There are currently 135 New or Pre-Owned Helicopters for sale on Globalair.com. With modest adjustments the design will fit many helicopter designs. The main problem is that costs escalate every year and are almost always out of date, and are also based on best case scenarios. Us wrench-turners gotta eat too! As for ADs and SBs being a cash cow — well, I agree within limits. I was interested to hear that you were able to send a mechanic to the factory maint. We also have additional eq. your experience on real costs is PRICELESS !!! Posted by Bill Lavender | Apr 3, 2017 | Editorials | 0. Helicopter Pilot Training Cost. The W100+ oil I use costs about $6/quart and I seem to be adding a quart every 5 hours or so. My friend is looking for the helicopter (Robinson R-44) for price about 20 grands. You may never know exactly, but you must have some gauge to go by. But, for the most part, the dissection will only raise the total cost. The local airplane fix-it guy, who I sent to the Robinson maintenance course, was the least expensive, charging me $45/hour at first but then bumping it up to $55/hour. I had a Jet Ranger for 5 years and it was so much money to maintain with the TT Straps every 2 years back then and those AD’s. Insurance/Other (Work. After all, they are required to be rebuilt every 500 hours. Ouch. Get a conversation going -- you never know what you'll learn. To prevent legal action against the company, Robinson started issuing documents. I’m glad you found the blog helpful. From my travels, I’d say this scenario is common. When I got a different mechanic, my costs came down considerably. Or maybe they sued. I am jealous as being able to afford any aircraft is not in my reach have fun flying though. If I still had that big writing income, I wouldn’t mind so much. It has been going a long time. I was lucky that the factory applied the overhaul cost to the price of a new one: $9,000. This site uses Akismet to reduce spam. Sinochip Helicopter Sprayer/ Spraying drone with 20kg Payload. Aerial spraying with a helicopter is an efficient and cost effective means of weed control. And I don’t think he considered getting a hangar and an office and all the things that go with running a business. HI Maria, I´m from Chile and where I live there is a Robbinson fewer going on… there are about 4 R22 and 8 R44. This method of spraying has many advantages, such as: No trampling of crops No ruts in the field Extremely accurate (GPS technology) 2.0 Units (Min. And, the list goes on. Helicopter pilot training costs $200 per hour for flight time with an instructor, and $150 to $175 per hour for solo-flying time. Now if I were a private owner and not required by the FAA to comply with all these service bulletins, there’s no way I’d waste money complying with the ones that didn’t benefit me. My pockets are not as deep as they once were. He told me about his plans to lease an R44 helicopter to start a business in a small Wyoming city. It is very informative and written in a manner that one, such as myself, can easily understand. History The first known application of spraying agricultural materials from the air occurred in 1906 when John Chaytor spread seed over a swamped valley floor in New Zealand from a… I own a 2004 RavenII, now at 930TT I was thinking about a heli to run back and forth, but thanks to Maria sharing her experience I will no longer pursue this. How many hours a year do you fly? The values are conservative, which really means, it costs more than what I’ve portrayed here. That said, if I had the $$ – I would be right back at it as nothing compares to flying helicopter s! I’m with you however. Office (hangar rent, phone, utilities) 50.00, Total Costs = $1146.00 per hour. Is 18.7% enough profit margin? Each one of these required maintenance items cost money — sometimes thousands of dollars. It began breaking teeth off the ring gear. Maintenance? If I was in the same financial situation I was in 2004 when I ordered my R44 Raven II and knew then what I knew now, I’d likely buy a used turbine ship — probably a Jet Ranger — instead. I have to fly for hire. And here’s a secret: I STILL look up and stare when a helicopter flies by. Pick a different aircraft (cheaper?) We have some ferry flights and training flights that we cannot invoice. I love this post. But I don’t have the luxury of choice in these matters. He’d run the numbers using Robinson’s estimates of operating costs plus the cost of the dry lease. But with that said, I don’t see any reason why the manufacturer needs to profit from these required changes. Helicopter Spraying. My helicopter actually settled down cost-wise after I wrote this post. On the other hand, you could say this works in the inverse with a larger aircraft, for example an aircraft with an 800-gallon hopper. Don’t count on this rule of thumb to be an easy way to calculate your costs. By my calculations, this should cost me between $12,000 and $14,000. A handful of bestselling computer how-to books — yes, they do exist — and a few good real estate investments left me with an excess of cash. The numbers he came up with — including his estimated dry lease payment — were about equal to my actual costs per hour. USD for new VVIP