Helicopter hire for a wedding: cost?

Dostoevsky

We would like to get photos taken some 70km away (by road; I don't know an online air equivalent of AA Routes for calculating flying distance) from the church/venue and the quickest way to do this would seem to be by helicopter. We will need up to 30 minutes at most for photographs, before returning to the venue.

Would anybody know what sort of price we should expect to pay to hire a helicopter and pilot for this?

radar0976

Dostoevsky wrote: »

We would like to get photos taken some 70km away (by road; I don't know an online air equivalent of AA Routes for calculating flying distance) from the church/venue and the quickest way to do this would seem to be by helicopter. We will need up to 30 minutes at most for photographs, before returning to the venue.

Would anybody know what sort of price we should expect to pay to hire a helicopter and pilot for this?

And here was me thinking the Celtic Tiger was dead. This post sounds more like gloating than something relation to interest in aviation.

If you want to find out about where to hire a helicopter here's something which you may find useful.......GOOGLE!

Dostoevsky

radar0976 wrote: »

And here was me thinking the Celtic Tiger was dead. This post sounds more like gloating than something relation to interest in aviation.

If you want to find out about where to hire a helicopter here's something which you may find useful.......GOOGLE!

You sound like you've a chip on your shoulder. Goodbye.

run_Forrest_run

Just pick a hotel closer to the location for photographs and get a car like everyone else. That is all.

gaz wac

radar0976 wrote: »

And here was me thinking the Celtic Tiger was dead. This post sounds more like gloating than something relation to interest in aviation.

If you want to find out about where to hire a helicopter here's something which you may find useful.......GOOGLE!

OP was just asking a question !! two points :

1) there is only a recession for some people !!

2) google ? seriously? in that case, you might as well shut down Boards cos every question asked, could be answered on Google!

radar0976

Dostoevsky wrote: »

You sound like you've a chip on your shoulder. Goodbye.

Not in the slightest. If you look at the posts in this forum it is all about things related to interests in aviation. I think you're the one with the issue if you feel you need to tell everyone that you're getting a helicopter for your wedding.

crazygeryy

Screw the helicopter use the money for an even better honeymoon.no one looks at those bloody photos anyway.

run_Forrest_run

gaz wac wrote: »

OP was just asking a question !! two points :

1) there is only a recession for some people !!

2) google ? seriously? in that case, you might as well shut down Boards cos every question asked, could be answered on Google!

well radar is allowed to have an opinion too if one is posting a question on a public forum.
I would also presume for those not suffering a recession they would already know someone with a chopper.

eimear10

Exactly . Boards is for advice and other peoples experiences of things. So if some one else had hired a helicopter I'm sure they would be more than willing to share their experience so so what if this guy wants to have the perfect day. He's entitled to it. Why be so mean. Bet if you were face to face you wouldn't be so rude.

afatbollix

its about 1.5k a hour..

remember it has to get from base to the church too and back which they will charge for.

Nforce

At a squeeze you could fit the bride,groom and photographer into an R44, any more and you'll need to hire a bigger and much more expensive heli.

Try www.kildarehelicopters.com

http://www.irishhelicopters.com/

http://www.executive-helicopters.com/

http://www.heliservicesireland.ie/

Dostoevsky

gaz wac wrote: »

OP was just asking a question !! two points :

1) there is only a recession for some people !!

2) google ? seriously? in that case, you might as well shut down Boards cos every question asked, could be answered on Google!

This. Thank you. I have emailed and phoned places, but as with everything from computer purchases to tv purchases I'm going to check with people who'd know the market and might be able to direct me towards better value. It's not really that hard.

PS: Surely if I were "gloating" I, er, wouldn't be posting about something so crude and "peasant-like" as getting "value". :rolleyes:

Dostoevsky

run_Forrest_run wrote: »

Just pick a hotel closer to the location for photographs and get a car like everyone else. That is all.

Thank you for your advice. It doesn't in any way answer the question, but I suppose you felt you had to say something, anything.

