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 of construction: 1979
Registration: 5R-AAA
Based in: Antananarivo, Madagascar
Model: Airbus Helicopters AS-350 BA
Engine: Turbomeca Arriel 1B
Year of construction: 1980
Registration: 5R-MKT
Based in: Antananarivo, Madagascar
Papua, Indonesia
Model: Airbus Helicopters AS-350 B2
Engine: Turbomeca Arriel 1D1
Year of construction: 1991
Registration: PK-HCG
Based in: Papua, Indonesia
Model: Airbus Helicopters AS-350 BA
Engine: Turbomeca Arriel 1B
Year of construction: 1983
Registration: PK-HCR
Based in: Papua, Indonesia
Model: Airbus Helicopters AS-350 BA
Engine: Turbomeca Arriel 1B
Year of construction: 1985
Registration: PK-HCY
Based in: Papua, Indonesia
Switzerland
Model: Airbus Helicopters AS-350 BA
Engine: Turbomeca Arriel 1B
Year of construction: 1982
Registration: HB-ZHQ
Stationed in: HQ, Switzerland
Model Type: Airbus Helicopters AS-350 B2
Engine: Safran Arriel 1D1
Year of construction: 1994
Enrollment: HB-ZQR
Stationed in: HQ, Switzerland
From the Archives
Model: Bell 47J
Engine: Lycoming, 240hp
Registration: HB-XDK
In Operation: 1971-1975
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.