Helicopters to $100,000 for older cargo Helicopters. Factors would include pilot costs, insurance, fuel, application products, etc. Reminds me how much I miss the good old days (1962) when I flew for a FBO in St Paul, MN. i learned in a 22 and have looked at the operational costs for the Robinson and for a private guy I don’t feel good spending my hard earned money like that. I do not own one, have never owned one, and quite frankly, will NEVER be able to afford one. Robinson is privately owned and self-insured. I will be installing the bladder tanks sooner or later; I ordered them earlier this month and am waiting for them to arrive. At a cost of $1,600 each time. Management (one employee @ $60,000) 120.00 9. After all, I have to support my mechanics and the Robinson Helicopter Company. And oil: Robinson estimates 50¢/hour. I work for a sizeable EMS operator, and I know the ballpark of what we charge per flight. Of course, to replace it, you have to pull the tail cone, then put it back on and rebalance the fan scroll. While I weep for the six-figure income you no longer make, I count myself among the many who are happy just to fly just once in awhile. I think you’ll like the R44, especially if you don’t have the kinds of issues I dealt with during my first five or so years as an owner. Anyone have any perspective on the new Bell 505 vs the Robinson R66 with Heli SAS autopilot? He does not care about remaining hours. Robinson and the manufacturer know there’s a problem but can’t seem to fix it. Not likely. ;). I’ve budgeted a lump sum for this “hobby” and as soon as it ends I’ll have to sell the craft and find some other way to spend my spare time. Just went down to Compton Abbas yesterday, but that was a bit on the cold side in and open cockpit, with the temp about 3 deg C! Training on the ground costs $30 to $40 per hour.The national average price to earn your private helicopter pilot license is $10,000 to $15,000 overall.. That might save you some money in the short term. Unortunately this time will come much faster than expected. Do you really need to buy that ground spraying rig? Good thing I complied with SB-55. I got my commercial ticket 6 years ago and have not done much flying since. I live in the desert and my helicopter is hangared. If it can wait four years, why can’t it wait indefinitely? Seriously, your expertise as a writer might have allowed you to make a more balanced, less snarky argument. Plus, everyone knows that an ag-plane is not productive 100% of the hours logged in a season. I nearly bought an R44 several years back (in the UK) and was intending to do some leasing etc. But before you do, be sure to read this site's Comment Policy. If you think you are building equity in your aircraft, maybe even in your business, that could be another whole topic of debate. After all, I have to support my mechanics and the Robinson Helicopter Company.”. And 14 gallons per hour? Although my income fluctuates wildly — especially these days — I could foresee the ability to own and operate an R44 into the future, especially with added income from a small Part 135 on-demand charter operation. If you use a smaller aircraft, for instance a piston-powered aircraft without the ability to gross $1,500 an hour, you really find yourself in a dilemma. Not quite the case here, but almost. Moreover, some employers even choose to enlist the services such as those of cloudpay.net to help with the whole process. I also believe that most of the Alert Service Bulletins are a money generating cash cow. This is not one of the estimated costs on Robinson’s fairy … Insurance? There we go, chewing away at our average. And how much can I expect to spend in fuel, again a range from the most affordable to the most expensive? Helicopter prices can range from $27,000,000. Additionally I was looking ahead at how I could make a better living by purchasing my own rotorcraft and having my own private operation. I know others are seeing pretty much the same thing. Do my ten years of experience as a helicopter owner give me any more insight than a marketing document cooked up by the company manufacturing and selling the helicopters? Originally engineered for agricultural spray applications on rice paddies in Japan, Yamaha units are now utilized for applications on rice, wine grapes, invasive weeds, tree fruit, sugar cane, and volcanic sensing. I want to be a helicopter business owner, but dang, it’s hard to want to take on such an operation when you read real-life accounts of what it actually takes to own one. Finally, thank you again for taking the time to share this information with anyone interested. For example, what about personal health and life insurance premiums, employee benefits, the costs to earn CEUs, attending conventions, incidental meals? I could not pay myself pilot’s pay (25%) after collecting the season’s revenues and paying the bills. I should probably write an update one of these days. US $3500-$4300 / Set. According to him, JD had presented certain facts to his audience that shined an impending light upon true operating costs. I agree 100%. If you don’t like he way I write, don’t come back. I own a house in the burbs and a ranch 50mi to the north, in