ADVERTORIAL
HELICOPTER CHOICE & UTILISATION “There is no such thing as a bad helicopter, but it may not be the right one for you.” The key with helicopter choice is understanding the mission profile now and considering what it may become in the future. A good starting point is looking at what models are currently popular, but peer group pressure may lead to a misinformed choice. It is crucial to seek the opinion of a professional to confirm that the aircraft fits the owner’s mission profile. ‘Try before you buy’ applies to helicopters as well. Although VIP helicopters are not easy to lease for short periods of time, building relationships with reliable charter operators will help owners determine whether the perceived need matches actual utilisation.
HELICOPTER BUILD & DELIVERY “The day of delivery should be for flying and sipping champagne, not unrealised expectations.” The purchase of an aircraft can be complex, especially with factory deliveries. Helicopters come with a broad range of operational equipment beyond the basic airframe and engines — mission-specific equipment, airframe modifications, interior and exterior design schemes, to name a few. One should also keep in mind that one day it may be sold; some decisions, though not of immediate use to the owner may be crucial in optimising resale value. For best results, engage with an industry professional that is not the manufacturer. Continuously following the build, understand the stages of production, and preparing for the day of delivery will help avoid any surprises on the day; and ensure it is a smooth and enjoyable process for all involved.
OPERATIONAL SAFETY “We are only as good as our last flight.” This is for us as operators and aircrew. We are experienced professionals with CVs that make impressive reading, but in most instances we do not fly enough by solely on heli-yacht time. The average superyacht helicopter flies around 100 hours a year. In a rostered and/or multi-crew operation, individual hours are significantly less. Regardless of experience, currency is not necessarily there. Aircrew are encouraged to fly outside their duty times in other roles, but additional approved training time is crucial.
“Helicopter operations are expensive. The cost of an accident is far greater
.”
The key with helicopter choice is understanding the mission profile now and considering what it may be in the future.
Heli-yacht operations are expensive. With currency training, specialist equipment, regular maintenance, proper hangarage and facilities, operations and administrative teams, deck training for yacht crew, and much more, the costs can quickly get into high numbers. Some may be tempted to cut corners to save some money. However, the costs — financial and emotional — associated with an accident are far greater, and can be catastrophic.
CLIENT RELATIONSHIPS “No matter what I tell you, I never have to be anywhere.” This is a client quote; it has stayed with me for years. Client pressure is one of the most challenging elements of heli-yacht operations. Getting to a place of trust
in the relationship is vital, and the quicker we get there the better. As heli-yacht aviators, we are all service orientated professionals wanting the best for our principal, their loved ones, and our fellow crew members. However, there are reasons by which we cannot fly. They may relate to airworthiness of the helicopter, weather, regional rules, or time of day. An enlightened owner understands these aspects and will not put the crew in an untenable position.
A TRUE TEAM EFFORT For helicopter crew, an expression of old was “I am looking for a pilot who is a cross between Tom Cruise and Father Christmas”; this was accompanied by comments relating to being unattached with the freedom to travel. This is now a dated concept. Pilots with the required experience often have young families they want to be around, and far from being a hindrance, I consider this a healthy attribute to support the statement ‘We all want to come home tonight’. Flying helicopters to superyachts for some of the wealthiest people on the planet is a stressful job. With the proper emphasis on the needs of their crew, an owner will not only have one of the safest operations possible, but also some of the most fiercely dedicated and loyal individuals on the market.
The single most important element of a safe and high quality heli-yacht operation is the relationship of trust between the principal, the yacht and the helicopter.
