What helicopter to chose ?
Gatvol
Join Date: Jun 2000
Location: KLAS/TIST/FAJS/KFAI
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Head Turner.
B206 and Squirell is Apples and Oranges. How about comparing a Squirell and a B206L4. Better comparison. For tours I always recommend the Squirell, for VIPs, the L4 or 407.....
B206 and Squirell is Apples and Oranges. How about comparing a Squirell and a B206L4. Better comparison. For tours I always recommend the Squirell, for VIPs, the L4 or 407.....
The AS 350 is a great machine but one MAJOR drawback.....turbomeca... the twin could be a lot cheaper to run as the engines are two a penny Alison which you can replace for maybe $60,000 whereas when i had a problem with my engine it was over $300,000 and that was for an exchange !!!!!!!!!Then there are the servos to be done ..for the 206 about $1500 each $5000 for the Squirrel.....main rotor blade sleeves life 1500 hrs nearly $50,000 to replace !!!! Trust me the 350 is V expensive to run...problem is i can find very cheap parts for the 206 but not for the 350....unless anyone knows where to find them ????
350 is very much more comfortable and roomy than the EC 120 and bags more power...
350 is very much more comfortable and roomy than the EC 120 and bags more power...
Join Date: Jul 2004
Location: Victoria
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you can always upgrade
I'd nominate going the 206/206L , good machines, do the job, + all the above comments.
if you're starting out & want to make it work, leverage on the cheap(er) aspects of the Jetty until you are on your feet.
later arrange to take the boss for a ride in a 350/120/130, if the boss is happy with the way things are going but & is willing to spend more, I'm sure he'll form an opinion on the others & considering he wants client focus, then it's up to you to present more figures on them.
you wouldn't go buying a brand new ferrari when learning to drive, nor would you buy a rolls royce if you were starting a taxi company.
I'd certainly like the 350 or 130, but start with something that wil be adequate & economically viable, before over-extending yourself
my 2 cents
if you're starting out & want to make it work, leverage on the cheap(er) aspects of the Jetty until you are on your feet.
later arrange to take the boss for a ride in a 350/120/130, if the boss is happy with the way things are going but & is willing to spend more, I'm sure he'll form an opinion on the others & considering he wants client focus, then it's up to you to present more figures on them.
you wouldn't go buying a brand new ferrari when learning to drive, nor would you buy a rolls royce if you were starting a taxi company.
I'd certainly like the 350 or 130, but start with something that wil be adequate & economically viable, before over-extending yourself
my 2 cents
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Join Date: Nov 2005
Location: somedays in a helicopter, other days in a fixed-wing....
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Thanks to all, very valid points.
Mr selfish. . you've got the right idea. . the resorts are based on a beach side location, my thoughts where if to go ahead with a B206, to then transfer the passangers to the rooms in say something similar to an old open roof land rover, or something beachy. . fitting with the "rugged Island Helicopter" fitted out in a very suiting paint scheme and interior. As paint and interior can be over hualed so it presents it's self to the customer as "Eye Catching".
Gadget guru: Your pretty much spot on the money, Although helicopters like the As350 -EC120 would be great and i'd love to fly them. . i don't want to bite off more than i can chew, and figured i can do alot with a B206, as i stated above paint etc. An with cheaper cost's on the whole. . i can make this work get it up on it's feet and then. . approach my boss once he has been familiar with the success of a 206 and show him the next "Step" in aviation etc. The B206 seems like a good entry level machine. . now i guess it just finding a decent one. I will contact my local maintanence facility and see if they have figures on the 206. OR 206L
Mr selfish. . you've got the right idea. . the resorts are based on a beach side location, my thoughts where if to go ahead with a B206, to then transfer the passangers to the rooms in say something similar to an old open roof land rover, or something beachy. . fitting with the "rugged Island Helicopter" fitted out in a very suiting paint scheme and interior. As paint and interior can be over hualed so it presents it's self to the customer as "Eye Catching".
Gadget guru: Your pretty much spot on the money, Although helicopters like the As350 -EC120 would be great and i'd love to fly them. . i don't want to bite off more than i can chew, and figured i can do alot with a B206, as i stated above paint etc. An with cheaper cost's on the whole. . i can make this work get it up on it's feet and then. . approach my boss once he has been familiar with the success of a 206 and show him the next "Step" in aviation etc. The B206 seems like a good entry level machine. . now i guess it just finding a decent one. I will contact my local maintanence facility and see if they have figures on the 206. OR 206L
Jetflite,
have you run the Conklin and Dedeker (sp?) database on purchase/running costs? It is worth about $800 or so, but will fill you in on types/costs/insurance/etc as well as decipher those costs into seat per mile costs and give you performance specs of each type.
have you run the Conklin and Dedeker (sp?) database on purchase/running costs? It is worth about $800 or so, but will fill you in on types/costs/insurance/etc as well as decipher those costs into seat per mile costs and give you performance specs of each type.
I really think you will be better off with a Longranger for this type of work. It will cost you more to purchase, but not a lot more to operate. I flew this type of operation in the tropics for 18 months with a Jetranger, and with more than 3 people you end up with no room for baggage. An L-3 or L-4 would be ideal. Nicer ride in the 206L as well, with a little bit more speed.
