| If you want to buy a helicopter, the internet has | | | | than their piston-engined relatives. |
| become a great source of information and contacts. | | | | Twin-engined helicopters - Stronger, safer, faster and |
| Many manufacturers have websites describing their | | | | more versatile helicopters include the likes of the |
| helicopter models in detail, and sometimes rare | | | | Dauphin, Sikorsky S-76, Agusta 109, and Eurocopter |
| bargains can be found when helicopters are sold at | | | | Twin Squirrel. These are powered by 2 engines and |
| government or police auctions. | | | | have flight capabilities above those of single-engine |
| New helicopters range from around $200,000 for a | | | | helis. These are the preferred choice for the high-end |
| small chopper with two seats, to a larger, | | | | market with a much higher price bracket. |
| multi-passenger model for $400,000 and more. Used | | | | Helicopters from all of these categories can be found |
| helicopters for sale vary in size, price and year. It | | | | at auctions. Helicopter (and general aircraft) auctions |
| depends on whether you are looking for a domestic or | | | | are typically held by the government (federal or state), |
| work helicopter or if you desire a used military | | | | the police, IRS, or sometimes also banks who seize |
| helicopter. If you find buying a new helicopter is a bit | | | | helicopters as collateral. An auction may be a great |
| beyond your budget, you might consider leasing one, or | | | | chance to save a lot of money while getting a quality |
| looking for an auctioned one. Some benefits of leasing | | | | helicopter. However, there are some tricky issues and |
| are: enjoying benefits of ownership without a huge | | | | pitfalls to them as well, which one should pay attention |
| expenditure. However, leasing incurs significant running | | | | to. |
| and insurance costs, and the helicopter technically | | | | - when purchasing a helicopter at an auction, start by |
| does not belong to you. | | | | observing. Attend the preview (usually held a while |
| Some of the most widespread and popular helicopters | | | | before the auction, and open to the general public). |
| include the Robinson R22 and R44 series, or Bell and | | | | Stay cool during the auction, and decide what you |
| Hughes helicopters for those with a larger budget. | | | | want to bid beforehand. Never get into a bidding war, |
| Helicopter auctions often also feature used military and | | | | it's a surefire way to buyer's remorse. |
| police helicopters such as the Bell UH-1. More generally, | | | | - do not be too hasty. Looking at some auctioned |
| light civil helicopters can be divided into three | | | | helicopters, you may get the feeling of a |
| categories: | | | | once-in-a-lifetime bargain, but in fact the market is |
| Light piston-engined types - if you want a cheap | | | | pretty large and great opportunities are around all the |
| personal helicopter for two, the Schweizer 300 or the | | | | time. It is best to observe a few auctions first to get a |
| Robinson R22 would be your choice. They can fly at | | | | feel of the process, and only actively start bidding |
| about 80-110 mph. With a minimal seating capacity and | | | | once you have a good idea of the market. |
| small size, these helicopters are light, easy to fly, and | | | | - beware of any too-good-to-be-true claims. At an |
| easy to maneuver. Surprisingly, the light piston-engined | | | | auction, odds are they are just that - not true. Liability |
| helicopters use a more expensive fuel than that of the | | | | for a seller at a public auction is relatively low, and two |
| kerosine based turbine engines but they consume less | | | | powerful words - "AS IS" - basically free the seller of |
| fuel. However, the Schweizer 300 or the Robinson | | | | any responsibility. It is up to you to pinpoint them on |
| R22 are less interesting for for charter and corporate | | | | essential statements and be wary of any outrageous |
| use. They are more popular, however, for training and | | | | promises. |
| personal use. | | | | - should you win the bid, insist on a written contract, |
| Light turbine helicopters - McDonnell Douglas 500E, | | | | and ask that all important figures and claims are |
| Eurocopter Squirrel and the (Agusta-) Bell Jet Ranger | | | | mentioned (e.g. about prior owners or repairs, engine |
| are widely used around the world because of their | | | | hours, or the timespan until you get the plane). Don't |
| practicality, comfort, size, speed, and versatility. Their | | | | forget that the price you will pay is usually higher than |
| look is sporty and their performance is pretty good, | | | | the winning bid. Most auctions include a 5-10% buyer's |
| however they are usually substantially more expensive | | | | premium. |