Literature/information for investing in new helicopters or sims?

RJWB · October 21, 2018

Good day,

As part of my bachelor's degree, I will be conducting a research at a company who is looking to investing in a new helicopter or sim.

I will, for example, look at the current market in the region and in which market there is a demand for which kind of operation etc.

I was wondering if there was applicable literature or information which I could consult during this research.

If you personally have factors or subquestions in mind that I could use during this research, suggestion are always welcome.

Thanks in advance.

Kind regards

Hobie · October 21, 2018

Ahh, case studies. Do they own/operate one now? What is " ..or sim "? As in similar - used helo or a different method of performing task?? New venture?

Need to look at basic marketing: How many jobs( lifting, tours, etc) is the max available? ( Size of total market)

Who is doing it now? Who are competitors? Market share of each.

Why should customer switch? Would someone pay more for your services? What would you do differently?

This is a start. Based on this, you can start putting numbers to your hypothetical. Cost of buying, leasing; permits, fuel, hanger, salaries, insurance, return on investment, etc. How many jobs do you have to do to hit the Breakeven point.

Maybe you could share a bit more info and we can get more detailed for you.

RJWB · October 30, 2018

Thank you for your reply, really helpful.

The company where I will be conducting the case study has the following main activities: flight school with Cabri's, tours and some government surveillance with R44/66, AS350 and an H120. There is no market for longlining/lifting or for powerline work in the region.

They are around 15 years in operation and do not have a sim.

Let me know if you need some more information.

Thanks in advance!

Hobie · November 4, 2018

You were asking for, "literature or information". This website has information as well as Helicopter Association International. However, this kind of data will discuss trends within the industry and is broad scope. You are seeking very specific data for your region. And for that, your company has it.

The have been in business for 15 years and have a fleet of various ships. They have the numbers you need. You need to formulate forward thinking business questions:

Why are we considering buying new helo or sim? To offer a more complete in-house training experience? Advanced training for working professional pilots? Fill a missing or low serviced need? Retiring a high time Robinson? Govt. contract require specific ship and configurations? ( Making money is not an answer, per se, as sometimes you may breakeven or even lose money just to get other work. For example, would an in-house simulator will pull in more new pilots for training. Especially, if it is offered cheaper than anyone else.)

From here you can start asking:

1. Should we sell any existing fleet? Not flying enough, expensive to operate, etc.

2. Should we keep and add more? What type of helo and its purpose. ( tours, training)

3. What is your company good at? How well do they obtain new clients? ie. salesmanship

4. What can they do to expand existing operations? Advertising? Sales reps?

5. Consider your corporate image? Top to bottom, from the receptionist to nice paint on the ships, logos, professionalism, etc.

6. Consider selling the business? Age of owners, may want to retire. Cash out while business is strong and not incur more debt expanding operations.

7. And, with all business plans, the final option is always, "Do nothing". This is a serious and often overlooked option. Sometimes, after you obtain cost estimates, sales projections, etc. you will find that it is best to do nothing and keep on the current routine.

8. Take a hard look are there finances. Are they buried in debt? Do they have the monthly cash flow to consider expensive capital improvements?

This is a not a complete list. It's just to get you thinking beyond the first question of should you buy a helo or a sim. By considering some of these other factors will give you a better understanding of the current business and a long term vision for the company.

Sounds like a fun project. I'd like to see your final report.

RJWB · November 7, 2018

You were asking for, "literature or information". This website has information as well as Helicopter Association International. However, this kind of data will discuss trends within the industry and is broad scope. You are seeking very specific data for your region. And for that, your company has it.

The have been in business for 15 years and have a fleet of various ships. They have the numbers you need. You need to formulate forward thinking business questions:

Why are we considering buying new helo or sim? To offer a more complete in-house training experience? Advanced training for working professional pilots? Fill a missing or low serviced need? Retiring a high time Robinson? Govt. contract require specific ship and configurations? ( Making money is not an answer, per se, as sometimes you may breakeven or even lose money just to get other work. For example, would an in-house simulator will pull in more new pilots for training. Especially, if it is offered cheaper than anyone else.)

From here you can start asking:
1. Should we sell any existing fleet? Not flying enough, expensive to operate, etc.
2. Should we keep and add more? What type of helo and its purpose. ( tours, training)
3. What is your company good at? How well do they obtain new clients? ie. salesmanship
4. What can they do to expand existing operations? Advertising? Sales reps?
5. Consider your corporate image? Top to bottom, from the receptionist to nice paint on the ships, logos, professionalism, etc.
6. Consider selling the business? Age of owners, may want to retire. Cash out while business is strong and not incur more debt expanding operations.
7. And, with all business plans, the final option is always, "Do nothing". This is a serious and often overlooked option. Sometimes, after you obtain cost estimates, sales projections, etc. you will find that it is best to do nothing and keep on the current routine.
8. Take a hard look are there finances. Are they buried in debt? Do they have the monthly cash flow to consider expensive capital improvements?

This is a not a complete list. It's just to get you thinking beyond the first question of should you buy a helo or a sim. By considering some of these other factors will give you a better understanding of the current business and a long term vision for the company.

Sounds like a fun project. I'd like to see your final report.