Helicopter Costs Per Hour..More Than You Think!

Oct 07, 2024

The True Cost of Flying Helicopters: Understanding Hourly Rates

So, you’ve been struck with the urge to take to the skies in a helicopter, perhaps for a joyride or maybe even for a more practical application of flight. But when you see the hourly rates, your jaw drops. It's common to wonder, “Why does it cost so much to operate a helicopter?” Kenny Keller, creator of Helicopter Online Ground School (H.O.G.S.), breaks down the numbers in a recent podcast episode, unveiling the harsh realities behind those high hourly costs.

The Monthly Expense Breakdown

Flying a helicopter comes with a set of fixed and variable costs, which can add up quickly. Kenny starts by explaining the vital fixed costs associated with leasing an aircraft. "Just before arriving, I put a check in the mailbox for $5,200," Kenny mentions. This is the monthly lease amount for the helicopter, and it’s just the beginning.

In addition to the lease, insurance is an indispensable aspect of helicopter operations. "Our insurance is 26,000 something a year," Keller explains, "which comes out to $2,250 in insurance every month." Flying helicopters without insurance is a recipe for financial disaster should anything go wrong, making this cost non-negotiable.

The Cost of Fuel and Maintenance

Flying a helicopter for 20 hours a month isn't just about sitting behind the controls; it also means shelling out significant money for fuel. According to Kenny, "To fly that 20 hours costs us $1,200 in fuel." And the cost of fuel is just the beginning when it comes to variable costs.

Routine maintenance checks are essential to keep the helicopter airworthy. Kenny explains the costs associated with these necessary operations: “If you do 100-hour inspections in a year, those are normally 2200 a piece… that comes out to $366 a month.” But it doesn’t stop there. “With the additional maintenance we’ve had to do this year, that’s an extra $2,200 in maintenance throughout the year.”

Maintenance issues are to be expected with helicopters. "Yes, we had some problems, but that's typical helicopter. They break," Keller candidly admits. Whether it’s from wear and tear or unexpected issues, maintenance costs are a significant part of the operational budget.

Calculating the Cost Per Hour

When you add these expenses together, the monthly cost to operate the helicopter comes to $11,216. For 20 hours of flight time, that results in a raw operational cost of $560.80 per hour. But this figure, Keller explains, doesn’t account for downtime or unexpected additional costs, which can push the price even higher.

"So when you want to whine about what an R44 costs, then just don't fly one," Keller quips. "Go fly the R22." His point is clear: if the math bothers you, then it’s better to reconsider flying altogether.

Industry Insights and Realities

Kenny shares an anecdote from a colleague with five decades of experience in the industry. "He says, if you have to ask, you can’t afford it. And if you’re going to complain about what it costs, don’t do it.” The point is valid; helicopter operations are not for the faint-hearted or those looking for inexpensive thrills.

Operating helicopters is an expensive endeavor, with costs that can astound the unprepared. Kenny Keller’s breakdown shows that the $560.80 per hour figure is born from a complex web of fixed and variable expenses, each crucial to ensuring a safe, reliable, and compliant flight experience. So, the next time you see those high hourly rates, remember that they're not just about making a profit—they're about covering the true costs of an extraordinary mode of transportation. Helicopters are indeed super expensive, but for those who can afford it, they offer unparalleled freedom in the skies.

By understanding the intricate details behind helicopter operational costs, both aspiring pilots and passengers can appreciate the value tied to every hour of flight.

Helicopter Costs Per Hour..More Than You Think!

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