Schenk Air has purchased an Agusta Bell 206B JetRanger. The helicopter, based at the company’s heliport in Feldkirch, Austria, will be used for schooling, taxi and sightseeing flights.

Schenk Air’s Armin Krabichler told European Business Air News: “We chose the JetRanger to be competitive with other operators regarding taxi flights and sight-seeing flights.

“Until now we only had twin-engine helicopters, which are comparatively more expensive

than single-engines,” he said.

“The JetRanger is very well suited for pilots who need experience with turbine-helicopters.”

The helicopter will fly in and around Austria and its main operational area will be from Schenk Air’s heliports to airports and heliports where it has permission to make schooling flights.

“The Bell 206 is the best-selling helicopter all over the world.

This is an indication of the reliability and safety of this aircraft,” Krabichler added. “However, due to the topography, especially in Western Austria with its high mountains, it can prove a hindrance that the helicopter has too little power reserves.”

The company owns and operates two A109E helicopters as well as operating a third A109E, which is owned by a businessman from Vienna. It estimates that the JetRanger will carry out around 100 flight hours per year.