The Cost of Owning a Helicopter!!

Thanks for watching!
My instagram: / stlriverhelicopters

[@larrya7822]

I got my private single engine VFR in 1976, it cost me a little under $2,000. Using a Cessna 150 ($15 / hr. ). The instructor was $12 / hr. A 172 was $22 / hr. A Ramco champ (Old cloth wing, tail dragger) cost was only $12 / hr. I learn how to fly a T-34 Beechcraft (old Navy trainer, retractable, variable pitch prop, around 220 knots) at $40 / hr. I was 16 at the time just working in a restaurant bussing tables. It took me close to a year to get my VFR.

[@dumbcat]

short and to the point. i like it

[@greggkiest1069]

Im so glad i was directed to your channel a few months ago. Enjoy both you and your content. Thanks.

[@TramJizzle]

I know nothing about helicopters and you couldn't pay me to ever fly in one but the engineering to make one fly is amazing and your presentation was to the point and gave me a great appreciation on the subject, thanks !!

[@64ADdude]

I'm a retired Army 64 pilot. Flown thousands of hours and didn't die once!

[@johnsteichen5239]

Yup, you know nothing about flying.

[@gumotx]

Thanks for sharing! Very interesting!

[@mattylp8]

Glad you enjoyed!

[@gwgrote5]

I just found your channel. This is so cool! I appreciate all that you are explaining to us. 🚁

[@keeferdog5617]

Looks fun! Reminds me a little of flying my ultralight back in the day. Fly safe

[@N603E]

Enjoyed watching video. From one Robinson owner to the other. Be careful and always respect the helicopter. Fly safe and enjoy!

[@MajorCaliber]

Friends don't let friends fly Robinsons! #SafetyRecord #GetA_Bo105

[@N603E]

@@MajorCaliber Ha! When I began flying, 1986, the Bell 206 was the trainer. Not as many opportunities in my area to train in turbine aircraft. Many R44's around here for training

[@rayconder9690]

49% of all accidents and 54% of fatal helicopter accudents. Some organisations will not allow staff to fly in robinson

[@peterjones4621]

Looks like fun and it's an expensive venture, totally enjoyable video, thank you!

[@ehudgavron9086]

First, I love watching your videos. Hamburger in a helicopter. Retiring school resource officer... in a helicopter. Cruising for a bruising... in a helicopter. Pretty cool. Depending on where you are, time-building can be challenging. Often a lifestyle change (that means "pack your stuff up and move") is more economical and easier than purchasing a helicopter. But hey. I love your videos. They remind me of a dream I once had. Keep living the dream! Ehud FAA Commercial pilot - rotorcraft Tucson, Arizona (Yes, in the summer DA is 5000-7000ft)

[@dstuart2918]

Wow! That is some serious dough. I think I'll just stick to my skateboard. Thank you so much for the excellent information. Have fun and be safe.

[@EmilyTienne]

Nicely done. Thank you!

[@ronald8673]

Excellent video. Thanks

[@jtocwru]

This is a great video. No BS.

[@mrbigw100]

I fly a R22 in Australia and muster cattle with it at a property in the Northern Territory only thing with the Robinson design is in certain circumstances you can cause a negative G mast bump and cut your tail boom off with the main rotor blades a pilot a few years ago did this at the station I work on did this while mustering and didn’t make it

[@Paradoxical124]

How much does that cost you to operate hourly?

[@mrbigw100]

@@Paradoxical124 with insurance inspections ,fuel,parts etc it’s about $620 Aussie dollars a hr as they are getting old we have 9 R22’s and 4 R44’s and a new R66 which has turbine engine

[@Paradoxical124]

@@mrbigw100 I’m Australian too, and I am looking into using something like a small Robinson for personal use. Thanks for the insight!

[@itsjustbonnie6418]

Amazing video matt would love to see more videos from you

[@jeffkissick5765]

Great video - thank you!

[@EricFB]

Great video, just a few things you forgot to mention is that with Robinson, it’s 2200hrs OR 12 years. Meaning you can buy new. Fly 100 hours over 12 years and now your basically brand new helicopter needs a complete overhaul. And that any $60000 R22 will either be timed out or nearly timed out. That said you are right in that it is still the cheapest certified helicopter. Cheers man stay safe

[@HoveringHelicopter]

New Sub! I took a Ride in a R22 years ago. SUPER FUN and COOL! And it ain't cheap....

[@tiltcraft3391]

been here since 10k im pretty sure. love the videos man

[@bhargavnaidu8097]

One such thing interesting to make a note “view” . Glad you got one for yourself & Appreciate your work to inspire to have one though.God bless you 😇🙏🏻

[@ClearedAsFiled]

Just love the sound of those rotor blades...!!!!!