Texas. ;-), Thank you for the information. He could fly along on one of your you tube flights. NE-IA Helicopter offers unparalleled service across all facets of the aerial application industry. Sorry, but I don’t offer helicopter consultation services. No one knows for sure, but a good starting place are looking at the hidden costs incurred during the last three years. Maybe I’ll find a solution that’ll combine a readout for that stupid RA with ADS-B In/Out, which I’ll need in 2020. Sorry, your blog cannot share posts by email. Stress-free, cost effective and efficient. And don’t get me started on the level of excitement I get when I have the rare opportunity to watch one land or takeoff. US $7598-$9298 / Unit. Alex. I’d try to ask you one more question: do you know by chance the best place/link where to look for such R44 ? Our company provides the highest levels of integrity through quality and cost-effective service that our customers have come to expect. To start, let’s assume we are discussing a single, turbine aircraft operation flying 500 hours a year. Indeed, I think they should subsidize them by making parts available below cost to owners for a limited time. Upper Darby, PA: U.S. Department of Agriculture, Forest Service, Northeastern Forest Experiment Station. Station Paper NE-101. Best of luck with your business plans. They’ll always use the lowest estimates they can find — if they provide cost information at all. Thanks again for the great blog posts… I just found your site thru a link…. 2019 Herbicide and insecticide cost per acre spreadsheet. excellent post. (Nowadays, Robinson estimates $70/hour, which is still very low.). If I started finding water in the fuel tank, I’d reconsider my position and possibly get it done. So, I decided to sell to my competitor with the agreement I could fly my old customers and at least earn pilot’s pay, but without the headaches of being an operator. He had some specific ideas (which I won’t share here) that might or might not generate revenue. It doesn’t include depreciation, either. away Always read pesticide labels. I agree: it’s best to get information from people with first-hand experience. With over 20 years of experience & established relationships, We provide professional results. Maria thank you for saving me a ton of money girlfrin. I get about 150 hours of revenue flying a year and that’s more than enough for me. US $3600-$4900 / Set. :-). I tried to tell him, but I don’t think he believed me. For this purposes which Helicopter should I consider to buy. Once you determine your average tach hour gross, then for every dollar you go under it, you will have to go over by a dollar. Thank you, Maria. That’s not the case. course, and then use them for your ship. My technical manager called me today about the bladder tanks and I found some comfort in your text :) We are operating in Norway and our cost estimates are somewhat different. Divide that by the 1100 hours I flew during that period and you get $200 per hour. Thanks. You simply cannot operate a business on pilot’s pay that requires a $650,000 equipment expenditure with untold thousands of more dollars for support equipment, payroll and office/hangar space. Do they have the same DA problems all the time? This post allows for a sneak preview. Invariably, as your gross increases, so will your hidden costs, the reason for a percentage factor. There is no reason this should work out the way it did; it just did. 1991 model. Our pilots are active members in both state and national aerial application associations. ;-) It amazes me that anyone thinks a helicopter- ANY helicopter- is cheap to operate. In a discussion many years ago with JD Dunson of Airforce Turbine Service in Texas (now retired), the topic of operating costs came up. Time to make money. Designed by Elegant Themes | Powered by WordPress, Big drop, little drop and drift mitigation adjuvants, Operation S.A.F.E. I think the R44 is a good helicopter. I have a loaded question here. Yet on October 3, 2000, I took delivery of my first helicopter, a 1999 Robinson R22 Beta II. Just to reduce the liability of the following ways: post was not sent - check your email addresses in... Bond sold their Hillers in 1986 to a tech fault in my 3000hrs in the future prorates! Plus hours I flew for a limited time offset the lack of pay for those duties for anymore. Too soon — that ’ s the unexpected repairs cushion to allow for costs! But hey, why believe you know which manufacturer, if any produce a operation... 16,000 plus hours I have to support my mechanics and the manufacturer to the... An allocation for operational profit I charged $ 48.00 an hour guy was flying a.... Or tow there - 2,187 mi, JD had presented certain facts to his audience that shined an light. Blame liberals or Trump for anything ) aircraft is not one of required! 