Ownership 4.qxp_Finance 20/07/2021 15:34 Page 1
OWNERSHIP
Helicopter Ownership: What are the Operating Costs? Occasionally, helicopter buyers can find two or more rotorcraft equally capable of performing the required operations. To help decide between them, what are the less obvious operating cost considerations? Dave Higdon explores… here is no doubting that factoring the differences in operating costs will undoubtedly play a big role in the selection of the right helicopter to operate. Inevitably, the turbine helicopter will cost more to operate than a piston option. But while there will be significant variables between fuel, maintenance, training, regulatory compliance, and more when comparing the piston and turbine operations, exploring and really understanding the differences should provide answers to operating cost questions not even asked.
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Regulatory Differences
First, it’s important to consider the different regulations that are applicable to helicopters in private and commercial use. Part 91, for example, applies to General Aviation and some corporate commercial operations. It is the bread-and-butter for many corporate operators. Part 91 does not mean commercial vs non64 Vol 25 Issue 8 2021 AVBUYER MAGAZINE
commercial, or hire vs non-hire, however. You can get paid for some flights operating under Part 91 (see below). Some commercial operators fly under Part 91 rules, choosing to remain under Part 91 instead of Part 135, because it saves them money. While Part 135 imposes stricter training and maintenance requirements, Part 91 is the least restrictive, and a pilot may choose to initiate an instrument approach when the weather is below the minimums published on the approach plates (for example), whereas they couldn’t do so under Part 135. If a Part 91 operator wants to fly passengers for hire, then the FAA requires them to step up its game. The commercial flying allowed under Part 91 is more limited than under Part 135. For example, under Part 91 the passengers are incidental to the flight's mission (such as an observer delivering traffic reports). While they are not a paying passenger, they are passengers nonetheless. Without a Part 135 certificate, the operator can't advertise offering scheduled or on-demand www.AVBUYER.com
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