The website is simply 'holding page' until I have a helicopter in place. I originally had an AS350BA from the 135 operation I worked for but a sweet deal from a yacht owner in VA came across their desk at the last minute, leaving me with no aircraft.
Yes, the numbers are there to support a helicopter service. A lot of the legwork has been done, contacts have been made and relationships and interest are continuing to develop and grow.
I've flown for major tour operators in both Hawaii & NYC and understand the commitment it takes and the potential risks involved. I don;t believe that the 1st yr will be a resounding success but there is a long-range plan in cultivating the relationship with the Hershey Trust and Hershey Entertainment & Resorts (in addition to other businesses)
I am trained in sales & marketing, have 5,000+ turbine hrs, know & have all of the necessary forms to submit (although most 135 operators are well versed in what is necessary already, and my hope is to find a 135 operator needing business for a helicopter whose rotors aren't spinning and willing to work with me with the idea that it may lead to something bigger. I am not out to make a ton of money right away but to cultivate the business relationships, so I don't mind making it more profitable for the lessor. I am in it for the long haul.
My weakness is the business side of it and simply want to know what operators normally expect from a lease. I want it to be a win-win for us both and don't want to be 'taken' to the cleaners by someone being too greedy. I also do not have the experience in actual operating costs vs what the books say the DOC is.