Helicopter Fleet
In 1971, Ernie and Hedi Tanner acquired the first helicopter, a Bell 47J. In order to buy this helicopter, they took out a mortgage on their home and obtained a loan from friends.
Today, the Helimission fleet has seven helicopters.
Madagascar
Model: Airbus Helicopters AS-350 BA
Engine: Turbomeca Arriel 1B
Year: 1979
Regisration: 5R-AAA
Based in: Antananarivo, Madagascar
Model: Airbus Helicopters AS-350 BA
Engine: Turbomeca Arriel 1B
Year: 1980
Regisration: 5R-MKT
Based in: Antananarivo, Madagascar
Papua, Indonesia
Model: Airbus Helicopters AS-350 B2
Engine: Turbomeca Arriel 1D1
Year: 1991
Regisration: PK-HCG
Based in: Papua, Indonesia
Model: Airbus Helicopters AS-350 BA
Engine: Turbomeca Arriel 1B
Year: 1983
Regisration: PK-HCR
Based in: Papua, Indonesia
Model: Airbus Helicopters AS-350 BA
Engine: Turbomeca Arriel 1B
Year: 1985
Regisration: PK-HCY
Based in: Papua, Indonesia
Sulawesi, Indonesia
Model: Bell 206L-3 Long Ranger
Engine: Allison 250-C 30 P
Year: 1985
Regisration: PK-HCP
Based in: Sulawesi, Indonesia
Switzerland
Model: Airbus Helicopters AS-350 BA
Engine: Turbomeca Arriel 1B
Year: 1982
Regisration: HB-ZHQ
Based in: HQ, Switzerland
From the Archives
Model: Bell 47J
Engine: Lycoming, 240PS
Regisration: HB-XDK
In Operation: 1771 to 1975
The Efficiency of a Helicopter
In the western world, helicopters are often taken for granted. They are the “pack animals” for all kinds of transport and are well known for their search and rescue capabilities.
In 1971, when Helimission began to use helicopters in the inaccessible and remote areas of Africa, it was a daring endeavor from anyone’s point of view, and this new concept had yet to be proven. There were people, however, who believed
in this vision and supported it. Today the foundation is still supported and funded by faithful benefactors.
The cost of flights for disaster operations and for medical emergencies are borne by Helimission. For other services we usually only charge the price of the fuel.
