Helicopter industry expected to rebound
March 17, 2011, 03:03 pm
Though the helicopter market has been struggling throughout the recession, there are signs that the industry will soon begin to recover, according to the Aircraft Owners and Pilots Association.
The AOPA spoke to forecasters from Rolls Royce, who expressed that the helicopter industry now has a favorable outlook brought on by increasing demand for the aircraft. As a large number of currently used helicopters are aging and will soon need to be retired, orders for their replacements may help jump-start the industry.
The group has projected deliveries of 16,900 new turbine helicopters over the next 10 years as the economy continues to improve, the source said. The units are estimated to have a combined value of $140 billion.
The turnaround of the helicopter industry may also potentially affect factors such as employment in related sectors, since they will require 27,000 new turbine engines with a total value of $12 billion, according to the source.
Though this is excellent news for the industry, the rebound could potentially result in an increase in the number of aviation accidents since the helicopter accident rate in 2008 was 1.22 per 100,000 departures, according to Helicopter Association International.
Pilots who fly helicopters may want to ensure that they have adequate pilot life insurance, in case they are involved in a fatal crash.
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