Originally Posted by
aa777888
Again, there are a lot of subtleties and nuances associated in optimizing these operations for safety, efficiency, and profit.
From an operational tempo perspective, consider that 10 loads an hour (5 min. flying, 1 min. on the ground, give or take for both segment), at a load factor of 2.5, and $30 per seat, is $900 per collective Hobbs hour gross, $750 per straight hour vs. the previously discussed $1000/collective, $750/straight time at $20/seat same load factor and a 15 loads per hour pace. 15 loads per hour is very difficult on people, machines, and safety. This isn't slinging Christmas trees. It's just not worth the extra $100. If you are falling behind on your 10 loads per hour because of a difficulty during unload/load, you just shorten up the next 2 or 3 rides. Nobody notices, no fuss, no muss. At 15 loads an hour you are just not going to maintain that pace. Charge more, go slower, people will pay, it's safer.
Ferry time matters. On site fuel is critical, you can't be sending helicopters for fuel. You need to shut down periodically and check fluid levels and telatemps. Do you bring one, two or even three helicopters? At an agriculture or just fun fair you are lucky to keep one helicopter continuously busy. At any sort of "gear head" event (tractor pull, drag racing, etc.) you almost can't bring enough helicopters. Gear heads will wait in line for an hour for a 4 or 5 minute experience! At one of those busy events at least one relief pilot is a requirement, two is nice if you have two ships working. Two ships works your ground staff twice as hard, so you bring more. Will the venue safely accommodate space for 2 or 3 helicopters? The list on how to do this well goes on and on.
As for safety, these op's are under Part 91, need an LOA from the FAA, and the venue will often require additional insurance coverage. Not saying there aren't questionable op's out there, but if so it's partially due to lack of FAA and underwriter oversight. You know that any op you mount is going to result in a ton of social media videos. People are looking at these. Do you really want to be on social media doing something dumb and have to answer to the FAA or, much, MUCH worse in today's insurance environment, your underwriter?
On a more personal note, doing these events can be a ton of fun. Every load is different, people are pretty jolly at fairs and similar events, and the hours you put in your log book represent much more challenging flying than droning along on a 20 or 30 minute scenic flight. But like any kind of flying, it's not everyone's cup of tea.