How to Buy a Helicopter – Key Factors, Prices & Purchase Process

💰 What Determines the Price of a Helicopter?

Several key factors influence helicopter prices:

✔ Flight hours – Helicopters with fewer flight hours are more expensive. For example, an Agusta AW109 with 3,000 flight hours starts at €1 million.
✔ Engine and component lifespan – The more remaining life a helicopter’s engine, transmission, and key components have, the higher the price.
✔ Aircraft age – Even a 25-year-old helicopter retains value if it has been well-maintained.

🚁 Why Buy from Us?

✔ Large selection – Over 30 helicopters ready for sale
✔ Direct partnerships – We work directly with manufacturers like Agusta Westland and Airbus, ensuring the best prices
✔ New models available – Including Airbus H160, AS350B3, EC135, ready for immediate delivery
✔ Experience – We serve private buyers and dealers who resell our helicopters

💵 Financing & Leasing Options

Buying a helicopter is a major investment. We offer:

✔ Leasing – Ideal for corporate clients
✔ Loans – Available for private buyers
✔ Customized financial solutions – We help find the best option for your needs

💼 How Can a Helicopter Generate Income?

A properly managed helicopter can become a profitable investment.

📌 Example: With 250 flight hours per year on an Agusta 109E Power, your annual revenue can exceed €400,000.

Luxury interior of Agusta AW109 VIP helicopter - leather seats and premium interior trimLuxury interior of Agusta AW109 VIP helicopter - leather seats and premium interior trim
Agusta AW109 - light multi-role helicopter with 3,000 hours flight time available for purchase
Agusta AW109 - light multi-role helicopter with 3,000 hours flight time available for purchase

What You Need to Know Before Buying a Helicopter

Buying a helicopter is a complex process that requires attention to multiple factors, including technical condition, price, additional costs, and pilot licensing requirements.In this guide, we cover key considerations, price formation, and the purchase process, along with expert tips on choosing the right helicopter for your needs.

Airbus AS350 helicopter cockpit - a comfortable and modern pilot's workplace
Airbus AS350 helicopter cockpit - a comfortable and modern pilot's workplace

🎓 Types of Helicopter Pilot Licenses

Just like driver’s licenses, aviation has different pilot license categories, each allowing you to fly specific aircraft types.

PPL(H) – Private Pilot License

  • Allows flying light helicopters like Robinson R22 or R44

  • Not valid for commercial flights

✅ CPL(H) – Commercial Pilot License

  • Required for commercial flight operations

✅ ATPL(H) – Airline Transport Pilot License

  • The highest level of certification, allowing operation of multi-engine helicopters

Красный вертолет Agusta AW109 в момент взлета с площадки – многоцелевой вертолет с элегантным дизайнКрасный вертолет Agusta AW109 в момент взлета с площадки – многоцелевой вертолет с элегантным дизайн

🔄 How to Transition Between Helicopter Models

To fly more advanced helicopters (e.g., transitioning from a piston-engine Robinson R44 to a turbine-powered Airbus H125), pilots must:

✔ Complete a type rating conversion course
✔ Log the required flight hours
✔ Pass a certification exam

🎯 Additional Qualifications for Special Operations

Certain specialized operations require additional training:

✔ Instrument Flight Rules (IFR) – Allows pilots to fly at night or in low visibility conditions
✔ Mountain flying – Specialized training for challenging terrains
✔ Cargo hook operations – Training to transport external loads using helicopter hooks

Процесс обучения пилотов на вертолете Robinson R44 в ИталииПроцесс обучения пилотов на вертолете Robinson R44 в Италии

What is the process of buying a helicopter like?

Площадка компании Ermes Inc. с 12 вертолетами, ожидающими технического обслуживания и переоборудован
Площадка компании Ermes Inc. с 12 вертолетами, ожидающими технического обслуживания и переоборудован

How to Buy a Helicopter – Step-by-Step Process

🛒 The Helicopter Purchase Process

1️⃣ Choose Your Model

  • Browse our available helicopters or contact us for expert consultation.

2️⃣ Submit a Request

  • Send an official inquiry with all necessary details.

  • If you need pilot conversion training or technical personnel training, mention it in your request to receive special training discounts.

3️⃣ Receive a Detailed Offer

  • We will analyze your requirements and provide a comprehensive commercial proposal, including:
    ✔ A detailed description of the recommended helicopter model
    ✔ Technical specifications
    ✔ Current photos of the aircraft
    ✔ A full price breakdown and sales terms

📌 Transparency Guaranteed – You will receive clear and complete information to make an informed decision.

4️⃣ Helicopter Inspection

  • Once you accept our offer, we arrange a full technical inspection at one of our bases in Italy, Switzerland, or Poland, depending on the aircraft's location.

  • Our technical experts will assess:
    ✔ Engine, transmission, and key components condition
    ✔ Upgrades and modifications
    ✔ Remaining flight hours and overall service life

5️⃣ Helicopter Delivery

  • You can:
    ✔ Pick up the helicopter and fly it from our base.
    ✔ Request delivery by air, land, or sea (shipping terms discussed separately).

🚁 Why Is This Process Convenient for You?

✔ Full Transparency – Receive complete details on the helicopter's condition, preparation time, and financing options.
✔ Time Savings – We assist with documentation, inspections, and financing selection.
✔ Comprehensive Solutions – Beyond helicopter sales, we provide pilot training, technical training, medical crew certification, and helicopter modifications.

Клиент осматривает вертолет Agusta AW119 Koala перед покупкой в нашем центре в ИталииКлиент осматривает вертолет Agusta AW119 Koala перед покупкой в нашем центре в Италии

💰 Helicopter Ownership & Maintenance Costs

Owning a helicopter involves fixed and variable expenses, even when the aircraft is not in use.

📌 Fixed Costs

Insurance – Includes mandatory liability insurance and full hull coverage for potential damage.
Pilot Salary – Even when the helicopter is not flying, a full-time pilot is required to maintain operational readiness.
Taxes – Varies depending on the country of registration.
Hangar Rental – Essential for sheltering the helicopter, especially in unstable weather conditions.

📌 Variable Costs

✔ Fuel Consumption – Depends on the helicopter model and flight frequency.
✔ Technical Maintenance – Regular inspections, part replacements, and preventive servicing.

💵 Want to Know the Exact Cost of Maintaining a Specific Helicopter?

Each helicopter has unique operational and maintenance costs. Contact us for a personalized cost calculation based on the model you’re interested in.

📩 Get in touch today for expert advice on helicopter ownership and pricing!