- 03 Oct 2022
- Jason Zilberbrand
- BizAv Market Insight
Helicopters, otherwise referred to as rotorcraft utilize rotor blades that propel quickly enough to provide the lift needed for flight. Unique from fixed-wing aircraft, helicopters are capable of vertical take-off and landing, making them ideal to operate into and out of tight spaces, and hovering (making them ideal for surveillance and inspection work).
A wide range of turbine helicopters and piston helicopters are operated around the world, fulfilling an equally wide range of missions. The smallest manned piston helicopters seat just two people (including the pilot), whereas the largest multi-engine turbine helicopters can be configured to carry more than 12 passengers in luxury (plus crew).
However, the key difference between turbine and piston helicopters, reflected in their name, is in their engine types…