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| QUOTE (Callsign 24 Seira @ 30 MAY 2007) |
Anybody have a clue whether this operating cost includes total cost of ownership (TCO) or amortisation of hardware and supporting infrastructure... ? |
| QUOTE (Using A Helicopter @ Helis.Com (Helicopter History Site)) |
Calculating Operating Costs (Helicopters). The best way of doing this is to convert all costs into a proportion related to each hour of flight, which can in turn be calculated as a cost per mile. Such a formula can readily be adapted to local conditions, considering skills, maintenance practices, prices and accounting methods. There are two basic costs directly related to all aircraft: fixed and hourly costs. It is important when comparing such costs to make like- with-like comparisons. For example, some operators apportion crew costs as direct hourly rather than fixed costs; others will ignore unscheduled maintenance on a new machine, bearing in mind the warranty cover and good first year serviceability. Some company accountants prefer not to include overhaul reserves, on the assumption that the aircraft will be sold before reaching those hours. Fixed Costs... - These are usually calculated as annual costs, and are irrespective of the number of hours flown. They include items such as depreciation, insurance, taxes, crew costs, overheads, interest and capital equipment. This last figure will include facility, tooling, equipment and major components. The final figure will naturally vary with the type of helicopter and method of operation. Hourly Costs... - These are the costs that vary directly with the number of hours flown, and are considered under the following headings:
Once you have calculated your fixed costs, the total cost per flight hour can be determined by combining them with hourly direct costs. This in turn may be converted into a cost per mile, which incidentally has been compared - using a pre-owned single turbine helicopter - to about the same as that charged by a London black cab. From the above you can see that total operating costs reduce as flying hours increase; that the fixed costs on a new machine are a large part of total costs (but may be reduced by using the lower capital cost of a used machine), and that direct costs for fuel play a large part. This is particularly true if a piston engined helicopter is envisaged - fuel is more than double that used in jet engines. |
| QUOTE (Iowa_BB61 @ May 31 2007, 12:28 PM) |
| From This |
| QUOTE |
| In 2001 and 2002, the recurrent cost per hour flown included maintenance and fuel costs and administrative overheads. From 2003 onwards, the recurrent cost per hour flown only refers to the direct operating cost which comprises maintenance and fuel costs to tie in with the general practice in the aviation industry. |
