Helicopter Flights - Charter Rentals & Buying in UK
| Helicopter flights can be a flexible tool for some business travellers. We have discussed in detail the merits of executive private jets over standard scheduled airliners. Let's take a look at helicopters and how they can be a useful over shorter journeys from the UK. |
The major advantage of a helicopter over a standard fixed wing aircraft is its capacity for vertical take-off and landing (VTOL) and maintaining a fixed hover while airborne. This means helicopters can take-off and land from locations not available to planes such as the top of buildings.
There are actually over 10,000 potential helicopter landing sites in the UK alone. Helicopter charter operators keep databases of such sites - tell them exactly where you want to go and they will find a suitable place to land locally.
Helicopters are good for journeys within around 250 miles (400 km) and can be utilised very effectively on journeys with multiple stopovers.
They are really an alternative to land based travel, especially for those keen to avoid heavy road congestion. There are 3 main ways to fly by helicopter (excluding helicopter tours):
1. Helicopter as an Air Taxi
Used to transfer people to various places and special events. Examples of this are flying from Downtown New York to JFK airport, from Nice airport to Monte Carlo, flying in VIPs to the British Formula 1 Grand Prix at Silverstone.
2. Helicopter Charters
Renting a private helicopter from a charter operator will start at around £250 ($500) per hour for a small 2 seater Robinson R22 including pilot. This means only 1 seat is available and payload weight is quite limited. A 4 seater (such as the Robinson R44 Raven) will be priced from £500 ($1000) per flying hour.
For example, PremiAir will fly up to 5 passengers from London (Battersea terminal) to Birmingham for £1400 in a Eurocopter A5355.
You can also fly to various destinations in northern Europe with larger helicopters. Heliflight UK will fly you from Birmingham to Paris, France in 2 hours using an Augusta A109.
3. Purchasing a Helicopter
Self flying is a consideration for those with the means and a helicopter pilot's license. Again the R22 is a good choice due to its small size and a new one can be purchased from the manufacturer for around £110,000 ($220,000).
As a rough guide, insurance costs would be around £3,750 ($7,500) per year. Operating costs would be around £50 ($100) per flying hour in the US. In Europe with fuel taxes being higher you are looking at an estimated £75/hour.
Robinson R22 Helicopter Specification:
Maximum
Cruising Speed 110-115 mph
Fuel Consumption 7-10 gallons per hour
Gross
weight range 450kg - 635kg
Range 240 miles
The R22 needs a major service after 2,200 flying hours. After 4,400 hours an extensive maintenance overhaul is required with many critical parts replaced.
RCR Aviation is one company in the UK which has used helicopters for sale.
For journeys around the UK and to northern Europe you may want to consider using helicopter charters. However, do remember that helicopters can be restricted by bad weather conditions including rain, fog and high wind.
For information on UK executive jet charter options, you should consider our UK Private Jet Charter Directory which lists the major jet charter operators, brokers and block hour providers in the UK. Some companies listed do offer helicopter charters.
Air Travel Articles & Resources > Private Jets Resources > Helicopter Charter and Purchase in UK
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