Select
the right helicopter •
Purchase at the right price •
Minimise operating expenses •
Professional Pilots •
Sell for the best price •
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Many
private owners set out to gain their pilots licence and fly themselves.
Nothing wrong with this if you’ve got plenty of spare free
time to spend pouring over weather, notams, AIP supplements, and
other pre-flight planning information. Time for filing flight plans,
carrying out the daily pre-flight inspection and refuelling the
helicopter. Once you’re airborne, you’ll have to know
all the local airspace boundaries, procedures and radio protocol.
Navigation is made easier nowadays with the latest GPS equipment,
but be prepared to spend some time learning how to drive it, you’ll
find it has more functions than your mobile phone. Once you’ve
safely reached your destination, be prepared to keep a close eye
on the weather if you need to return home the same day. The weather
in New Zealand can deteriorate rapidly. To relax and |
relieve any stress lemonade is the only answer, as a cold beer is
not an option. When your return flight is complete, allow another
5min to fill in the paperwork, 5min to tie the blades down or put
the helicopter away in the hangar, 10min to tidy the cabin and vacuum
the carpets, and 5min to clean the windows ready for tomorrow. If
you’re the fussy type, you’ll want to drive out to the
hangar on the weekend to give the helicopter exterior a good clean
and wax (allow 4-6 hours).
Having a professional pilot is not only safer but will save you
money with reduced insurance premiums. The more experience a pilot
has, the less the premium. A reduction of 1% on the insurance premium
equals a saving of approximately $30,000 NZD per year. |
