Rise Helicopters, based in one of the U.K.'s most competitive charter regions, has acquired a cost-effective Robinson R44, taking its fleet to eight helicopters.

"The R44 is approximately 70 per cent of the cost of a Bell 206 JetRanger, albeit it can carry one less passenger," explains md Mark Young. "The R44 is about 10 knots faster, however. And, for something like aerial photography, the R44 will be a very cost effective alternative to the JetRanger. I believe it will fill a niche in the market, especially in a very competitive geographical area such as Gloucestershire and the surrounding counties."

Rise Helicopters recently acquired a JetRanger from the U.S. but the Robinson R44 is the latest addition. "The R44 was added to our charter fleet just prior to Cheltenham Festival. It offered the perfect opportunity to fly the R44 in a shuttle service from our offices at Gloucestershire airport to the racecourse," says Young, who had 16 years' experience in the Fleet Air Arm on Lynx helicopters, including two Antarctic tours, a Brazilian Navy Lynx exchange and Royal Yacht escort.

He reports: "The R44 was a huge success and all our customers were very happy."

Rise Helicopters now operates four Robinson R22s, the R44 and three 206 JetRangers. "We own all our aircraft and they are all maintained on-site, allowing maximum availability to our customers and the very highest levels of serviceability," says Young.

The R44 is used for PPL(H) training and self-fly hire as well as private and corporate charter work. "For pilot training, more of our customers are choosing to undertake their PPL(H) in an R44. It is a very stable platform on which to learn and the end game will be for a number of our students to purchase an R44 on award of their license," Young adds.

Rise Helicopters chose the R22s for reliability and cost effectiveness throughout training, then the R44 for the charter niche and as another choice for the customer. "The JetRangers were selected for operational and cost effectiveness as opposed to twin engine and reliability," Young explains.

He says the award of the Rise Helicopters AOC in May 2006 proved a catalyst, enormously increasing the numbers of its PPL(H) students and self-fly hire pilots.

Rise Helicopters offers a large executive lounge, bar, dedicated flight planning room, outdoor balcony with furniture and parasols and a great view of the airfield. "This is very popular in the summer," says Young, "and there is WiFi internet access throughout. We encourage potential students to look at a number of flying schools including ourselves and our facilities and aircraft availability always wins them over. It is a great sight to see students in the lounge talking to each other, reliving their experiences and offering advice - it reminds me of military crew rooms where the atmosphere is friendly, relaxed but very informative."

Rise Helicopters was formed in late 2005 and Young joined in January 2006.