I was thinking of booking a ride in the next fortnight in the Huey, that plies it way around the Cape Peninsular from the Waterfront heliport in Cape Town, but was underwhelmed by the cost which equates to almost two hours actually flying an R44.
https://flythehuey.co.za/product/huey-f ... -hout-bay/
Personally at £1,132 methinks the 9 passengers in Cape Town are, literally, being taken for a ride. Combine that price with lingering questions about the South African Hueys' provenance and maintenance given some of the historic bad press, which may now be totally unfair I admit, and I am apt to save my money and spend it here in the UK.
Just for comparisons purposes here is the price that a UK outfit offers for similar flights in a Huey."the upliftment of a grounding order issued by the South African Civil Aviation Authority (the “CAA”) on 7 January 2004. The CAA is cited, at its own request, as the third respondent..."
"which was manufactured by Bell Aviation as a military aircraft during the Vietnam War. At some time after a lengthy military career, it was converted or reconstituted into a civilian aircraft. As such it was “non type” certificated by the CAA in 2002 for non-commercial use. It was certificated for commercial use during 2003. It has been using the helipad since December 2002."
https://www.huey.co.uk/index.php
I guess, as some in the USA might say, "go figure".45 MINUTE HUEY EXPERIENCE FLIGHT
£650 per person (inc. VAT)
This flight experience is available from April to October and includes a minimum of 45 minutes airborne time in the Huey Helicopter. Each flight is limited to a maximum of 5 people. Access to our Hangar is included for you and up to three guests
Has anybody who posts here actually flown the Huey?