Turbine helicopters

So You Want to Buy a Turbine Helicopter? Everything You Need to Know

Have you ever wanted to fly around in your own helicopter? Helicopter ownership can be one of the greatest freedoms on earth. But where do you even start to buy one of these amazing flying machines?

This complete guide will take you through all the ins and outs of turbine helicopter ownership - from which models are available, to financing and insurance options.

What Qualifies as a Turbine Helicopter?

Turbine helicopters are different from the normal piston or diesel engine type helicopter because instead of a piston engine, it uses a turbine engine that is almost like a jet. This has several benefits for them:

Increased power - Turbine engines create tons of energy inside a compact, lightweight unit. This means that turbine helicopters have a much better performance in terms of things like load, altitude limits, and speed.

Improved reliability - Turbine engines have far fewer moving components compared to piston ones. As a result, they also have fewer maintenance requirements, making them more serviceable.

Low vibration - Because turbine engines have very smooth rotary motion, they produce less vibration than piston engines. This delivers a plusher ride.

Multi-fuel ability - Most turbine engine designs can combust some combination of jet, diesel, kerosene and in a pinch even regular gasoline. This provides you with additional convenience while refueling.

Popular models of turbine helicopters include the Bell 206, H120 from Airbus, Robinson R66, AW109 from Leonardo and the H130 from Airbus.

Models for Military and Civilian Use

Right away, when on the market for a turbine helicopter, it will be apparent that there is a division between military and civilian models. The Sikorsky UH-60 Black Hawk is an example of a military helicopter used for combat, search and rescue; and other tactical missions.

Despite their military pedigree, civilian models are tailored to an entirely different mission: pleasant and economical transport for individual purchasers, tourism operators, and enterprise use.

Sure, the occasional privately-owned demilitarized military helicopter exists for sale - but those are rarely award-winning personal aircraft. They are usually a bit pricier to operate and maintain and have no civilian {interior} amenities or comforts.

If you don't actually require the powers of a tactical helicopter, you'll probably be happier with offers from civilian models that have your needs planned for them.

New or Pre-Owned? The Pros and Cons

One of the most important decisions is whether you buy a new chopper factory-fresh, or find a second hand one. The case for air travel is strong, but so is the case against flying. Here are some of the key arguments both for and against air travel:

New Helicopter

Pros

• Advanced technology with the newest safety features
• Warranty coverage for defects
• Nothing unknown in his past to concern anyone
• Custom build options
• Low flight hours

Cons

• Much higher purchase price
• Long delivery time likely
• Higher insurance rates
• Pre-Owned Helicopter

Pros

• About 50% lower to buy
• Often available immediately
• Still carrying the majority of warranty
• Already Installed Upgrade Options

Cons

• Have no control over the break-in and service process
• More flight hours used up
• Potential for buying someone else's problems
• Less financing incentives

A used helicopter ultimately proves to be the better value for many buyers. But new has its appeal if you can budget for it, with the sense of being first in line as owner.

What Helicopter Size Do You Need?

Turbine helicopters also vary tremendously in size and, as such, service all kinds of missions. The ideal size will depend on how you intend to use your helicopter:

• Light single engine - Seats 3-5 people. Good for personal travel and aerial photography. Examples: Bell 206, Robinson R66.*
• Light twin engine - Seats 5-7 people. Larger cabin for more passengers and bags. Better load hauling ability. Examples: Airbus H125, Bell 429.
• Medium - Seats 6-9 people. Comfortable executive transport and offshore oil crew change. Examples: Leonardo AW109, Bell 412.
• Large - Seats 12+ people. Max passenger capacity for tourism charters. Examples: Airbus H130, Sikorsky S-76.
• Ultra long range - Specialized for distances up to 700 miles. Used for deep water oil rig transport. Example: AgustaWestland AW189.

Be realistic about what you need. You might find that a single engine helicopter would meet your needs while being more economical to buy and operate.

Cost of Ownership

When shopping for a helicopter, it's easy to zoom in on purchase price, but the reality is that operating costs constitute the majority of long term ownership expenditure. For fuel, maintenance, inspections, insurance and hangar costs expect an average of $200-400 per flight hour.

For a turbine helicopter that flies 100 - 200 hours per year, we are looking at recurring costs of $20,000 - $80,000 per year. Prior to going forward with anything, gather some quotes of anticipated operating costs for prospective models.

How to Get Your Helicopter Finance

Few buyers are in the financial position where they can buy a helicopter entirely for cash.

You generally need some sort of financing to make ownership possible. And here are some tips for helping you get the best financing terms.

• Many people don't realize that not all banks and all credit unions charge the same rates and fees. Helicopter financing - it is a specialty loan.
• Wherever possible, deposit 20-30% for the best rates. You will therefore be viewed as less of a risk to lenders.
• Have a good business plan that outlines how you are going to earn money in order to pay off the loan.
• Have enough background paper work in hand ranging from financial statements, tax returns to maintenance records and logbooks.
• If you are buying a second hand helicopter, then look for seller finance. The note is carried by the seller as this is sometimes more favorable.
• If buying new, ask about promotional financing incentives from the manufacturer. Low APR deals are common.

How to Get Helicopter Insurance

In order to begin taking delivery of your helicopter, there will be a range of different insurance policies needed in place such as:

• Hull insurance - This insures against damage to the helicopter itself. Must be set for the full replacement cost
• Liability insurance - Covers the damage you do to someone else's property and for injuries inflicted on others. Minimum $1 million policy.
• Spares/toolbox cover - offers coverage for spare parts and tools used in maintenance that may be costly.
• Avionics coverage - optional additional coverage for your avionics equipment.
• Ground risk hull insurance - This is for helicopter damage when the helicopter is not in the air; it can be used when parked on the ground.

Shop around between aviation insurance brokers to find the best rates. Expect to pay around 5% of the aircraft value annually for full coverage.

Where to Buy Your Turbine Helicopter

There are a few primary locations where used helicopters for sale can be found.

• Manufacturers - New from a helicopter OEM. Etc.: Robinson, Bell, MD Helicopters
• Dealers - Purchase second hand from a helicopter sales dealership Examples: National Helicopter Service, Airborne Systems, Mach One Aviation.
• Classifieds - Look for sites like Controller and Trade-a-Plane for individual private sellers
• Public auctions - Possible to go to a public helicopter auction either in person or online. GS-29 GS USA, CAV Aerospace USA, Auction Network USA
• Government surplus - Former military and government helicopters occasionally sold at auction.
  When researching availability, make sure to check all of these places for the best selection and value.

How to Check A Second Hand Helicopter

If purchasing a pre-owned turbine helicopter, arrange for an extensive pre-buy inspection by a mechanic of your choosing prior to closing the sale. This should include:

• Test flight to check handling and performance
• Thorough inspection of engine compressor and turbine sections
• Analysis of maintenance logs and records
• Checks for corrosion, cracks, leaks, damage
• Verification of component times remaining
• Avionics, transmission, and rotor system checked

If there are major problems, or logbooks missing that cannot be dealt with, be prepared to walkaway. Never purchase the problems of someone else.

Hope this helps!