Neuhausen, Germany-based operator Aeroheli has taken delivery of a Robinson R66 helicopter, which it will deploy as a demonstrator for its recently approved Robinson dealership and for missions in the Balkans. Head of flight operations Dirk Franzke says that the aircraft plugs the gap nicely between the R44 and H125 and marks an important stage in the company's fleet renewal plans while strengthening its offering as a Robinson dealer. “There are always clients who insist in a turbine powered helicopter and the R66 is offering just that,” he tells Business Air News.

“So far we have not been able to gain much experience on it because of the winter time but, from what we have seen, it is astonishing what this small aircraft can deliver in terms of performance. As far as I know, it is the only aircraft in the small rotorcraft segment that can transport a standard passenger on every seat with full tanks. The payload and speed are very impressive.”

Short routes of less than one hour are the R66's mainstay, and the aircraft has a good size baggage compartment. “In this respect, the R66 even outperforms the H125,” Franzke continues. “We also highly appreciate the reduced maintenance effort, especially the absence of 50 hour inspections. Added to this is the fact that the R66 consumes jet fuel, which is a big advantage for us.

“As we intend to use the helicopter in the Balkan region we have always had to struggle with the limited availability and pricing of Avgas there. It will increase the range of operations substantially now that we will have the opportunity to refuel at the destination, which in turn increases our competitiveness compared to the ‘classic’ light helicopters, without standing back in terms of performance. As this region demands vertical lift capacities but may only have limited funds available, the R66 could be exactly right.”

Located south of Berlin, close to the Polish border, Aeroheli has had to work hard to adapt to its own unique geographic situation. Conditions may have shifted of late as its neighbour's economy has grown, but historically Franzke explains "next to no business was coming from Poland. Our area is also very flat and the demand for helicopters that you ordinarily find in the mountains or on islands does not exist for us. That's why we always had to find gaps and niches where helicopters are needed.

“We have ended up carrying out unusual work such as collecting water samples from artificial lakes. We have also attracted clients from eastern Europe to our Part 145 facility because we are the closest company offering German quality work.

“With good connections to the Balkan region we intend to expand our business there. We are also going to consolidate our business in Germany. Having the right personnel and aircraft available for the more and more diverse demands of clients and the ever increasing requirements of the aviation authorities is a big challenge today,” he concludes.