AvBuyer Magazine – August 2019

Productivity Comparison

The points in Chart E are centered on

the same helicopters. Pricing used in the

vertical axis is as published in the Vref

Pricing Guide for model year 2018. The

productivity index requires further

discussion in that the factors used can be

somewhat arbitrary. Productivity can be

defined (and it is here) as the multiple of

three factors:

1. Seats Full Range with available fuel;


2. The Long Range cruise speed flown
   to achieve that range;


3. The cabin volume available for
   passengers and amenities.

Others may choose different

parameters, but serious helicopter

buyers are usually impressed with Price,

Range, Speed and Cabin Size. After

consideration of these parameters, we

can conclude the following:

• The Bell 505 shows a higher retail
  price (based on 2018 used prices);


• The Bell 505 offers a slightly larger
  cabin volume;


• The Bell 505 has almost 20% lower
  operating cost (per mile and variable
  operating cost per hour);


• The Robinson R66 has slightly
  higher seats-full range;


• The Robinson R66 has greater
  ‘Payload with Full Fuel’ capability;


• The R66 also offers a higher long-
  range cruise speed.

In Summary...

Currently, both of the featured

helicopters average 10 units sold per

month (new and pre-owned) and are

clearly popular models on the helicopter

market. Operators considering the

purchase of a single-engine turbine

helicopter should weigh up their mission

requirements precisely when choosing

the best aircraft for them.

Within the preceding paragraphs we

have touched upon several of the

attributes that helicopter operators

value. However, buyers should be aware

that there are other qualities that might

factor in a buying decision too.

Our expectations are that the Bell 505

and Robinson R66 will continue to do

well on the new/used helicopter market

for the foreseeable future. 

For more reading, visit

https://philip.greenspun.com/

flying/bell-505/review

Mike Chase’s analytical and

consultancy services are highly

valued within the Business Aviation

industry. He is founder and president

of Chase & Associates, and works

closely with several respected

sources to compile his unique

Aircraft Comparative Analysis

features.

Contact Mike via [email protected]

Compare,

Contrast,

Decide

with AvBuyer

Index

(Speed x Range x Cabin Volume / 1,000,000,000)

0 .000

Price (Millions)

$0.0

2. 000

1. 000 3. 000

2018 Robinson R66

2

$0.5

$1.5

$1.0

2 018 Bell 505

4. 000

$2.0

$2.0

Chart E - Productivity Comparison

HELICOPTER COMPARISON AVBUYER.com

Robinson R66

88
Vol 23 Issue 8 2019
AVBUYERMAGAZINE http://www.AVBUYER.com

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