Air Wars – Will Seaplanes Replace Helicopters on Superyachts?
Air Wars – Will Seaplanes Replace Helicopters on Superyachts?
YACHT HELICOPTER BLOG
We profiled the new Mercedes Benz-style helicopter, the EC145. Its use as an air tender on mega yacht charter vessels is popular.
Several readers contacted us. They said the future air tender might be a plane, and not a helicopter. We decided to investigate further.
As we stated in June,
“In the rarified air of multimillion dollar superyachts and gigayachts, helipads on luxury mega yacht charter vessels like motor yacht AIR and motor yacht MOONLIGHT II commonplace…”
4 REASONS FOR SEAPLANES
To illustrate, there are four compelling reasons behind the seaplane advantage. Specifically, acquisition cost, maintenance cost, payload, and range outweigh helicopters.
Similarly, it is often more affordable to buy and maintain a seaplane. Compared to a helicopter; we found payload comparisons vary. This is because of the type of airship. Seaplanes far exceed the range of typical helicopters.
SPECIAL LIGHT SPORT AIRCRAFT
The new generation of planes, specifically, Special Light Sport Aircraft, are the new item.
In general, sports aircraft are cheaper to build than most helicopters. With fewer training hours required, it is also easier and less expensive for people to get a sport pilot license as compared to a traditional pilot’s license.
ICON A5 PLANE
As a tender to a luxury yacht charter vessel, the most interesting new sports plane is the Icon A5, slated for full production later this year. The A5 is a 2-seat composite amphibian. Weighing just 1000 pounds, the plane features folding wings, allowing the aircraft to be stored onboard a yacht in a space no larger than 28 by 9 feet.
With a price of just $135,000, the Icon A5 could prove to be the low cost air tender of the future.
Ms. Jana Sheeder is President of 1-800 Yacht Charters. Providing The Superyacht Experience(tm) since 1976. Private luxury yacht charter vacations in the Mediterranean, Caribbean, Bahamas, South Pacific, South Florida, Miami and The Florida Keys, Italian Rivera, Belize. Megayacht charter company focused on generosity, Pay It Forward, Random Acts of Kindness, Giftivism, giving back to the ocean, to the needy, and the environment with every superyachting charter. Providing eco-friendly alternatives while on yacht charters and known for 6-star customer service, experience, and generosity. View all posts by →
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