For more details talk to Nigel Watson Tel: +44 1624 811365 or visit
www.luviair.com
ONBOARD | AUTUMN 2022 | 63
Page 1 |
Page 2 |
Page 3 |
Page 4 |
Page 5 |
Page 6 |
Page 7 |
Page 8 |
Page 9 |
Page 10 |
Page 11 |
Page 12 |
Page 13 |
Page 14 |
Page 15 |
Page 16 |
Page 17 |
Page 18 |
Page 19 |
Page 20 |
Page 21 |
Page 22 |
Page 23 |
Page 24 |
Page 25 |
Page 26 |
Page 27 |
Page 28 |
Page 29 |
Page 30 |
Page 31 |
Page 32 |
Page 33 |
Page 34 |
Page 35 |
Page 36 |
Page 37 |
Page 38 |
Page 39 |
Page 40 |
Page 41 |
Page 42 |
Page 43 |
Page 44 |
Page 45 |
Page 46 |
Page 47 |
Page 48 |
Page 49 |
Page 50 |
Page 51 |
Page 52 |
Page 53 |
Page 54 |
Page 55 |
Page 56 |
Page 57 |
Page 58 |
Page 59 |
Page 60 |
Page 61 |
Page 62 |
Page 63 |
Page 64 |
Page 65 |
Page 66 |
Page 67 |
Page 68 |
Page 69 |
Page 70 |
Page 71 |
Page 72 |
Page 73 |
Page 74 |
Page 75 |
Page 76 |
Page 77 |
Page 78 |
Page 79 |
Page 80 |
Page 81 |
Page 82 |
Page 83 |
Page 84 |
Page 85 |
Page 86 |
Page 87 |
Page 88 |
Page 89 |
Page 90 |
Page 91 |
Page 92 |
Page 93 |
Page 94 |
Page 95 |
Page 96 |
Page 97 |
Page 98 |
Page 99 |
Page 100 |
Page 101 |
Page 102 |
Page 103 |
Page 104 |
Page 105 |
Page 106 |
Page 107 |
Page 108 |
Page 109 |
Page 110 |
Page 111 |
Page 112 |
Page 113 |
Page 114 |
Page 115 |
Page 116 |
Page 117 |
Page 118 |
Page 119 |
Page 120 |
Page 121 |
Page 122 |
Page 123 |
Page 124 |
Page 125 |
Page 126 |
Page 127 |
Page 128 |
Page 129 |
Page 130 |
Page 131 |
Page 132 |
Page 133 |
Page 134 |
Page 135 |
Page 136 |
Page 137 |
Page 138 |
Page 139 |
Page 140 |
Page 141 |
Page 142 |
Page 143 |
Page 144 |
Page 145 |
Page 146 |
Page 147 |
Page 148 |
Page 149 |
Page 150 |
Page 151 |
Page 152 |
Page 153 |
Page 154 |
Page 155 |
Page 156 |
Page 157 |
Page 158 |
Page 159 |
Page 160 |
Page 161 |
Page 162 |
Page 163 |
Page 164 |
Page 165 |
Page 166 |
Page 167 |
Page 168 |
Page 169 |
Page 170 |
Page 171 |
Page 172 |
Page 173 |
Page 174 |
Page 175 |
Page 176 |
Page 177 |
Page 178 |
Page 179 |
Page 180 |
Page 181 |
Page 182 |
Page 183 |
Page 184 |
Page 185 |
Page 186 |
Page 187 |
Page 188 |
Page 189 |
Page 190 |
Page 191 |
Page 192 |
Page 193 |
Page 194 |
Page 195 |
Page 196 |
Page 197 |
Page 198 |
Page 199 |
Page 200 |
Page 201 |
Page 202 |
Page 203 |
Page 204 |
Page 205 |
Page 206 |
Page 207 |
Page 208 |
Page 209 |
Page 210 |
Page 211 |
Page 212 |
Page 213 |
Page 214 |
Page 215 |
Page 216 |
Page 217 |
Page 218 |
Page 219 |
Page 220 |
Page 221 |
Page 222 |
Page 223 |
Page 224 |
Page 225 |
Page 226 |
Page 227 |
Page 228 |
Page 229 |
Page 230 |
Page 231 |
Page 232
