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faq

IFR vs VFR

Instrument flight rules (IFR) are regulations and procedures for flying aircraft by referring only to the aircraft instrument panel for navigation. Even if nothing can be seen outside the cockpit windows, an IFR-rated pilot can fly from one location to another while looking only at the instrument panel. An IFR-rated pilot can also be authorized to fly through clouds, using Air Traffic Control procedures designed to maintain separation from other aircraft. Most scheduled airline flights operate under IFR.

Visual Flight Rules (VFR) are often used in roles such as sight-seeing flights, aerial photography, or lift services for parachute jumping. Pilots flying under VFR are not permitted to fly through clouds. Many non-commercial, private recreational aircraft operate under VFR whenever the sky is clear. Under VFR, the pilot is primarily responsible for navigation, obstacle clearance and maintaining separation from other aircraft.

Differences between Helicopters and Fixed Wing Aircraft

The main difference between fixed-wing and rotary-wing aircraft is the way lift is achieved. The fixed-wing aircraft gets its lift from a fixed airfoil surface where lift is generated by the wings when the plane is thrusted forward by its engine. The helicopter gets lift from rotating airfoils called rotor blades. And that is the key difference and explains why a helicopter can hover but a fixed-wing aircraft cannot.

A plane is a bigger machine enjoying more speed, more seating capacity and more fuel storage capacity usually traversing long distances with more load and requiring a long runway and airport to land/take-off. A helicopter on the other hand has a small engine and smaller carrying capacity and is very versatile flying for shorter distances and requiring a small helipad. A helicopter is useful to reach places which are difficult to access by fixed wing aircraft like offshore oil rigs, mountains and private houses.

Transporting / Shipping Helicopters

Transporting of helicopter from country to country is usually done by sea freight if it is not urgent. Following are just a few mode of transporting the helicopter by sea.
- 20 or 40 footer container
- flat rack for oversized helicopters
- break bulk for oversized helicopters
- Helicopters are also transported by air freight if the need is urgent

Skids vs Wheels

Skids are used mainly because they weigh less than wheels. On larger, more powerful helicopters, wheels are used because the utility and convenience can be more important than the savings in weight.

The consideration for skids or wheels really depends on the primary use of the helicopter. For example if you are logging, skids make sense because you can lift larger loads and are more concerned with hovering performance. If the primary mission is medevac or air transport, retractable wheels allow greater speed and increased fuel economy over long distances.

So the main factor is one of simplicity; a skid landing gear needs very little maintenance but there is a drawback. Ground handling is a bit more difficult, so it follows that it is the smaller machines that tend to use them. Once you get above say 8,000lb or 4 tons, you really need some built in wheels to move the helicopter around.

Age Limits

A helicopter if it is well maintained and parts are overhauled or replaced as required can keep flying for a long period of time. For example it is not uncommon to see a helicopter in a lifting role that is over 40 years old.

However, recently certain countries' aviation authorities have placed age restrictions on the import of used aircraft. These range from 10 - 15 years old in most cases.

Oil company clients are also starting to limit the age of the helicopters they will allow on their contracts. This limit varies, but is usually 10 or 15 years.

Acquiring a Helicopter Located in Another Country

There are several potential pitfalls involved in a foreign asset acquisition, be it a helicopter or anything besides.

Free and clear title is essential, as well as de-registration from the countries aviation register, ensuring no liens or mortgages exist and all bills / invoices have been settled.

We do not recommend an individual embark on this process. At Lloyd Helicopters, we have been specialising in the international buying and selling of aircraft for several decades, and we are able to ensure you avoid the many potential pitfalls that could exist.