[@Kulis747]

Easily get there on that particular sandbar with a Supercub and many other airplanes. That being said, I appreciate your video. I'm interested in adding a rotorwing aircraft and license to my fleet and certificates.

[@DuckyYtGaming]

Good video! Keep up the work

[@mattylp8]

Thanks Ducky!

Nice numbers videos!

[@MU-2]

Over the years, I’ve had the opportunity to shoot video and still photography from the R22, Hughes 300 and Bell 47. I loved them all, particularly the Bell. But then as a fixed wing pilot I’m enamored with anything that flies, regardless of whether the wings are fixed or spin. What types of commercial work do you do?

[@bradfullwood6772]

Great video!

[@mattylp8]

Thanks Brad!

[@nicholase19915]

Great video thanks bro

[@Snowcat89onXbox360]

I spent maybe around $80-90,000 getting all of my helicopter ratings up to CFII. I get paid to build my flight time as a flight instructor. There will never be cheaper nor faster way of building flight time in a helicopter. But I have to admit, your method does seem like a ton of fun!

[@SPREAD_IQ]

Keep up the great work i love your videos

[@porschecarreras992cabriole8]

In Europe and in the UK prices are higher to own one of them. And R22 takes just one passenger so they are great for training but not much for commercial use. Then you need the R44 that costs more. I also considered buying one but I find Porsches more fun still and more usable fun.

[@_xPaPaDx]

So... at current prices for trucks, cars, SUV's... the 60k-100k range is normal/reasonable. Then maintenance,cost per ownership year... VERY reasonable especially if you're getting work returns commercially or even privately. Thanks for the share!

[@TS-qd2uj]

Thank you for posting and kudos to you for trusting such thin tubing. It obviously works given how many are out there, but as a Bell Medium guy, you'd never convince me to ride in one. Regardless, respect to "one of us"!❤

[@sdfglkjhdfkjdhldskfj]

You could also get there with a STOL aircraft and paramotors, both of which are cheaper.

[@rammi420]

Really wanna be a pilot like you 🥺 love from ❤INDIA🇮🇳(HYDERABAD)🇮🇳🇮🇳🇮🇳🇮🇳🇮🇳🇮🇳🇮🇳🇮🇳🇮🇳🇮🇳🇮🇳♥️♥️♥️♥️♥️♥️♥️♥️

[@malkobitches]

Sir, how do I migrate to India? I currently live in Australia - I would like to come somewhere nice.

[@jrs4ex]

I want to visit Hyderabad looks like an amazing place and I love biryani.

[@zdrux]

"I'm on an island that's surrounded by.... water" Yep, that's an island! :)

[@ytwhiletrue]

Thank you for sharing

[@danw19]

I fly fixed-wing out of your airport. Cool videos!

[@williamphoenix4696]

Same lol. Met him once, super friendly.

[@FrietjeOorlog]

"I'm on an island surrounded by water" Isn't that kinda the definition of an island? 😆

[@Optora.]

That's like "worlds smallest in the world" haha

[@watashiandroid8314]

You could be in Iceland and be on an island surrounded by lava 😮

[@Stormspotter911]

I think the proper definition would have been ‘it’s a sandbar’. Years when I flew out of Creve Couer and Spirit, a bunch of the Cub pilots used to fly the Missouri and land on the sandbars.

[@mikesahle1193]

Thank you 🙏 great 👍 flying video 🎥specially ☝️price 🚁🚁👏👏👏👍🎥☮️👋

[@timothyroberts8347]

I am just a private pilot fixed wing. Cessna 150 then 172 currently 182 . I would more than likely kill myself in a helicopter, they are too unforgiving when mistakes are made. But my hats off to you and your Helicopter fly high Sir

[@user-pm8uh9jq3q]

very intersting thanks

[@AverageLizardMan]

how much communication with atc do you need if you take off from your house and land at some random place like an island like you showed?

[@chief988b7]

Yep....your on an island.....hope you don't break down or have any maintenance issues!

[@AnthonyVella]

You can absolutely land a paramotor on that little island.

[@gobrendon]

You could also land and take off there in a bush plane😉

[@nicholashartzler2205]

I could absolutely plant my bone stock Cessna 150 on that sand bar lol

[@trevorsmith7753]

Good luck taking off though.

[@twisted_panties]

And there it would stay forever.

[@glai.]

i love ur vids

[@Biggles-747]

Robinsons always have "surprise" costs.

[@eminbey3382]

Halicopter paylaşım için teşekkürler efendim 🎁🙋🌹

[@coelncopter]

Great video! Do you fly other types?

[@joewilliams4142]

Did you complete your fixed wing first ?

[@TailormanUK]

This is one of the most interesting and informative video I've seen for a good while. Way, way out of my price range, unfortunately.

[@FlyingFun.]

