AviateQ’s advice to its clients is that any new helicopter type should have been in operational service for a minimum period of 18 months. The lead helicopter should have accumulated a minimum of 1,000 flying hours of operations of which 500 hours need to be in the same operating environment for intended use.

Additionally, the new helicopter type needs to have successfully undergone a detailed technical safety review culminating in a report containing the information derived from regulatory websites, approved manuals, documentation and certificates provided by the OEM (original equipment manufacturer).  A visit to the OEM’s facilities made by one of our pilots and engineers includes focus on airworthiness directives, the inspection and assembly of airframes and gearboxes, the inspection and functionality testing of installed systems and equipment, supply chain, technical training & checking provided to engineers and pilots, simulator training and hands-on flying of the helicopter type.

Should you be interested in joining our 2025 client programme which includes two new helicopter types then please feel free to contact us today.