Chartering a Helicopter
How do I charter a helicopter?
When chartering a helicopter, you must ensure the operator has a valid Air Operators' Certificate (AOC).
This is to ensure the operator complies with the necessary safety standards.
Without an AOC, it is illegal to carry fare-paying passengers, and you will not be insured.
The holder of a private pilot's licence (PPL) is not legally permitted to receive any remuneration for carrying passengers.
A list of BHA members offering charter services can be found
here.
How much will it cost?
Typical examples of charter rates are given below. They cover the hire of the helicopter and pilot(s) for flying costs per hour, inclusive of fuel. There are some additional expenses such as landing fees and late opening times for airports and some helipads.
| Jetranger | (4 Passengers) | £500 |
| AS350 [Single Squirrel] | (4 to 5 Passengers) | £750 |
| AS355 [Twin Squirrel] | (4 to 5 Passengers) | £950 |
| A109E/B222 | (6 to 10 Passengers) | £1400 |
| EC155/S76 | (up to 13 Passengers on some variants) | £2300 |
Details on these (and other similar) helicopter types may be found in the
BHA Handbook .
The code of practice for charter helicopter operations can be found
here.
The CAA have produced a leaflet to help passengers to make sure that their flight is legal and covered by insurance, as there are a small number of operators who do not operate within the legal framework setup to protect the fare paying public.