Nulian, of course the onus is on him to make the payments on the helicopter. It's his helicopter, isn't it! The difference in lease deals you describe is a function of the mindset of the owner.
Does he (or she) view the helicopter as an asset to be worked, with the benefit of having the aircraft available for a few hours each month (which is about all most private owners fly anyway), or does the owner insist on having his high-priced toy all to himself whenever he wants it and let others play with it only when it suits him and under certain conditions.
Obviously, the owner who looks at his helicopter as a tool, to be used (and used up, ultimately), will get the better deal.