Scantech -
I'm an experienced skydiver and instructor, and also happen to work in the rotary world in the UK.
Having first hand knowledge of both, it is my opinioon that you will not find running a helicopter worth your while. Great as a one off for boogies and stuff, where people can take paying the extra jump costs (roughly double) for a couple of jumps, but just not viable long term.
Plus helicopters are a little more delicate than a caravan, rough and tumble skydivers will soon destroy paint, trim and anything they touch.
Also you will not get 8 + 1 either of those aircraft, seats or not. You need a twin, and double the price....again....
TC
You know nothing about skydiving. It's easy to tell when the airspeed is low compared to high, or even better nil (for that dead air exit we so enjoy), Plus the stall speed is difficult to predict when the cargo moves around, and leaves the aircraft!
Last edited by RotaryWingB2; 17th October 2012 at 16:02.