Making the Most of Helicopters
How to make helicopters work for your business
Business helicopters don't come cheap, so before you jump right in to buy one it's intelligent to consider all your options. Before making such a significant business investment, make sure you're prepared to budget for, maintain and pilot a small private aircraft.Making the most of helicopters in your business dealings means being careful to take the right steps from the outset. Owning and operating a helicopter is a big responsibility and could potentially become a burden. Before you run out and buy, ask yourself the following questions:
1. Do you need a helicopter for long-term use or for a short rental period?
2. Are you equipped to maintain and repair the helicopter you're thinking of acquiring?
3. Do you, your employees or hired pilots have the proper training for helicopter flying?
Rely on a helicopter charter service to maximize convenience and minimize cost
Whether you need a quick ride to impress visiting executives, the muscle to transport heavy items or the occasional ability to visit remote locations at the snap of your fingers, consider a helicopter charter or rental service. This will allow you to place most of the responsibility for upkeep and certification--as well as the overhead--in someone else's lap.
Try: Heli-Yacht International handles all aspects of the transaction when you rent a helicopter. Air Charter Service further outlines how chartered helicopter use can benefit your business.
Keep your helicopters running smoothly with the right maintenance
If you want to be safe when you fly, helicopter maintenance must be a top priority. If there does happen to be a mishap in one of your company helicopters, your maintenance records and practices are likely to be the first thing scrutinized--so keep them up to par. Of course, it's ideal to do what it takes to prevent accidents in the first place.
Try: Send staff to an FAA-certified training facility like the Aviation Institute of Maintenance for helicopter maintenance training that meets helicopter manufacturers' and FAA requirements. Or, hire a company like Helicopter Specialties that's in the business of maintaining and repairing business helicopters.
Hire a qualified helicopter pilot before taking flight, or become one yourself
Before letting you fly their craft, helicopter companies will want to see proof of Federal Aviation Administration certification. Likewise, if you're looking to hire a helicopter pilot, be on the lookout for the same qualifications.
Try: Flap-Air outlines the requirements for becoming a private helicopter pilot. The Professional Helicopter Pilots Association is a useful resource for locating qualified pilots; you or your employees can also test out for pilot qualifications through the company.
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