If your company finds itself sending employees to remote places often, you might want to consider a helicopter rental or perhaps even buying a helicopter. There are many instances where using a helicopter makes more sense than driving or trying to find a commercial airline flight. For example, if your company needs to haul things to a remote area, a helicopter may be the most economical and efficient method of transportation.
Sometimes a personal helicopter that's been rented may suffice for your business needs. If not, you will have to consider purchasing or leasing a commercial-grade helicopter. At any rate, when you are making the most of helicopter sales, consider the following:
1. Do some research on where you might find helicopters for sale.
2. Realize there are advantages to renting/leasing, and there are advantages to buying.
3. Don’t forget the cost of instruction, operation and maintenance when estimating your costs.
Action Steps
The best contacts and resources to help you get it done
Figure out what helicopter prices are like for rentals and sales to see which fits your needs better
Sometimes it makes sense to rent, while in other instances buying is the right choice. Sit down with key decision makers in your company and discuss your needs. Factors that might influence this decision are frequency of trips, average distance of your trips and expertise of your staff in terms of pilots and mechanics.
I recommend: Read more about when it makes sense to rent or charter a helicopter on
LimoRes.net.
ALGLAS has information regarding things to consider when buying a helicopter.
Find helicopter prices that fit in your budget
Make sure to check for personal helicopter prices, as well as regular commercial helicopter prices. If your company needs are relatively small, a personal helicopter can suffice as your work helicopter and save you a lot of money in the process. Don't forget to think about how you will finance this purchase.
I recommend: Aircraft Shopper Online lets you search for helicopters online, including personal and commercial helicopters. Aerotrader has a tool called the
Airplane Price Checker that allows users to check the average prices of airplanes and helicopters according to geographic location, specific makes and models and model year(s).
Aerotrader’s Aircraft Loan Payment Calculator can help you figure out how much it will cost you to finance a helicopter purchase.
Consider a vendor that deals in used helicopter sales
Like buying a used car, when you buy used helicopters you can save you money. Make sure you have a mechanic inspect it before taking delivery of the helicopter.
I recommend: Cannon Aviation Group, has listings of many different models of helicopters for sale.
Aviation Business Index has contact information for many helicopter dealers and brokers, many of whom sell only used helicopters or they sell both new and used helicopters.
Tips & Tactics
Helpful advice for making the most of this Guide
- There are companies who offer management services, such as maintenance, parts, pilot service, instruction and guidance. If you buy a helicopter and find yourself struggling with these types of issues, contact your dealer. They will either be able to help you directly or can point you in the right direction for getting help.