Helicopter flights for taking aerial photographs... phew!

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googlegroups@sensation.net.au - 22 Sep 2006 00:33 GMT

I came across a helicopter rental site that offered 20 minute scenic
flights for $99, so I thought I'd try asking how much a flight to a
specific location to snap pics would be. The reply kinda floored me...
around $1050 for a 45 minute flight. Does taking off the door really
increase the price by 5 times?

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nb - 22 Sep 2006 00:45 GMT

> I came across a helicopter rental site that offered 20 minute scenic
> flights for $99, so I thought I'd try asking how much a flight to a
> specific location to snap pics would be. The reply kinda floored me...
> around $1050 for a 45 minute flight. Does taking off the door really
> increase the price by 5 times?

$99.00 cost would probably involve 4 or 5 people at $99.00 each for the same
20 minutes.

Last time I hired a helicopter in Melbourne cost was six hundred and
something for half an hour and they timed it to the minute.

If you hire a helicopter for aerial photography it is best if the pilot has
experience doing this sort of work so he or she can put the aircraft exactly
where you want it quickly and efficiently because at $20.00 per minute you
don't want them to muck around.

cheers

nb

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Andrew Hennell - 22 Sep 2006 02:59 GMT

No, but as 'nb' said the joyflights would be based on 4 or 5 persons
sitting in the machine.

You may find it cheaper to hire a fixed-wing aircraft, but they don't
stay in one spot for as long so it depends what you're shooting. A few
circuits of a site should suffice for most photography.

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Dave E - 22 Sep 2006 05:00 GMT

>I came across a helicopter rental site that offered 20 minute scenic
> flights for $99, so I thought I'd try asking how much a flight to a
> specific location to snap pics would be. The reply kinda floored me...
> around $1050 for a 45 minute flight. Does taking off the door really
> increase the price by 5 times?

There's a much easier way. Get your sister to date some guy who owns a
chopper. That's what I did and for some years he graciously flew me all
over Sydney (door off), up to the Hunter and often out through the Blue
Mountains, to Bathurst etc. We regularly flew over Sydney (and the city,
bridge, OHouse etc.) doorless and often with me standing on the skid (very
exciting). The times he accepted payment he refused anything over $100 per
hour - in a R22 and often a borrowed R44.

So there you have it. They broke up and now I sure miss her.

Later he sold his chopper and now I miss him too.

(Shallow) Dave E (Sydney)

:-)

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Don - 22 Sep 2006 10:16 GMT

shallow but smart!!!!

>>I came across a helicopter rental site that offered 20 minute scenic
>> flights for $99, so I thought I'd try asking how much a flight to a
[quoted text clipped - 16 lines]
> (Shallow) Dave E (Sydney)
> :-)

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Rob - 22 Sep 2006 13:29 GMT

>>I came across a helicopter rental site that offered 20 minute scenic
>>flights for $99, so I thought I'd try asking how much a flight to a
[quoted text clipped - 16 lines]
> (Shallow) Dave E (Sydney)
> :-)

You back from OS Dave!!!!!

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Dave E - 22 Sep 2006 21:52 GMT

>>>I came across a helicopter rental site that offered 20 minute scenic
>>>flights for $99, so I thought I'd try asking how much a flight to a
[quoted text clipped - 18 lines]
>
> You back from OS Dave!!!!!

Mate, back from Burma last Thursday morning, flew staight to Phillip Island
to shoot one of the teams and now, a week later, still buggered! Life is
good. :-)

How about yerself?? :-)

Cheers,
Dave E (Sydney)

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Sam - 22 Sep 2006 06:16 GMT

What helicopter type?

Each, either fixed wing or helicopter, has its particular problems with
using it for a photography platform. Fixed wing (slow like a Gazelle)is
far more economical to use about $120/hr.

Helicopters are expensive to hire (capital cost and running expenses)
Turbine types need a cooling down period as well added into the time.
$1200+ hr is not unusual for a B206 but worth the extra over a R22. The
R22 is not as stable.

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Dave E - 22 Sep 2006 10:33 GMT

>> I came across a helicopter rental site that offered 20 minute scenic
>> flights for $99, so I thought I'd try asking how much a flight to a
[quoted text clipped - 12 lines]
> $1200+ hr is not unusual for a B206 but worth the extra over a R22. The
> R22 is not as stable.

Indeed you are correct. However, the trick is not to hover in a 22 - very
unstable. We found that about 20kts was about right. Brace yourself before
sticking a very long lens out the open door whilst moving. It will try to
leap from your hands! Brace yourself too for doorless altitude flight
during winter - flight movement is not the only shaking you have to deal
with! :-)

Over time you get a language with your pilot and we were able to pinpoint
the targets, get in and out in a flash. My pilot was also on excellent
terms with ATC (air traffic control) which got us access to places where
access is usually near impossible. Google Earth is an excellent tool to
prepare for finding your target house/business etc. - not always easy when
you are under strict time pressure (and $$ pressure).

As for asserting tht the Jet Ranger is better than a 22, of course that
depends on your client's willingness to part with the dough necessary to
cover your time and we hope pay for your new Merc.

Cheers,
Dave E (Sydney)

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Poxy - 22 Sep 2006 15:34 GMT

Last time I got in a chopper the going rate was around $1,000/hr in a B206
Jet Ranger, although in that case, part of the fee was because it was rigged
with a nose-mount for a digi-betacam camera - I shot stills from the back
seat :)

I get the impression that smaller choppers, like the Robinson R44 go for
about $800/hr.

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kosh - 22 Sep 2006 23:33 GMT

2 words

public
liability

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