LLU

radar0976 wrote: »

Not in the slightest. If you look at the posts in this forum it is all about things related to interests in aviation. I think you're the one with the issue if you feel you need to tell everyone that you're getting a helicopter for your wedding.

come on it's an aviation question on a forum which is read by people with aviation knowlege. And while his idea may seem extravagant there's no call to accuse him of gloating - that's what's off topic.

xflyer

Really why have a go at someone asking a simple aviation related question? In the overall scheme of the cost of a wedding, a helicopter ride isn't much. I was married a few years ago and I shudder to remember how much we spent.

Plus helicopter operators and pilots are struggling right now and any business is welcome.

Anyway Nforce put up a list. Any quote will reflect the cost of transiting the helicopter from it's base to the site and back, not just the cost of the trip back and forth. So obviously Executive might not be an option unless the wedding is in Galway or nearby. The R44 might suit but if you have to jump up to a turbine helicopter the cost escalates.

Also remember to have back up transport on the day in case the weather goes bad.

Good luck with that.

howamidifferent

Dostoevsky wrote: »

We would like to get photos taken some 70km away (by road; I don't know an online air equivalent of AA Routes for calculating flying distance) from the church/venue and the quickest way to do this would seem to be by helicopter. We will need up to 30 minutes at most for photographs, before returning to the venue.

Would anybody know what sort of price we should expect to pay to hire a helicopter and pilot for this?

Is that you bertie? :pac:

run_Forrest_run

Dostoevsky wrote: »

Thank you for your advice. It doesn't in any way answer the question, but I suppose you felt you had to say something, anything.

yes, it's a mild bit of sarcasm, often found on public forums too. Anyway, someone did some googling for you so there are lots of private firms available which is good.
But seriously, (and I am being serious) why can't you change location or isn't there somewhere closer that will do for the pictures? As long as the right people are in the pictures is what matters.
It's all about the memories and a good photographer will make most locations a great setting for wedding pics.

veetwin

FFS lads is this what the Aviation Forum has come to? A guy comes on asking how much it might cost to hire a helicopter for his wedding and all he gets is grief about costs and suggestions to change hotels.

Seriously if the guy wants to hire a helicopter why not offer him any assistance possible rather than griping?

OP best of luck with your hire and never mind the begrudgers!

doctorchopper

It's all going to depend on what sort of helicopter you want and how far away it is. Like Enforce says, get in contact with the above companies. Another company http://www.gaelichelicopters.com/ maybe close to you as well, they have 2 nice jetrangers. Not 100% sure on the going rate these days but I would guess 1400-1500 per hour for a jetranger/120 (entry level turbine heli's) If you want to get into a agusta 109 (twin engine) you'd be looking at well over 2000 an hour.

tippilot

The attitudes of some on here does this forum a disservice.

Guess what, helicopter companies exist to cater for occasions such as this. I seriously doubt the involvement in aviation of some people on here extends beyond the perimeter road of Dublin Airport.

OP, can you let us know what is your general location. I'm not a helicopter man myself, but I can guarantee you will be paying for the transit to your location as well as the time you are on board. Let us know your location and we can point you to the closest company.

I hope the small minded begrudgers who experience a mild tingling sensation in their underpants when something flies overhead remember to thank you for helping to keep those machines in the air.

Good luck on your big day!

Nforce

tippilot wrote: »

OP, can you let us know what is your general location. I'm not a helicopter man myself, but I can guarantee you will be paying for the transit to your location as well as the time you are on board. Let us know your location and we can point you to the closest company.

Location: An Mhí ....so probably either a Dublin or Kildare based charter company would be the most cost effective.:)

Stinicker

Lads give the guy a break, he wants to hire a Helicopter, I've often seen lads asking about hiring Rolls Royces and the like for their weddings in the Motors Forum, it is his money and what he does with it is his business.

I used to work in a hotel where guests would often arrive by chopper or else go out for the day around Ireland by chopper. Obviously it is more expensive but the vast vast majority of people have probably never been on a helicopter so if this is what he wants to do so be it.

