Frequently Asked Questions?
What routes and tasks are helicopters suitable for?
A helicopter solves "last mile" and short-haul tasks up to 400–800 km: airport-to-residence transfers in 15 minutes instead of two hours in traffic, sightseeing flights, ski resorts, hunting and fishing trips, and yacht transfers. Landing is possible on 25x25 m landing pads—the roof of a business center, hotel grounds, or deck. Time savings on short hauls—up to 80% versus a car.
What is the range and capacity of business class helicopters?
Light piston and gas turbine jets (R44, R66, Bell 505, H125) carry 3-5 passengers for 400-650 km. Light twin-engine jets (AW109, Bell 429, H145) carry 6-8 passengers and have a range of 600-850 km. Medium-sized jets (AW139, H175, Mi-8) carry 9-15 VIP seats and have a range of up to 1,000+ km. Cruising speeds are 220-310 km/h. Luggage capacity is limited: usually one bag per passenger.
What is the difference between a single-engine helicopter and a twin-engine helicopter?
Twin-engine aircraft (AW109, H135, Bell 429) continue to fly if one engine fails, allowing them to fly over dense urban areas and water—a requirement for regular corporate programs in metropolitan areas. Single-engine aircraft (H125, R66, Bell 505) are 30–50% cheaper to purchase and own than %. In practice, twin-engine aircraft are used for urban and offshore flights, while single-engine aircraft are used for regional and private flights.
What helicopters are in the park and how are they different?
21 models – from the Robinson R44/R66 for private flights to heavy-duty helicopters: the full line of Airbus H125–H175 (including the latest H160), Italian Leonardo AW109/AW139/AW169/AW189 with VIP cabins, American Bell 505/407GXi/429/525, as well as Ansat and Mi-8AMT with service in the CIS and a capacity of up to 22 seats. Selection depends on the task: city, mountain, offshore, or large group.
How to choose the right aircraft for your needs?
Start with two figures: the typical route length and the number of passengers. Up to 1,000 km and 4 passengers – a turboprop or light jet; 2,000–4,000 km – a medium jet; nonstop intercontinental flights – a long-haul jet. Add adjustments for short runs, baggage volume, and berths. We'll select a model that matches your profile and calculate the economics of ownership. Send us a request – we'll prepare a proposal, calculate the content, and analyze options tailored to your needs.
A new plane or a used one – which is more profitable to buy?
A new aircraft comes with a factory warranty and a 1-3 year waiting list, but the price is maximum. A used aircraft offers immediate delivery and a lower price for the 30-60%, but it's important to check the engine life and history. For most buyers, a new aircraft, 3-7 years old, is optimal: the main discount has already been applied, and the aircraft still has a long service life. We consider both options. Send us a request – we'll prepare a proposal, calculate the cost, and analyze the options for your needs.
Which aircraft class should I choose based on my route and number of passengers?
Turboprops: up to 1,500 km, 4-9 seats; light jets: up to 4,000 km; midsize: stand-up cabin, 4-6 hours; super-midsize and large: 6,300-7,400 km, 8-12 seats; long-haul: up to 14,800 km nonstop. Helicopters cover up to 800 km door-to-door. We'll find the right class for your needs. Send us a request – we'll prepare a proposal, calculate the cost, and analyze options tailored to your needs.
How much does it cost to own a plane per year?
The bulk of the costs are fixed—hangar, crew, maintenance, insurance—and are independent of flight hours. For 300–400 hours per year, the benchmark is: turboprop $ 0.6–0.9 million, light jet ~$ 1.6 million, midsize $ 2.4 million, large $ 2.8–3 million, long-haul $ 3.8–4.7 million. We calculate the exact figure based on the specific model and your flight hours. Send us a request—we'll prepare a proposal, calculate the cost, and analyze options tailored to your needs.
What influences the cost per flight hour when purchasing an airplane?
There are three cost groups: direct (fuel, hourly reserves for engines and airframe), crew (salaries, training, hotels), and fixed (insurance, hangar, management), distributed over the flight time. The more you fly, the lower the hourly cost. A benchmark for 400 hours per year ranges from $1,500 for a turboprop to $10,000+ for a long-haul aircraft. Submit a request – we'll prepare a proposal, calculate the cost, and analyze options tailored to your needs.
How does an airplane maintain its value and what is important for future resale?
Liquidity depends on the model, fleet size, engine life, and interior condition. High-volume models (Phenom 300, Challenger 650, PC-12, G650ER) hold their price better and sell within 60-120 days. When purchasing, consider residual value and demand—this protects your investment. We'll advise you on which models are most liquid within your budget. Send us a request—we'll prepare a proposal, calculate the contents, and analyze options tailored to your needs.
