A FBO at my airport is trying to introduce helicopter flying lessons and they want to charge 500$ for the rental and a additional 100$ for instruction costs.
Is there any specific reasons why helicopter flying lessons are so expensive? Does location matter? ( I live In Colorado)
The helicopter isn’t anything special, just a R44.
Thanks
#1 by Jason on May 30th, 2011
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helicopters are expensive to maintain. the piston ones are for beginers and cheaper, turbine powered are even more expensive. plus the instructors fee
#2 by Rick on May 30th, 2011
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Very costly machines to operate.
In an airplane, if the motors quit, you can still rely on some very solid, simple, stationary structures to glide down to earth.
In a helicopter, you’re at the mercy of moving parts the whole time. They need a lot more attention than airplane parts require.
#3 by John R on May 30th, 2011
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On most helecopters there are a number of rather expensive components that have life limits, and have to be placed when the operating time reaches that limit. There is no option to repair or overhaul these items, they must be scrapped and replaced. The cost of these items must be included in the hourly operating costs.
#4 by Tracy L on May 30th, 2011
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All helicopters are expensive to fly but $500/hr seems really high in comparison to other suppliers. They are in the $300-375 range around Texas. Even $329/hr in BOSTON! Just do a search for R44 training you will see several places and prices listed.
http://www.google.com/search?hl=en&client=firefox-a&rls=org.mozilla:en-US:official&hs=Dss&q=R44+training&start=0&sa=N
http://philip.greenspun.com/flying/r44-transition-training
You might want to check this one
http://www.elitehelicopter.com/helicopter_services/private_pilot.html
Thats in Englewood,Co.
#5 by ht Freerider on May 30th, 2011
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If your new to aviation. Aviation is a very expensive industry.. Helicopters cost a lot more to run than aeroplanes. Simply because they are very complicated machines.