Helicopters in Bangkok.

[MeMock]

Has anyone ever flown over Bangkok in a chopper?

I am assuming there is a business that transports people from the airport to a select few hotels in the city.

Does anyone have any links to these types of businesses?

Cheers.

[lom]

Has anyone ever flown over Bangkok in a chopper?

No, no one has ever done that

I am assuming there is a business that transports people from the airport to a select few hotels in the city.

Correct.

Does anyone have any links to these types of businesses?

Google has a lot of them links

[Thai Pom]

Yes, many times when I was working with the Thai Military. The only commercial company that does charters is Si-Chang. Welcome to SFS Aviation Expensive, Cheers TP

[MeMock]

Thai pom, thanks for that. The website is a little lacking and 'price and place' button doesn't seem to work.

How much is expensive and in what type of chopper?

[William]

^you would likely have more luck going through a hotel that has this service.

[MeMock]

[QUOTE=lom;541002]

I am assuming there is a business that transports people from the airport to a select few hotels in the city.

Correct.

You are a wealth of info!

It seems that the peninsula offers tours but I can't find anymore info apart from that.

[MeMock]

^you would likely have more luck going through a hotel that has this service.

true, but you can imagine what the rates are like which is why I was wondering if there was a company that just specialised in Bangkok tours plus just general hire so that I could set my own agenda.

[William]

^Depends if you are staying at the hotel. I think the Oriental might chuck it in free if you spend enough.

Shangri-la used to do it at fairly competitive prices, but not sure where they landed

[Thai Pom]

MeMock,

I would suggest you give them a call. They use quite old MBB/Kawasaki BK 117 's. There is another I have just remembered called Thai Helicopter Flying Services. this is owned by Minebea and is used to ferry their executives to their Bearing factorys up country. They use a Bell 430 I believe they will do charters. Last number I had for them was 02-535 4936/43 . Please remember that because of all the Palaces and Military Establishments in Bangkok flying over the city is very strictly controlled. TP

[William]

^didn't PB Air use to have a service like this from their old brewery days?

[Thai Pom]

William, I cannot remember PB operating a chopper. Bangkok Airways has just had one delivered under "Bangkok Helicopter Services". It is in Medivac Configuration for flying patients of the Bangkok Hospital Group, not for private charter as yet. Before anyone gets smart, they can remove the Medical kit and install seats!!

[William]

^Thanks. I just recall the days when "PB Air" was the private airline of Boonwawd and seem to recall they had that service then. Doesn't mean they do now though.

[Thai Pom]

No problems

[Thetyim]

for flying patients of the Bangkok Hospital Group, not for private charter as yet.

Yes it is
The Spacious volume and air-conditioned cabin is accessible via the large side-doors & rear clamshell doors for straight-in loading of ideal baggage and golf bags.

Services

[kingwilly]

It is in Medivac Configuration for flying patients of the Bangkok Hospital Group, not for private charter as yet. Before anyone gets smart, they can remove the Medical kit and install seats!!

we tried to hire it once for use as a medivac chopper, it appears they now rent it to a tv news group instead .... more money i guess.

[blackgang]

Jesus Christ, medivac in that sombitch would take all your money and have nothing left for the hospital when you got there.

$27,000 per hour. 555

[MeMock]

27 grand per hour??? Crikey.

I was looking more at a R44 or something at around 25,000 baht per hour.

[Thai Pom]

I am sorry Memock no chance....TP

[MeMock]

Why is that Thai Pom, do you think?

Surely choppers are the same price or cheaper then in the west. Is it because as you said, all the restrictions on the airspace over the city or something else?

Is there a business opportunity here?

[Marmite the Dog]

A helicopter just flew over my place. There's been quite a bit of that recently.

[MeMock]

Army or private?

Photos next time please marmers

[Marmite the Dog]

Army or private?

Dunno.

Photos next time please marmers

Piss orf!

[klongmaster]

they fly quite regularly over my place in Non Memers: always Army though...

yes there's probably a decent business op tapping into a decent albeit limited market...

[Thai Pom]

To answer MeMock and Klongmaster.

Many companies have looked at and run away, including me. Some of the reasons:-
1. Import Duty on the chopper and spare parts.
2. Obtaining an "Air Operators Cetificate" is neigh on impossible.
3. Very restrictive "Air Corridors", not just BKK but country wide.
4. Shortage of Pilots - Most qualified guys are working the rigs, either Songkla or the Middle East. The ones flying for BHS, BFS and Si Chang are 90% retired RTA Officers i.e too old for the rigs.

Please remember a famous quote from Sir Richard Branson " Do you know hao to become a Millionaire in the Aviation Industry? You must start as a Billionaire!!".

TP

[Zavier38]

I asked Peninsula Hotel a couple of years back. Was told that Toxin had "borrowed" their helicopter. I don't know whether he bothered to return it or whether he looted that too.