissions must be obtained in advance. Nevertheless, with proper planning, helicopters still offer far greater flexibility than other forms of air travel, giving owners the ability to land closer to their ultimate destination.
Landing considerations include:
- Legal restrictions: You must have permission from the landowner for private sites.
- Airspace rules: Certain areas are restricted for safety and security reasons.
- Safety requirements: Adequate space, ground conditions, and obstacles must be assessed.
- Designated helipads: Hotels, hospitals, and airports often provide authorised sites.
Additional considerations for future owners
Future helicopter owners should consider a few additional factors to ensure a seamless and enjoyable ownership experience:
- Maintenance and support: Choosing an experienced provider ensures your helicopter remains in peak condition. Multiflight offers expert engineering and maintenance services to keep your aircraft flight ready at all times.
- Crew management: Whether you choose to fly yourself or hire a professional pilot, having the right crew management is essential for safe and efficient operations.
- Hangarage and ground support: Secure storage and support facilities protect your investment and make ownership more convenient. You may find hangarage facilities have access to helicopter crew and management options, giving you comprehensive options for ongoing care.
- Customisation and comfort: High end clients often seek helicopters tailored to their personal requirements, from bespoke interiors to the latest in flight technologies.
- Resale value: Choosing the right model and maintaining it meticulously can preserve your helicopter’s long term value.
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.
