In the rotorcraft industry, the difference between profit and loss can be miniscule. To survive, successful operators must run their businesses better than their competitors.
Operators can meet that goal by observing some business and economic fundamentals.
The helicopter industry is considered one of the toughest markets in aviation, even in the best of times. Operators are challenged by such issues as heavy regulation, a hostile public, rising fixed and variable costs, stagnant prices, a growing scarcity of experienced personnel, heavy investment costs and thin profit margins. To put a fine point on it, helicopter operators need to observe fundamental good business practices. Let s look at some of the problem areas that often plague helicopter operators and see what we can do to shore up the weaker timbers. Too often, helicopter operations are run by current or former helicopter pilots with no business, marketing, or management training.