Behind Every Flight: A Great Deal Happens Before Takeoff

Anyone who sees one of our helicopters in the sky is likely thinking about spectacular mountain flights, external load operations, or unforgettable sightseeing tours. But before a helicopter is even cleared for takeoff, an enormous amount of work happens behind the scenes.

In aviation, safety always comes first. That is why our helicopters undergo regular inspections, checks, and extensive maintenance according to a strictly defined maintenance program.

A Major Scheduled Inspection

One of our Airbus H125 helicopters recently underwent its 3,000-hour TBO (Time Between Overhaul) inspection, combined with a 5,400-hour / 72-month scheduled inspection.

During this maintenance event, numerous safety-critical components were inspected and replaced, including:

• Main gearbox
• Epicyclic gearbox (intermediate gearbox)
• Rotor brake
• Oil pump
• Starflex rotor head

Many of these components have a precisely defined service life. Regardless of their external condition, they must be overhauled or replaced once they reach the operating hours or calendar limits specified by the manufacturer. This rigorous approach ensures that the highest safety standards are maintained at all times.

Helicopter Maintenance – Much More Than an Oil Change

Throughout its service life, every helicopter is continuously monitored and inspected. Different maintenance tasks are required depending on the number of flight hours accumulated.

These include:

• Daily basic inspection
• 25-, 50-, 100-, 150-, 300-, 600-, 750-, 1,200-, 1,500-, 1,800-, and 2,250-hour inspections
• Up to the comprehensive 5,400-hour inspection

However, flight hours are only part of the equation. The age of individual components is equally important. For this reason, helicopters also undergo calendar-based inspections, including:

• 1-, 6-, 12-, 24-, 36-, 48-, 60-, and 72-month inspections
• Up to the extensive 12-year inspection

Even helicopters with relatively few flight hours require components to be inspected or replaced simply because of their age.

Why So Much Effort?

In aviation, there is no room for compromise when it comes to safety. Every maintenance task is specified by the manufacturer and the aviation authorities and must be thoroughly documented.

Our maintenance team invests countless hours to ensure that every flight can be carried out under the safest possible conditions. While most of this work remains invisible to our passengers, it forms the foundation of safe flight operations.

Safety Begins Long Before Takeoff

The next time you see one of our helicopters taking off, remember that every flight represents far more than the work of experienced pilots.

Behind every departure lies meticulous planning, highly skilled technicians, and many hours of dedicated maintenance.

Because every flight begins long before the rotor blades start turning.