VTOL e-news Asia-Pacific - AUSTRALAN HELICOPTER INDUSTRY
CASA Annual Report 2018-2019 - Data to 30 June 2019
Research based on the latest CASA Annual Report 2018- 2019 published on website 18 Oct ’19 and changes to CASA Aircraft Register current to 30 Sep ‘19.
On 30 Sep ’19, CASA website stated Australia had 15,647 aircraft registrations of which 13,335 (85%) were non-helicopters.
Helicopters numbered 2,312 and made up 15% of the registrations.
Register changes from 30 Jun ’17 to 30 Sep ‘19 Helicopter registrations increased from 2,101 to 2,312 = 211. Around 4.5% growth per year.
Helicopter industry growth is twice the traditional GDP. (Not current one at 1.4%)
Non-helicopter listings in decline.
Since 30 Jun ’18, the CASA Aircraft Register has grown by only 118. But RW listings increased by 211. Therefore, non-helicopter listing
fell by 93!
Australia’s global position – It appears Australia is ranked second in the world for helicopter registrations. (It would be third after Russia which has mainly heavy machines and a small number of small privately-owned machines). Australia has the largest fleet of light helicopters in the world, outside the USA. (Australia only has 23 m population). The list consists of 1,413 piston engined helicopters (61% of helicopter registrations) and 899 turbine powered helicopters (39%). Of the 899 turbine, 598 are SE helicopters (66%) and 301 are ME (34%).
Since 20 Jun ’17, the ME fleet grew from 279 to 301, an annual rate of 3.5% pa.
The Robinson Helicopter Company dominates the Australian register with 1,189 machines, or 51% of all helicopter registrations. The Robinson lead helicopter is the R22 helicopter (616), closely followed by the R44 (545). The Robinson piston engine helicopters make up 85% of the Australian piston fleet. There are only 28 R66 turbine helicopters on the register.
The 301 multiengine helicopters are classified into two categories:
• Below 5,700 kg = 216, and
• Above 5,700 kg = 85.
Recent growth rate trends. From I Jul ‘17 to 30 Sep ’19 are:
• Piston. From 1,256 to 1,413 = 157. (5.5% pa).
• SE turbine. From 569 to 598 = 23. (1.8% pa).
• ME less than 5,700 kg 185 to 216. (7.4% pa).
• ME over 5,700 kg 91 to 85 = Loss 7. (-3.5% pa).
Fleet distribution: CASA data, at 30 Sep ’19, showed helicopters are registered, as follows:
·
QLD - 826
· NSW – 470
· WA – 349
· VIC – 301
· NT – 196
· SA – 100
· TAS – 58
· ACT – 6
Overseas registered – 10. At various locations. All heavy lift – firefighting, etc.
Next updates - pilot licences - numbers and categories. See MCC(H) shortages becoming a problem.