If you were having the wedding at this hotel they would organise a helicopter for you no probs. PM me if you want info as I'm in Kerry.

pclancy

Thanks for the replies that were useful to the OP. I thought we were a lot friendlier here then some of those responses

Armin_Tamzarian

OP, I'd recommend you hire a Bell Jetranger 206.
I'd imagine that most Heli charter companies have at least one.
I can't see the point in going for something better like an Augusta unless money is no limit.

You could get an R44 for cheaper.
Compared to the 206 they're the budget option.
If looks and comfort are important, which they probably are seeing as it's a weeding, go for the 206.
Might as well do it properly.

Congratulations BTW.


Some of the comments in this thread are pretty shameful IMO.

Joe10000

I am not a regular poster on here but the thread popped up on my home page so thought I'd throw in my tuppence worth.

I organised a one hour sight seeing trip with Celtic about 4 years ago and the hour cost 900. It was an 8 seater, two in the front 6 in the back. Hope this helps.

P.S. Is gloating possible on an anonymous forum ?

Del2005

Dostoevsky wrote: »

We would like to get photos taken some 70km away (by road; I don't know an online air equivalent of AA Routes for calculating flying distance) from the church/venue and the quickest way to do this would seem to be by helicopter. We will need up to 30 minutes at most for photographs, before returning to the venue.

Would anybody know what sort of price we should expect to pay to hire a helicopter and pilot for this?

Have you checked is it possible to even land a helicopter at the locations?

If you can't get a 'copter or need a back up a motorbike could do it fairly fast. Can't wait for the pics of the bride on the back of a motorbike:D

marketty

Charter work for helis practically non existent in Ireland now, guy comes on looking to hire and gets abuse for it.
Any wonder there's so many problems in the business. OP if you are in Meath you should get a decent enough rate from a Dublin/Kildare based operator, if they have any cop on they'll do a fair price as there is some competition this side of the country and it would be a quick and handy job for them. Private helicopter transport is always a luxury, affordable to very few (it's popularity here a few years ago was never sustainable) but it's your wedding day, it's all about wasting (!!) money and if you can afford it I'm sure someone will appreciate the business, ignore the begrudgers.

urajoke

I have to say some of the responses here are an absolute disgrace. The man asked a question to even see if it was even possible.

When you are organising an event that costs tens of thousands of euros, yes that's how much it costs to get married these days even in a recession, having to pay out a few hundred euro for a heli to take some pictures is nothing.

For example,

Band €1500+
Dinner for 100 guests from €5000 to no upper limit
Brides dress €1500+++++

Shoes, flowers, DJ, photographer, videpgrapher, suits, car's, honeymoon, even a cheap wedding can cost €10000 for 50 people.

Paying out €500-€900 etc for a heli for an hours work is nothing. Now get off your high horses.

He asked a question, he didn't state a fact like "I am getting a helicopter"

Fully Established

Make sure the helicopter is on an AOC (Air Operators Certificate) under irish aviation law it is illegal to hire or charge a fee from private aircraft ,insurance is a major issue if an accident occured you will find your not insured.Also with an aircraft on on AOC the pilot and maintenance are highly regulated.

jimbis

Just make sure not to hire this guy. Unless you like brown trouser moments

Ilyushin76

jimbis wrote: »

Just make sure not to hire this guy. Unless you like brown trouser moments

Was looking for that video:D

Joe10000

jimbis wrote: »

Just make sure not to hire this guy. Unless you like brown trouser moments

Wow that pilot is some messer.

darlett

Hi just looking to reboot this old and at times angry thread

I'm getting married at Crover Hotel in Co. Cavan in July. Budget is very restricted but as none of us have ever been up in a helicopter I would like to add to the events of the day by arranging for my bride and me and a photographer to do a quite short tour around and see the lake and surrounding countryside. Also if possible multiple trips so my dad can see the region from where he grew up, and to allow her family who will be visiting from Indonesia for the wedding to see the Irish countryside like that.
I'm not sure is such an itinerary possible or how long it might take and I wonder if anyone has tried similar. My budget is proper stretched so its only a consideration at this stage. Are multiple trips possible within an hour type setup or is there too much complications I wonder.
Appreciate any advice. Currently googling and checking sites but haven't yet found a helicopter service that may be close and so more economical to book.

