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 within 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 takeoff and land from locations not available to planes such as the top of buildings.
There are over 13,000 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.
Small 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.
Larger twin-turbine helicopters can get you across the channel, can be used at night time and can fly up to 190mph.
Self-flying is becoming a more popular option. To get your Private Helicopter Pilot's License PPL (H), you will need to complete a minimum of 45 hours flying time, take a number of written and oral examinations and pass a medical. You should expect this to cost £15,000.
Let's consider 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, City of London to one of London's airports, Nice airport to Monte Carlo; flying into Royal Ascot or the British Formula 1 Grand Prix at Silverstone.
2. Helicopter Charters
Renting a private helicopter from a charter operator will start as low as £250 per hour for a small 2 seater Robinson R22. A 4 seater - 3 passenger aircraft such as the Robinson R44 Raven will be priced from £500 per flying hour. Larger helicopters will cost up to £2,500 per hour to charter.
For example, PremiAir will fly up to 5 passengers from London (Battersea terminal) to Birmingham for £2,675 + VAT in a Eurocopter AS355. A 2 1/2 hour flight from London to Edinburgh will cost £6,750 + VAT in the AS355 or £12,635 + VAT in a Sikorsky 76 (125 mins).
3. Purchasing a Helicopter
The R22 is the entry level choice due to its small size and a new one can be purchased for around $240,000 (circa £160,000). The R44 will cost $350,000.
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
You should budget £180 - £250 per flying hour as operating costs: this includes cost of fuel, insurance, hangar fees and regular maintenance. You can recoup some investment if an operator can charter out your helicopter when you are not using it.
Alternatively you could by a used helicopter. RCR Aviation and Fast Helicopters Ltd both sell used aircraft in the UK.
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.
Note, prices are indicative only and can change.
Air Travel Articles > Private Jets > Helicopter Charter and Purchase in UK
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