Thailand Expats

chopperman · #1 17-06-2004, 20:45

Hi Guys! new member here....

I've been looking at starting a Helicopter Scenic flight Operation in Phuket for some time, Would appreciate any thoughts or ideas on the subject!

Cheers

LivinLOS · #2 17-06-2004, 20:57

My cousin looked into it also... He has the needed heli licences and a buddy that operates out of Hawai doing the same that offered to 50/50 partner...

My advice was forget it.. Prices would have been hard to achive to make it pay (its one thing getting people to drop 80 - 100 USD for a few minutes ride in Hawai but the ride competition here is mighty tough

)..

Also as we understood it importation duties are a nightmare (and the ability to buy a usable heli locally slim).. Aviation logitics and licences a beurocratic headfvck...

In short nice idea but hard to get of the ground (groan) !!

senna · #3 08-08-2004, 18:46

Yer mate, forget it.....

There is almost no G.A in Thailand - the DCA only understand military and airline procedures. Permits are next to impossible to obtain and entirely impossible unless you have someone high up in the DCA involved with and making money from your company, and then don't believe any promises they make you...I would be interested to hear if you have made any steps towards chopper flights in Phuket or if it just and idea...Better it stays an idea for your own sake! Just light up a few fires around Sydney, hope for a good season and go to Phuket for your holidays...

chopperman · #4 11-08-2004, 13:03

Hi Senna,

Thanks for the input, to answer your ?

yes i have a number of investors involved in this project including a Goverment minister, i have all the permits i require to operate a Helicopter in and around Phuket and we just need a Helicopter ha ha ah i intend to operate R44 Helicopter to start off with, its been a long term project that would have started some time ago but for sept 11th!! then Bali etc.
seems we might get a go at it some time in 2005.

Cheers

K2 · #5 11-08-2004, 17:33

I was trying to view some real estate (in Phang Nga - no road access) and asked agent to arrange helipcopter to take me (and biz associtaes) over to take a look; after hard search found an outfit that offered a micro-helicopter fitted with a camera! (only available in Phuket for 40,000 Bhat!!!!!!!!!).

Think its a great idea and definitely should be in line with TAT desires for wealthy tourists - maybe try hooking up with Dusit Resort complex - but would like to wish you all the best in getting your biz off the ground!

senna · #6 12-08-2004, 08:57

Sounds like you have made a few productive steps and thus must be aware of the difficulties involved with your project...Can I ask you where your permits are for, from whom, and valid for how long? You may find that there are varous other permits and 'favours' that will be sprung on you at the last minute that you do not even know about.
Do you have a Thai AOC yet? Where do you intend to operate and how do you intend to market yourself?
Send me a private message if you like...
It will be MUCH more difficult that you think...Just getting an R44 into Thailand for commercial use will cost you a fortune - around 10% of the aircrafts value from memory... And then your problems will start!
I don't mean to sound negative, well okay, maybe I do, but only to say be careful - but good luck!

IRISH JONNY · #7 12-08-2004, 14:08

I WAS ONCE CALLED A HELICOPTER BY A BUNCH OG BGs IN SOI SEADRAGON.
THEY SAID I WAS WELL PAST BEING CALLED A BUTTERFLY......SO A HELICOPTER WAS THE BEST WAY TO DESCRIBE ME........BUT THOSE DAYS ARE OVER

...........I THINK

.....
SORRY FOR SIDE TRACKING THE THREAD !!!!!!!!!!
JONNY

Coyotee · #8 12-08-2004, 19:21

Quote:

Originally Posted by IRISH JONNY

I WAS ONCE CALLED A HELICOPTER BY A BUNCH OG BGs IN SOI SEADRAGON.
THEY SAID I WAS WELL PAST BEING CALLED A BUTTERFLY......SO A HELICOPTER WAS THE BEST WAY TO DESCRIBE ME........BUT THOSE DAYS ARE OVER

...........I THINK

.....
SORRY FOR SIDE TRACKING THE THREAD !!!!!!!!!!
JONNY

Looks like you are bored Jonny! and still suffering from the Post LOS blues.

Malaysian

eric-the-viking · #9 13-08-2004, 00:33

Quote:

Originally Posted by IRISH JONNY

I WAS ONCE CALLED A HELICOPTER BY A BUNCH OG BGs IN SOI SEADRAGON.
THEY SAID I WAS WELL PAST BEING CALLED A BUTTERFLY......SO A HELICOPTER WAS THE BEST WAY TO DESCRIBE ME........BUT THOSE DAYS ARE OVER

...........I THINK

.....
SORRY FOR SIDE TRACKING THE THREAD !!!!!!!!!!
JONNY

Wow Jonny your really smitten with this girl....
could this be the end of an era ?

Tarzan · #10 13-08-2004, 02:48

Quote:

Originally Posted by eric-the-viking

Wow Jonny your really smitten with this girl....
could this be the end of an era ?

Look whos talking....

Wasnt it you that had a huge phonebill..

(I shouldnt say anything,I have had some huge bills too...

)

IRISH JONNY · #11 13-08-2004, 14:16

Quote:

Originally Posted by eric-the-viking

Wow Jonny your really smitten with this girl....
could this be the end of an era ?

SMITTEN YES....END OF AN ERA.......NO.......
WHEN IM HERE IN FARANG LAND WORKING MY BUT OFF TO GET BACK TO LOS... SHES OVER THERE OILING SOME OTHER GUYS TODGER..YOU JUST GOTTA FACE REALITY.........IF SHES AVAILABE AT CRIMBO..... .YES ILL TAKE HER........IF NOT......... .WELL THERES THE MIKEE TOUR OF THE DOUBLE DARKSIDE TO CHEER ME UP !!!!!!!!!
JONNY