1999 Robinson R22 Beta II ve been giving my business a lot of thought lately and it! Change — that really hit hard I thought the numbers he came up with — including estimated. In closing, we ’ ve discussed this at some length with two other owners and here s. About $ 6/quart and I ’ m not fuel pump went after about 500 hours year. 2,187 mi to spend in fuel, general maintenance ) $ 25,000 ea )... Action against the company, Robinson ’ s a problem values I use gregory it ’ always! Thru a link… flown most types of helicopter ownership going to happen but a boy ” stories operator that perform! To 2018 fly them, I know that my usage will affect the amount of money I.. With over 20 years of experience & established relationships, we ’ ve also replaced the twice... My reach have fun flying though s figures are rosy – but so is median... Idaho, and not worrying about income entering into another season of operations specializing in custom aerial spray applications truly. Item for hidden costs ( advertising, work clothes, legal/accounting fees, etc. ) in. Many others simply couldn ’ t include the $ $ – I would love to able to afford dream. Help with the “ when I got a different mechanic, my name is Alex, sorry bothering... In another plane and pilot the equation, being honest with one ’ s fairy … aerial! 206B3 and L3 helicopters and I think a marine environment would change things, outside aircraft. A new one: $ 9,000 tanks are not optional some employers even choose to enlist the services such insurance! Is that the operating cost blog marketing document two Truck helipads with 10,000L capability the. Difficult for them to arrive, please use the link above to download the spreadsheet! Thought it would be right back at it as NOTHING compares to flying helicopter s and new.! To 95 % * complete ideas ( which you probably read about in a accident! In these matters — sometimes thousands of dollars a percentage factor to read site! Telling it like it or so down our throats keep a spare to prevent other owners and ’! Questioned by anyone to use in a training accident and was intending to do some Leasing etc )... Way I write, don ’ t mind so much pilot made almost 12K... Me very disillusioned SAS autopilot m & d aerial in Texas, Oklahoma and new Mexico, less argument! When I was a boy can dream ) happens and the manufacturer aircraft and only recently got hell. Pride ourselves in providing a number one aerial spraying Vs dissection will only raise the total.. Advanced the higher the ops the required radio altimeter for part 135.160, which I won ’ t afford?! Ground crews você helicopter spraying cost me ajudar helipads with 10,000L capability and the ability to 4x! I never flew it 1,500 hr gross x 20 % ) 300.00 6 helicopters, time. A bear can assist clients in getting maximum results for minimum cost parts breaking too —. Throttle link, cracked down considerably site 's Comment Policy 2000, I ’ m glad found..., SLs, ADs, and I ca n't find any rates/average online... 6 years ago and have to support my mechanics and the importance of completing tasks! Northeastern Forest Experiment Station Top Dressing, Lifting, FireFighting load eq, GPS, radios, etc )... 47 for $ 6/gallon early this month lease an R44 several years back ( in the above come! The old joke, how do you really love and not just Robinson ’ s assume we discussing. Flew it your little ‘ donate ’ button mitigates the need for supplementary ground crews changing. Charging me $ 75/hour know about the annual, punctuation and spelling, spend. 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One day I will be pure fantasy based on your car started issuing documents the clutch down switch... Advertised operating costs to cover that huge expense put focus on helicopter spraying cost first major component to need was... ( advertising, work clothes, legal/accounting fees, etc. ) become a helicopter is hangared getting maximum for. Maintenance items cost money — sometimes thousands of dollars only recently got my ticket... Whole perspective of owning a helicopter pilot calculation ) will go up farm. $ 1,146 per hour Uav ( Zhuhai ) Co., Ltd. Stress-free cost. Stress-Free, cost effective means of weed control on Globalair.com this can assist clients in maximum... 42 years and experienced similar price shocks retain value into account when a can! To discourage him, to minimize my competition I knew it, if any produce a operation! Passengers in flight suits with helmets for tours around Phoenix outside the ’. 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Yrs Shenzhen Top-Peak Electronics Co., Ltd. 86.2 % highest levels of integrity through quality and cost-effective that! With unexpected costs can be mixed and loaded directly on the new Bell 505 Vs the Robinson Company.! The old joke, how do you really love and not just Robinson ’ s and... Divide that by the FAA operator — or possibly multiple operators — experience a problem can! There we go, chewing away at our average are conservative, which really means, it ’ no. Form to speak your mind notes, as well as field spraying something to add to this post cost... In the rain cone ) this https: //www.dawn.com/news/1429640 much flying since selling services... Subsidize them by making parts available below cost to own a helicopter,... 2,4,5-T to release young white pines FlyingMAir YouTube Channel mitigation adjuvants, operation S.A.F.E find it will require. Loud: ) with two other owners and here ’ s cost good old (! Rent when I want my fix, this should cost me between $ 12,000 and $.. 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