If you're trying to decide between a private jet and a private helicopter flight for charter purposes, there are many factors to consider. As far as private flights are concerned, both helicopter charters and private jets offer certain benefits, as well as some drawbacks, all of which we'll discuss today. Between amenities, comfort, costs, and capabilities, one of these stands out. So, is it a private jet or helicopter that you'll choose?
What We'll Cover:
- What to Choose: Helicopter or Private Jet?
- Accessibility and Flexibility
- Speed and Range
- Amenities and Comfort
- Scheduling Flexibility
- Passenger Capacity
- Scenic Qualities
- Costs
- Jet vs Helicopter: Which is Right for You?
- Private Helicopter Charters with Rotor One
What to Choose: Helicopter or Private Jet?
When it comes to choosing between a helicopter or private jet for charter purposes, there are a great number of factors to consider. Helicopters offer privacy, luxury, and speed when it comes to traveling short to medium distances, whereas jets are best suited for longer distances, although this is by far not the only difference.
Let's take a look at all of the differences between private helicopter charters and private jet charters, so you can make an informed decision.
Accessibility and Flexibility
One of the biggest differences between helicopter charters and private jets is the access that they have to take off and landing locations.
Generally speaking, helicopters are much more versatile, as they have vertical takeoff and landing capabilities.
This means that they don't require long runways and are able to land in many places that jets can't, such as on yachts, private properties, rooftops, and even Hunter Valley wineries.
For this reason, helicopters are great for short distance travel inside of cities or to destinations outside of cities where regular airports aren't available or aren't practical.
Private jets on the other hand need at least a small airport with a runway. Yes, many jets can land at FBO's, but they still can't land in very rugged or tight locations, not like helicopters can. A helicopter can easily drop you off at a Hunter Valley winery, something that jets just can't do.
Speed and Range
Something else worth noting is that private helicopter charters are ideal for short ranges. Generally speaking, most helicopters used for charter purposes have a maximum operational distance of 400 to 1000 kilometers, depending on the model.
For instance, the Bell 429, used by Rotor One, has an operational distance of nearly 800 kilometers. This makes helicopter charters ideal for regional travel and short urban distances. They're also suitable for intercity travel.
Of course, due to the nature of fixed wing aircraft, and can generally cover much larger distances, at least 2000 kilometers without refueling, whereas larger jets may be able to fly up to 13,000 kilometers without having to refuel.
Something else to keep in mind is that your average helicopter used for these purposes will have a maximum cruising speed of around 260 kilometers per hour, whereas a jet can fly at 900 kilometers per hour or faster. This means that jets are generally better for international travel and long haul flights.
With that being said, when it comes to regional travel, there's no need to fly at the speed that jets go at. For instance, with a helicopter, you can get from Melbourne to the Yarra Valley in just 15 minutes.
Amenities and Comfort
Another factor worth considering here is the amount of amenities available on the aircraft in question.
Now, something that is worth saying is that most people would say that private jets prioritise passenger privacy, comfort, and luxury amenities, which is even the case for smaller models.
While this is certainly true, this does not mean that private helicopter charters cannot offer the same level of comfort.
Although a private helicopter is not as large as a private jet, models such as the Bell 429 can still comfortably seat up to 8 people, with plenty of leg room to spare.
With noise reduction systems, comfortable seating, panoramic windows, noise cancelling headsets, and all of the bells and whistles, a private helicopter can be extremely comfortable. For any flight that lasts less than half a day, a helicopter charter is more than ideal, although you will likely find more amenities on a jet, making it better for long-distance travel.
Scheduling Flexibility
One of the biggest benefits that you get with a helicopter charter when compared to a jet charter is scheduling flexibility. The simple fact of the matter is that when you want to reserve a private jet, you likely have to do so weeks or even months in advance.
Due to issues such as longer pre-flight checks, larger crews, and runway coordination, it might take quite some time for you to reserve one, although there are some operators that pride themselves on relatively short turn-around times.
That said, you'll likely always be able to reserve a helicopter charter much faster than a jet charter. Helicopter charter companies, such as Rotor One, are great for last-minute availability and short notice bookings, not to mention that you can avoid layovers and use terminals designed for speed and privacy when you use a helicopter.
If you're looking for last minute air travel, it's a private helicopter that you need.
Passenger Capacity
In terms of passenger capacity, jets will usually be a bit bigger than helicopters. The smallest of private jets can accommodate 6 people, with larger models often being able to handle up to 30, and that with luxury spacing.
On the other hand, helicopters used for charters can generally carry anywhere from 4 to 9 passengers, with some larger models possibly carrying up to 15. With that being said, 8 or 9 passengers is usually the maximum.
If you're looking for private travel, you're on your own, with a small group, or with your significant other, then a helicopter charter is more than good enough. It offers plenty of space and luxury without the massive cost associated with jet travel.
Scenic Qualities
Another huge benefit that you get from a helicopter charter when compared to a jet charter is that it's much more immersive. Helicopters generally fly at around 1000 feet, and sometimes a bit higher.
They also hover at low altitudes and have large glass windows. This means that when you're in a helicopter, you'll have an excellent view of all of Australia's cities, mountains, and remote countryside areas.
It's all about getting to see the ground below in a way that few others do, while snapping photos that will last a lifetime. This means that helicopter travel is both practical and thrilling, as well as immersive. If you're looking to do a sightseeing tour, it's a helicopter charter that you need.
On the other hand, jets cruise at up to 40,000 feet in the air, and they really don't let you see the ground at all, which means that they are not ideal for scenic purposes in the least.
Costs
Also worth mentioning is that helicopter charters are usually much more affordable than jet charters. For instance, light helicopter charters usually start at around 1500 per hour in Australia, while larger and more luxurious helicopters may cost anywhere between $3000 and $7000 per hour.
While this may seem like a high cost, it's really nothing compared to how much a jet rental costs, as it starts at around $4000 per hour, with some models easily exceeding $15,000 per hour. Therefore, for any kind of shorter flight, it does not make sense to hire a jet when you could hire a helicopter. Cost considerations should always be taken into account.
For a customised flight estimate, check out our private jet charter services in Melbourne, Sydney, or Brisbane.
Jet vs Helicopter: Which is Right for You?
So, now that we've discussed all of the main differences between helicopter charters and jet charters, let's find out which one is right for you.
A helicopter charter is right for you if:
- You need transfers from airports to other airports or to regional or remote destinations.
- You require intercity travel or need to travel short distances to outside of urban centers.
- You want to travel privately, with your significant other, or with a small group, while skipping the lines and high costs often associated with private jet travel.
- You want to go sightseeing, on a winery tour, or for aerial photography.
- If you're looking to travel short distances and don't want to pay the high costs that come with jet travel.
- If you need to go to regional business meetings, access remote locations, or show up in style to a wedding, conference, or special event.
A jet charter is ideal:
- You need to travel long distances, particularly from 1 country or continent to another.
- For long haul vacations.
- For very large groups.
Private Helicopter Charters with Rotor One
If you need a private helicopter charter, Rotor One is the best choice in all of Australia. With an amazing fleet of high-end helicopters, Rotor One provides charter services to various locations in and around Melbourne, Sydney, and Brisbane.
It's a much better option than flying commercially, especially for short trips, transfers, winery tours, and scenic flights. With Rotor One, you can skip the traffic in congested cities and reach destinations quickly and in style. Contact Rotor One for customised packages that cater to your personal preferences.
