How $2,200 Helicopter Inspection Turned into $6,000

Sep 20, 2024

Should You Buy Your Own Helicopter for Training? Insights from Kenny Keller

In today's blog post, we will explore the valuable insights shared by Kenny Keller in his podcast episode on helicopter training. Kenny, a seasoned helicopter pilot and trainer, dives into the pros and cons of owning a helicopter versus renting one. Whether you are a budding aviator or an experienced pilot looking to brush up, this breakdown will be invaluable to you.

 

 

The True Cost of Helicopter Ownership

The dream of owning your own helicopter is a common one among aviation enthusiasts. However, the costs associated with this dream can be quite staggering.

The Unexpected Financial Burden

Kenny shares a personal story to illustrate the hidden costs of helicopter ownership. He begins with a seemingly routine 100-hour inspection of his helicopter, which he expected to cost around $2,200. However, during the inspection, two cylinders were found to be faulty, which led to them being shipped across the country for rebuilding. This process not only added three weeks of downtime but also escalated the cost from $2,200 to $6,000.

The unexpected repair costs coupled with the downtime led to a loss of $9,000 in revenue. This is a stark reminder that machinery malfunction and other unforeseen issues can incur significant expenses, making the total cost of ownership much higher than originally anticipated.

Comparing Ownership with Rental Costs

Kenny discusses how everyone calculates the costs of insurance, maintenance, and other factors, assuming a smooth operation. But as his experience shows, things often go awry, leading to extra expenditure.

Chris Nelson, another helicopter enthusiast, owns a Robinson R-22 and accumulated a couple of hundred hours on it. Kenny recounts how Chris, upon reflecting, found that the total cost of ownership was almost the same as if he would have rented a helicopter for every hour. Importantly, Chris emphasized that the primary benefit of ownership was the availability of the helicopter anytime he wanted, eliminating the need to adhere to a flight school schedule.

Flexible Training Programs

Another notable comparison between ownership and rental lies in scheduling.

Flight School Scheduling Challenges

Flight schools often have packed schedules due to the high demand for their aircraft. Kenny mentions how, in a typical flight school environment, you have to get on a schedule and share aircraft with other students. This could mean limited and inconvenient flying times, hampering your training progress. If you could only fly on Tuesday, you might not get another slot until the next Wednesday, significantly stretching out the time needed to complete your training.

The Final Approach Course

To counteract this, Kenny offers an innovative solution through his company. Their "Final Approach Course" brings students in for an intensive training period where a dedicated aircraft, instructor, and examiner are all made available simultaneously to complete your ratings swiftly and efficiently. This is a considerable advantage over traditional flight school setups, enabling students to finish their training in a streamlined way.

Exciting New Opportunities

Kenny capped off the podcast with a sneak peek into an exciting new venture.

he Vegas Initiative

Kenny revealed that he will be offering a unique learning experience in Las Vegas, accompanied by Dan "Taz" Christman, the 2018 Flight Instructor of the Year. This new initiative promises a more focused and intensive training experience designed to optimize your learning and proficiency.

By offering such customized training programs, Kenny aims to remove the obstacles that students face with traditional training models, ensuring that they can achieve their piloting goals without the frequent delays and inconveniences of shared schedules.

Final Thoughts

Owning a helicopter offers the allure of freedom and flexibility, but it comes with substantial financial risks and unexpected costs. Renting, on the other hand, provides a more predictable expense but comes with scheduling hassles. The choice between owning and renting ultimately depends on your individual circumstances, financial situation, and training goals.

Innovative training programs like Kenny’s "Final Approach Course" and the upcoming initiative in Las Vegas present compelling alternatives for those looking to maximize their training efficiency. Whichever path you choose, understanding the true costs and benefits can help you make an informed decision.

To dig in deeper into these insights, feel free to check out the "Private Pilot 101- A Helicopter Training Blueprint", available as a free PDF or as a paperback. Fly safe, and make informed decisions to reach new heights in your aviation journey!