I was involved in the operation of a helicopter company in Cape Town and to be frank, I don't even know where to start.
As has already been said, you are already at a huge disadvantage given the saturated market and your inexperience. Unless you arrive on the scene with a modern fleet, unique business plan, extensive marketing strategy and large contracts already in place (government, medivac etc), they will undercut prices and suffocate you. What do you mean sales channels to African lodges? Did you discuss your idea with these lodges? It always sounds like a great idea to the safari lodge guys until you actually get down to the business side of things...then it goes South. Believe me. (unless you own these lodges) Get them to commit to a guaranteed number of hours per month then we can talk. Plus where exactly in Africa (it is rather big)? How far do you think you can go with a helicopter? Are you sure your idea is feasible? If it was feasible, it would have been done. This really baffles me...
The operational side of things is a nightmare too. First, you need the Part 127 AOC
SOP's, MOP's, you are required to have responsible personnel: QA manager, Flight Ops Manager, Safety Officer etc etc, deal with the CAA audits and inspections...The list is endless. It is a blady headache!
Are you aware of the cost of operating, maintaining and crewing helicopters? Are you aware of the amount of hours you need to do in order to be profitable? You cannot even fathom the costs involved in operating just a small fleet of 2 helicopters!
Apologies if I am not writing in a methodical manner, there are just so many alarm bells ringing I'm battling to concentrate! My advice - don't. Please!
But if you are adamant:
- Get somebody on board who has experience in the helicopter industry of SA. This is absolutely imperative otherwise your competitors and the CAA will rip you to shreds.
- Make sure you understand ALL your competitors - what they offer, what they operate, pricing etc.
- Have LOTS of capital in the bank to keep you going for a long time without making money
- Make sure you have an absolutely sound business plan covering every single aspect of the business - location and marketing are big concerns.
- Choose your machines wisely - although you may want to offer a 'unique' product by having a 'unique' fleet, it will end up costing you lots of money! Trust me, I know.
- If you do decide to go with this safari lodge idea, the only way it will work is to have contracts in place with a minimum number of hours per month. That is not going to happen.
- Get a good team together...to think you can do it yourself at this stage is just silly.
Good luck
