Used Helicopters: Matching Machine to Mission

What are some top tips when finding a pre-owned helicopter to match your mission need? Dave Higdon shares some industry advice...

While there’s a lot that is different between helicopters and fixed-wing business aircraft, there’s far less different about the chore of choosing the best match between the ship and its mission.

Both selection jobs depend on the best assessment of the mission and how well any given aircraft fits with that mission profile. For example, a helicopter set up for firefighting may have the payload needed for an executive transport. But the process of stripping out the firefighting equipment and refitting the interior for executive work will add costs, and extend the downtime between closing on the transaction and receiving the helicopter ready for operations.

Wading Through the Weeds

An aircraft sales specialist we spoke to compared the process of searching for the ideal aircraft to looking for a golf ball from a hooked drive off the tee:

“You just have to get out there and wade through the weeds. The golfer may find a ball the moment they step off the fairway. But is it the right golf ball?”

The sales specialist noted that in normal times used inventory for sale would offer many candidates. “These are not normal times; inventories are at a low ebb, increasing the importance of a thorough check of the paperwork and condition before shaking hands on a deal.”

The specialization of so many helicopters may complicate the search, but an experienced dealer or broker within the field of rotorcraft sales can help clear the ‘weeds’, narrowing the search by first eliminating candidates that will require significant refits to match the mission need.

Should the would-be buyer need a helicopter outfitted for specialized work, the experienced dealer or broker can find, and focus, on ships already equipped for that specialized work.

One broker speaking with AvBuyer asked rhetorically, “why buy an air ambulance when an executive helicopter is needed – unless, that is, the price is so good that the final costs after purchase and refit will be in the same range as buying one already equipped for the mission.

Focus on the Candidate’s Usage

As you narrow the choices down, remember that helicopters operate in every region of the world, which makes a specialized check for environmental damage a must. For example, if the helicopter spent its working life within a few miles of saltwater, extra steps to find – and remedy – saltwater corrosion should be an early step. 

“...remember that helicopters operate in every region of the world, which makes a specialized check for environmental damage a must.”

Indeed, some would-be buyers would do well to look for corrosion early enough to influence the price negotiations.

Long periods of operating near bodies of fresh water should also trigger deeper checks of any corrosion-prone areas, along with signs of the condition of the main-rotor blades and anti-torque blades. Even lacking corrosion, water can erode the surfaces and finishes of the rotating parts, as can high humidity lacking saltwater exposure.

Ultimately, buying a business aircraft – particularly one as complex and specialized as a helicopter – can benefit from the involvement of a professional, and ideally one well-versed in the aircraft type. A helicopter specialist will be ahead of the game, thanks to their knowledge gained from that focus.

Expertise in helicopters should be no less important for a company than specialization on the flight deck.

Beware Hidden Safety and Airworthiness Issues

The pre-purchase inspection can help a buyer save significant amounts of money by eliminating surprise issues, which, when known, can influence price negotiations.

One of the typical first steps in the inspection process involves a search of FAA records for any airworthiness directives on the helicopter for sale. Making that list serves as the starting point for the maintenance technician's examination of the helicopter’s logs. This review will confirm whether the helicopter complies with all the ADs, and Service Bulletins too.

And examination of the logs also provides the technician with some insight into the way and regularity with which the helicopter receives maintenance, whether routine or unplanned work. It will be important to understand the cause for any unplanned maintenance work.

The airframe requires its own due diligence, as do the powerplant’s components, including the engine, transmission, and all the rotating parts.

Are the engines approaching a time limit for a hot-section inspection or full overhaul? Are they enrolled on a per-hour maintenance program? How about the airframe?

Search & Acquire – There’s Help out There

Specialized knowledge in the buying and selling of business turbine aircraft is as important in the helicopter market as it is in fixed-wing sales, and you can find help by looking at many listings of dealers, brokers and sole practitioners in the aircraft marketplace.

Find a specialist to work with; preferably one with a proven track record, client references, and expertise in the type – and perhaps specifically the make and model helicopter you need. ❚

DAVE HIGDON

is a highly respected aviation journalist who has covered all aspects of civil aviation over the past 36 years. Based in Wichita, he has several thousand flight hours, and has piloted pretty much everything from foot-launched wings to combat jets. Contact him via Dave@avbuyer.com

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