I wanted to learn here in the uk prices are much higher and not doable for me unless i sold my house and lived in the heli lol. Had a trial lesson though and loved it. But in reality i get my kicks from motorcycles, embt and drone racing and enjoy life. If i ever come into serious money though i know id be getting into a heli.

[@noapologizes2018]

I fly a tiny Cessna fixed wing. when I was a kid, I dreamed of flying a Helicopter, but as an adult, vortex ring state scares the hell out of me.

[@robertnjos3456]

As small as the helicopter is, it's still a lot of money That's a rich man's game. But it looks like a tone of fun.

[@sharonbraselton3135]

Goid sibg working 9 too 5 working day nit Gering any ware

[@crashm161]

Don't forget about composite-fx/mosquitos! They are FAA regulated helicopters. Only caveat is that they only seat one person. Cool people, made in Trenton, Florida!

[@spencerstromberg]

When you land outside your hangar, does it roll or do you have a dolly to move it in?

[@livelaughlove6959]

New sub ❤

[@LarryBloom]

Never owned a 'copter but owned a Cessna Cardinal RG and can confidently say that whatever you think an airplane will cost, it is more.

[@CompleteWalkaround]

Interesting!

[@dumbcat]

do you fear mast bump in this whirlybird?

[@Sandkei]

Cool 👍

[@Gmar69]

Yeah, this was my starter helicopter to get my private license too. It's a handful.

[@w.harrison7277]

The helicopter is man's most God-like invention.

[@billeldon]

What you call “depreciation” is really an hourly estimate of routine maintenance, if I’m not mistaken.

[@NicolasValentinScotland]

Cool dude .

[@caseclosed9342]

Everything you need to get a pizza or see a movie! 😂

[@Bob-cd5pp]

A 60,000 R22 would have run out times LOL

[@Newberntrains]

"Only a helicopter can land here" Mike patey takes note and accepts the challenge lol

[@jtocwru]

Yeah, I was thinking that there are lots of bush planes that could stick that landing.

[@kevincarr335]

How do you move the helicopter to the hanger?. I assume you can't just lift it.

[@adelguy67]

did not realize how expensive insurance was, how often do you have to renew your license, is it yearly?

[@mattylp8]

Insurance is really expensive! I renew my pilots license every 2 years(Bi-annual flight review).

[@bladi-senpai9398]

isnt that expensive, i was paying 500ish for a car monthly , so i take 750 for a helicopter any day!

[@Optora.]

​​@@bladi-senpai9398500 monthly for a car? I pay 480 a year in the best possible insurance plan, love small cars haha

[@TheRotorhound]

I owned one of the early R22s when they cost $90k plus and you flew it home from California. Insurance was $10k per year with a $10k deductible. I learned in a Bell47d, a very stable platform. The R22 is much harder to fly and much harder to do autorotations in. Little boys, little toys. It was fun when I was doing it but you aren’t going far in an R22. Nice video.

[@meow121.5]

30% BMI boomer detected 😂

[@philip2774]

@@meow121.5 meow

[@althacker4802]

ty

[@theshazman]

Private pilot with about ~80ish hours in Robinsons (mix of 22 and 44 but mostly 22 time). Thanks for the breakdown, looks more or less close to what I have been seeing here in NC. Rather than going with a 22 I am considering buying a 44 and renting it to our school so it makes some money while I am not flying it and it doubles as a time builder for when I am. I love flying the 22, it's what I usually fly due to how cheap it is per hour compared to the 44 but I would love to buy a used 44 and see if I can get to 1000 hours with it without breaking the bank. How many hours do you have left on that R22 before it needs a major overhaul? Just curious. It's a sweet bird and looks in mint condition. Cheers from Raleigh, NC!

[@mattylp8]

I know of a few! Message me on Instagram!

[@dans9463]

Can you put a parachute on it?

[@iabsoluteagreewithyourcomm1451]

Way cheaper then I was expecting, I thought training costed way more. I’m looking to get my private airplane licence for fun, in Canada

[@niceguy60]

Kobe pilot learned how to fly on the R22

[@dandymcgee]

It's actually a lot cheaper than i thought tbh. Pretty cool that it's possible to do this if you're motivated and interested enough. Price of watching Matty do it on KZbin: free. 😎

[@paddedroom412]

How about the Hughes 269 or Schweizer 300, those seem smaller than the R22.

[@mattylp8]

Both are bigger(I believe)

[@MotorRod68]

What is the practical flight time / range in miles for this helicopter? How high do you fly in this helicopter?

[@scottyscave]

The R22 and R44 have documented issues with delamination of the rotors. What is your opinion/thoughts on that?

[@user-jq2rf4nf3o]

The stainless skinned blades were problematic - They were phased out , Never had an issue with the ones I flew.

[@scottyscave]

@@user-jq2rf4nf3o Appreciate the reply. Retired mil pilot, safe flying. Cheers.

