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.....

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...

Try a BO 105, cheap to buy, bombproof maintenance and very big boot for the suitcases and 2 cheap Allisons

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

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

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.

Toys to impress:


or an Agusta 109 family member

:cool:

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.