pepe the prawn

darlett wrote: »

Hi just looking to reboot this old and at times angry thread

I'm getting married at Crover Hotel in Co. Cavan in July. Budget is very restricted but as none of us have ever been up in a helicopter I would like to add to the events of the day by arranging for my bride and me and a photographer to do a quite short tour around and see the lake and surrounding countryside. Also if possible multiple trips so my dad can see the region from where he grew up, and to allow her family who will be visiting from Indonesia for the wedding to see the Irish countryside like that.
I'm not sure is such an itinerary possible or how long it might take and I wonder if anyone has tried similar. My budget is proper stretched so its only a consideration at this stage. Are multiple trips possible within an hour type setup or is there too much complications I wonder.
Appreciate any advice. Currently googling and checking sites but haven't yet found a helicopter service that may be close and so more economical to book.

Helicopters are uber expensive so you may want to prepare yourself.

Have you looked at executive helicopters in Galway? They would be the main (if not only) helicopter charter company in Ireland.
http://www.executive-helicopters.com



Also, Skywest helicopters in Weston, they are a flight training school but may also do charter. http://www.skywest.ie

Irish helicopters are also an option. http://www.irishhelicopters.com

Unique helicopters in Enniskillen.
http://www.uniquehelicopters.com


Helipower in Newtonards.
http://www.helipower.co.uk


If they had a helicopter in the area on the day doing other work you may get a good deal.

Also, a piston engined helicopter such as a Robinson R44 would probably be considerably cheaper to hire than a turbine engine helicopter like a Bell Jet ranger etc, so keep that in mind when looking around.

darlett

Cool stuff, plenty for me to be going on with there. Even after googling it all night you've given me operators closer than I could find myself as I hadn't thought to include operators from the North, many thanks for your detailed reply. Yeap, it might well be a bit pie in the sky pricewise, just checking more so on the off chance.

jimbis

darlett wrote: »

Cool stuff, plenty for me to be going on with there. Even after googling it all night you've given me operators closer than I could find myself as I hadn't thought to include operators from the North, many thanks for your detailed reply. Yeap, it might well be a bit pie in the sky pricewise, just checking more so on the off chance.

Go with yourself and the missus arriving by air! Screw the family, they're getting a free meal .

Shannon757

darlett wrote: »

Cool stuff, plenty for me to be going on with there. Even after googling it all night you've given me operators closer than I could find myself as I hadn't thought to include operators from the North, many thanks for your detailed reply. Yeap, it might well be a bit pie in the sky pricewise, just checking more so on the off chance.

Pun intended?

SkyWest will charter you a helicopter if you have a pilot or try Westair in Shannon.

jmayo

crazygeryy wrote: »

Screw the helicopter use the money for an even better honeymoon.no one looks at those bloody photos anyway.

I would agree.
No one looks at those photos.

Or better idea, hire one on some other day bar your wedding day.

You won't get to bloody enjoy it.
There are so many issues here.
This is Ireland it could be pouring from the heavens the day of the wedding and unless it is summer the chances are greater for low cloud, etc.
You have to worry about landing sites, you can't have the bride traipsing through mud or even wet grass in white dress/shoes, big dresses get blown around, and brides tend to have fancy hairdos on wedding day which might not do to well either.

Also you are going to be tied time wise.
You will have to depart the church at fixed time, unless you want pilot waiting around for hours.
Then you will have to be back for certain time to reception unless you want very peed off guests waiting around going hungry.

My better idea is to hire helicopter for some day during summer (all the better if celebrating something)
Organise flight to somewhere like Adare, Ashford, Delphi Lodge, Dromoland, Mount Juliet with lunch booked.
Then depending on where you are you can take in such sights as Killarney, Cliffs of Moher, Aran Islands, Conemara, the Nore Valley, etc.

Kenny2012

Another heli company is Skywest Aviation http://www.skywest.ie/

Irish Steve

This was a Zombie thread and is also being trolled. Thread Closed