A Guide to Chartering Helicopters?

Recently, a couple of members contacted me to suggest that HAC should create a Guide to Chartering Helicopters. The Association is contacted with regularity from prospective customers, asking if the association can recommend a company to charter a helicopter from. I am constantly amazed how uninformed these individuals are about our industry. What size of helicopter do I need? Is one type of helicopter better than another? How do I evaluate the relative safety of operators? It is important that they are located nearby? Who pays for the ferry flight? Is fuel included? Can I use a Privately-operated helicopter? Is it ALL about price? Naturally, HAC cannot recommend a particular operator, but we often refer them to our online membership directory. Unfortunately, because our website only lists Operator-Members, alphabetically, it can still be a challenge to locate the “right operator.” It has been suggested that the Association should produce a document that would introduce prospective customers to the process of selecting an operator, in an effort to help orient them to some of the basic issues and questions worth enquiring about. Drop me an email at fred.jones@h-a-c.ca, with your views on this subject.