Chartering a Helicopter vs. An Airplane

You need to take a trip, and a commercial flight just won’t work. Should you charter a jet or a helicopter? The answer can vary from person to person and even from trip to trip. 

In general, helicopters are good choices for short trips into or out of locations far from an airstrip. Jets, on the other hand, can take on longer trips with plenty of passengers and luggage, as long as they operate from airports.

Understanding the Basics 

While both helicopters and jets are flying machines you can use for chartered trips, plenty of differences separate them. As a customer, it’s critical for you to understand those differences. 

Helicopters 

Helicopters are unique flying machines with short, fast-spinning fans that rotate on the top, right above the passenger cabin. That makes helicopters narrower than jets, and since they take off and land vertically, they don’t need much space to operate. 

Many people are aware that helicopters are used in military operations, particularly in war zones that lack stable airport infrastructure. Helicopters are also used in medical evacuations, construction zones, and urban commutes. 

Helicopters can take off and land from all sorts of unusual locations, including rooftops, helipads, open fields, and more. 

Airplanes 

Private jets are wider than helicopters, as they have wings that protrude from the sides of the aircraft. Propellers at the front push the plane through the air. Because they need to pick up speed to take off and they need time to slow down on landing, they require airports and landing strips to operate. 

Airplanes are ideal for longer distances, as many versions have large fuel tanks for extended range. Jets also offer more comfortable seating, and some even have bathrooms and dining areas. 

Jets and airplanes are often used in commercial travel, long-distance business trips, and cargo transport.

Helicopter vs. Airplane: A Side-by-Side Comparison 

Learning more about what aircraft and how they perform can help you to make a smart decision. This chart summarizes the information you need:

aspect	helicopter	airplane
Takeoff/Landing	Vertical takeoff and landing means little space is required	Requires a runway for takeoff and landing
Speed	Slower, so this aircraft is ideal for short distances	Faster, so this aircraft is suitable for longer distances
Accessibility	Can reach remote areas and congested urban neighborhoods	Limited to airports and designated airstrips
Capacity	Fewer passengers and limited cargo space	More passengers and larger cargo space
Cost	Higher cost per hour, so this aircraft is less economical for long trips	More cost-effective for longer distances and larger groups
Flight Experience	Offers unique experiences like hovering and low-altitude flight	Smoother ride at higher altitude with less noise and vibration
Weather Handling	More susceptible to adverse weather conditions	Generally more stable and better equipped for poor weather

Speed & Distance 

Helicopters can fly up to 400 miles on a single tank. Private jets, on the other hand, can fly up to 10,000 nautical miles. That means helicopters simply can’t travel as far as a jet. 

Helicopters also fly at a much slower speed than a jet. Jets can jump up high above turbulence and other issues, allowing them to reach their destinations much quicker. 

Because of these differences, helicopters are best for short trips, while jets are best for longer trips. 

Accessibility & Landing Flexibility 

The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) sets rules about where aircraft can take off and land. Those rules can be suspended in an emergency (such as a mechanical failure), but that’s relatively rare. 

Per FAA rules, helicopters can operate from all sorts of locations. They can take off and land from helipads, open fields, and more. That flexibility makes them ideal for destinations far from an airport. They also work well when the flight must happen, even when the airport is crowded. 

FAA rules for jets and airplanes are much more restricted. This type of aircraft needs a long runway for safe takeoff and landing, which means they must operate from airports. For many trips, that’s not a problem. 

Comfort & Capacity 

Helicopters are smaller than either private jets or airplanes, and they rarely have cargo space. On a short trip, you’ll sit close to other people and experience the flight together. You’ll be able to see the entire terrain together, but you may not be able to hear one another. 

Jets offer a much more comfortable trip. Many allow passengers to walk, eat, and use the restroom during the flight. Jets tend to offer a quieter flight experience, and travel tends to be smoother. 

Since they are smaller, helicopters tend to hold fewer passengers than other forms of travel. Larger jets can take on more people than smaller versions, but almost all jets can carry more people than a helicopter can. 

Cost Considerations 

Helicopters can be more cost-effective for short trips due to lower fuel consumption and operational costs. While airplanes may be more expensive upfront, they can be a better value for longer journeys.

Safety & Weather Resilience 

Both helicopters and airplanes have strong safety records when operated by experienced pilots. However, differences do separate them. 

Between 2020 and 2024, the average helicopter accident rate was 3.71. Experts say operator fatigue was often to blame. Since this type of aircraft typically operates in challenging environments, the flights may be inherently hazardous. 

In 2024, the accident rate in private jets was 0.996 per 100,000 hours of flight. This statistic suggests that jets have a lower accident rate than helicopters. However, jets also don’t travel in the same difficult environments that helicopters do. 

Picking the Right Aircraft for Your Needs 

It’s important to think carefully about your trip and your preferences before you select one aircraft over another. 

Choose a helicopter when these situations apply:

• You need to take off or land directly at a remote site or crowded metro area. 
• You want to bypass crowded ground traffic. 
• You’re taking a short trip, such as one that is less than 200 miles.
• You are dealing with a medical emergency and can’t handle a wait time at an airport.

Choose a private jet when these situations apply:

• Your trip involves a long distance. 
• You are traveling with several people, all of whom have luggage or cargo. 
• You want amenities, like meals and restrooms, while you travel. 
• You want greater fuel efficiency.

Book Your Next Trip With Element Aviation 

Helicopters and airplanes have distinct advantages, depending on your travel requirements and preferences. There is no right or wrong answer that works for everyone. 

At Element Aviation, we have extensive experience in providing tailored aviation solutions to meet diverse client needs. We would love to help you. Contact us for consultation and booking. We’re ready to answer any questions you may have.