[@user-jq2rf4nf3o]

Ole Crew Chief OH 58, UH 1 CH 47 and Commercial Helicopter / 133 Flew nearly everything under 12,500 lb@@scottyscave

[@nightstorm9872]

What type of job do you have to pay for all this?

[@mattylp8]

I am a pilot. I bought the helicopter to build time for my career.

[@NorthAviation_]

@@mattylp8 well, i think you misunderstood. They are asking what you did to afford your helicopter, private pilots license, etc. 😊

[@nickwind2584]

ikr, he certainly isn't taking out student loans. i guess i'll just have to stick to microsoft flight simulator.

[@KaisTheFireWarrior]

Most likely family money. Not trying to say he's spoiled, but if he bought this with only his earned money before becoming a pilot, then I don't think he'll be changing careers I can tell you that if he's making that much money. Edit: So I found out the helicopter is owned by Time Kepp with "Sky River Helicopters" which is a helicopter tour company. I'm guessing it's being leased right now but that's TBD.

[@Orbedd]

@@NorthAviation_he just said he’s a pilot. That’s his job

[@sjege]

Getting a helicopter license here in the Netherlands is a minimum of 40k (6 months, 45 h min)

[@ShanesHobbyShop]

Thankyou for the video. I am more interested on how to get the turbine certification process. Plus, is there any difference in certification for a single turbine engine (R66) v/s a twin Turbine engine (Bell 429)and others like them.

[@user-jq2rf4nf3o]

That's not an issue, Mostly insurance requirements Certificate is good for everything rotary wing under 12,500 lbs . . . Piston or Turbine , Single or Twin - US No type rating , Some countries require a rating in each type ie: R-22, R-22 Standard, R-22 Hp, R-22 Alpha, R-22 Beta and Mariner . US you can fly all of them, In Japan you'll need a type rating in each,

[@ShanesHobbyShop]

@@user-jq2rf4nf3o thankyou

[@RowanHawkins]

The more engines you have the more gas you burn the more complex maintenance and service is.

[@ShanesHobbyShop]

@@RowanHawkins Oh im sure it is. I was just wondering if you needed an additional certification to fly with two turbines rather than with one

[@JoeMarcello123]

I learned with a r22 i have a bo 105 now.

[@MoonLiteNite]

@2:46 i do this for my cars too. Like i could buy car X, but it will cost me 0.60$/mi vs another car that is at 0.05$/mi

[@jfhorselenberg7778]

Thxfor❤ sharing , did fly, 1 in 1992 thx again, but ,? Couldn't afford it, to continue😂😢😊

[@TheRusschannel]

do they offer Turbine power-plant on these?

[@fishandgameman]

I took lessons out of St. Charles Flying School when I was a teenager. Never finished when the money ran out, but was right at the solo point. I wish I could have continued. I guess at 55 now it’s never too late. Maybe…

[@NeokingTech]

Do you fly professionally for work? Or how did you manage to afford lessons? I'm thinking of getting my PPL but want to start with planes first

[@RowanHawkins]

Getting your fixed wont be super effective for getting roto, its a different skillset other than the map and radio stuff which. everything mechanical is different from how you do eyes out of the cockpit.

[@ryankerwin9115]

But the most important question is how nicely did you have to ask lot owners to be able to land on their properties to go get food and stuff with it?? That’d probably be the hardest part for me tbh cause I feel like everyone would tell me no and I’d just be flying around looking at things then just going home lol I don’t think I could make a good run in one 😂😂

[@mattledbetter]

Why didn’t you get your instructors certification to help build hours? That is what I have seen to be the most common path for commercial pilots.

[@cre8ive34]

Without getting too personal, are you independently wealthy? I'm 50 and recently took a check ride in a 22. I was planning on doing the same.thing and getting my private pilots license. It was fun and I would love to do it and could justify the costof getting my license, but I'm prob too old to try it to make a career out of it and the cost Is prohibitive to get the recommended hours before any company would hire you. You have youth on your side.... .My son wants to fly helos, so he is going to go to college thru ROTC and try to go thru Army Avation route. Good luck and happy flying. At least we can live vicariously thru you😅

[@highlightcentral491]

If you have a ppl for plane is helicopter something I can add like an endorsement or rating ?

[@waverlycole1492]

You can add a helicopter to your ppl, but it is not enough endorsement

[@Th3Butcher76]

The one thing I learnt from this video is I'll never be able to afford a helicopter or a licence😅

[@wickedsatan1]

What is its range?

[@gregsavidge3763]

Don’t forget location of cost.

[@richardwessel7836]

Why is less anti torque input needed, when a helicopter achieves translational lift?

[@foxtrot312]

Tail rotor?

[@brad_neal]

Nice vid! But how on earth do you go from $50k to $350 with an R22?