helicopter for sale have a reputation for being expensive but the truth is there are helicopters available for almost any budget. From a $50,000 home-build, single-seat kit up to the $30M ultimate luxury helicopter there is a helicopter out there for everyone.
Helicopters require more maintenance and insurance than airplanes but they offer greater flexibility on where you can land and take off.
Airbus H130
The Airbus H130 is an advanced, single-engine helicopter designed for sightseeing and VIP transport. It features a spacious cabin that can seat 1 pilot + 7 passengers.
The helicopter also offers many technological advances including an active vibration control system, improved air conditioning and energy absorbing seats. In addition, it is the quietest helicopter in its class thanks to a Fenestron shrouded tail rotor and automatic variable rotor speed control.
A Vehicle and Engine Multifunction Display integrated into the instrument panel further reduces the pilot’s workload, thus increasing flight safety. The Airbus Helicopters service network ensures you have access to parts and maintenance when you need them.
Airbus H145
The Airbus H145 is a multipurpose helicopter that can be tailored for emergency medical services and law enforcement duties, aerial work, passenger transport (including private and business aviation), and airlift flights to offshore platforms. It features Safran (Turbomeca) Arriel 2E powerplants with dual full-authority digital engine control and a Fenestron shrouded tail rotor system for enhanced flight safety and increased payload capability.
Helionix, an avionics suite that offers increased mission flexibility, enhances operational safety and efficiency by sharing helicopter and mission data seamlessly. It also supports the maintenance of the aircraft by optimising intervals and increasing in-service time. Thanks to the large rear clamshell doors, stretcher patients can be loaded quickly and easily during EMS missions.
Robinson R44 Clipper
The R44 is the follow-up to the popular two-seat Robinson R22. It offers improved safety and a lower operational cost than its predecessor. It is less squirrelly in gusty winds or near obstacles, and it can carry more payload without running afoul of gross weight limits.
It has a basic panel with the usual flight instruments (airspeed, altitude, engine/rotor tachometer) and an overspeed alarm. You can upgrade it with an inexpensive glass panel from Aspen or HeliSAS, or an engine monitoring unit. The only downside is that the standard R44 doesn’t have little photo windows you can stick your camera through; instead you have to remove the entire door.
Robinson R22 Beta II
The Robinson R22 Beta II, Embry-Riddle Prescott’s primary training helicopter, is the world’s most popular two-seat aircraft. It is an exceptional training aircraft whose performance, stability and safety record are second to none.
The R22’s dependable Lycoming engine is derated to 124 horsepower at altitude to maintain performance even when air density decreases. The R22 also features a mechanical throttle/collective coordination system that automatically matches engine RPM to collective lever movement, eliminating the nagging concern that some pilots have with maintaining rotor speed during maneuvers.
The R22’s compact design feels like a small Bell 206 in flight. As a result, pilots trained in the R22 typically make quick transitions to bigger helicopters.
Robinson R66 Turbine
The Robinson R66 is a five-seat turbine helicopter that’s incredibly easy to fly. It flies like an R22, but with the power of an RR300 engine and a larger cargo compartment. This makes it ideal for aerial filming, passenger & freight transport and police operations.
The R66 is also less expensive to operate than a long-range private jet. In fact, several government agencies use them for VIP transport and fundraising.
One of the keys to Robinson’s success is keeping their helicopters simple. The R66 is no exception, which means it’s perfect for pilots of all skill levels. It also has an advanced four-blade rotor system for greater stability in rough conditions.
Sikorsky CH-53K King Stallion
The Sikorsky CH-53K King Stallion is a heavy-lift cargo helicopter that can carry a variety of payloads. Its main missions include transport and logistics support, but it can also be equipped with defensive systems to conduct combat support.
It has an internal cargo bay that can hold 55 fully-equipped troops and other equipment. It can also be used for external lift operations, allowing it to transport large or oversize loads that cannot fit inside the cargo bay.
The Marine Corps has begun the initial operational test and evaluation phase of the aircraft, and it is on track to reach initial operating capability by 2022. The service recently awarded Sikorsky a contract for nine Lot 5 aircraft.