Fleet

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.