HeliFlite: Setting the Standard for Safety in Private Helicopter Aviation
March 11, 2025At HeliFlite, safety isn’t just a priority—it’s the foundation of our entire operation. For over 25 years and 70,000 safe flying hours, we’ve been dedicated to providing our clients with unparalleled safety and peace of mind, ensuring that every journey is as safe as it is luxurious. Safety at HeliFlite is not a static goal—it’s a continuous process. We regularly undergo third-party audits by leading aviation safety firms such as WYVERN and ARG/US International Inc.. These assessments evaluate all aspects of our operations, from pilot training and maintenance protocols to risk management and compliance. By embracing these rigorous evaluations, we meet and exceed industry best practices in every aspect of private aviation.
WYVERN Wingman Certification: A Testament to Our Commitment
We are proud to have renewed our WYVERN Wingman Certified Operator status again for 2025, the highest level of safety certification by WYVERN. In addition to maintaining Wingman Status, we have joined the Wyvern Flight Leader program, which opens up our facility to Wyvern Auditors more frequently, allowing us maintain a closer relationship with Wyvern Safety Mentors.This certification is recognized as one of the most rigorous safety benchmarks in the air charter industry.
To achieve and maintain WYVERN Wingman status, operators must undergo a comprehensive evaluation based on the Wingman Standard criteria, which include:
Operational Activities Assessment – A detailed review of our day-to-day flight operations to ensure adherence to strict safety protocols.
Company’s Operational History and Safety Records – An audit of our historical performance, including incident records and safety measures implemented over time.
Safety Management System (SMS) – An in-depth analysis of our proactive approach to risk management, ensuring we continuously assess and mitigate potential hazards.
Internal Evaluation Program – A review of our internal oversight mechanisms that keep our safety culture at the forefront of operations.
Administrative Compositions & Technical Documentation – A verification that all regulatory documentation and operational manuals meet or exceed industry standards.
Pilot and Aircraft Records – Ensuring all pilot certifications, training records, and aircraft maintenance logs are current and compliant.
Training Requirements – Confirmation that all pilots and maintenance personnel undergo rigorous, recurrent training beyond regulatory minimums.
Maintenance Operations, Technician Training, and Experience – A thorough inspection of our maintenance procedures ensures that only the most qualified technicians service our fleet.
By meeting and exceeding these stringent standards, HeliFlite is positioned among the safest private aviation providers in the world.
In-House Expertise: Full-Time Pilots and Maintenance Staff
Unlike other operators who rely on contract pilots and outsourced maintenance, here at HeliFlite, we employ a dedicated team of full-time aviation professionals. This commitment ensures consistency, reliability, and an ingrained culture of safety. Every charter is flown by two highly trained pilots, each undergoing extensive recurrent training to maintain the highest standards of safety and professionalism.
Our fleet of Sikorsky S-76s and Agusta AW139s are managed by full-time maintenance technicians who follow stringent inspection and service protocols, ensuring that each aircraft is always in optimal condition. Additionally, HeliFlite has a full-time Chief Safety Officer who continuously monitors and enhances our safety programs, implementing best practices to exceed industry regulations. Keeping all critical personnel in-house eliminates the variability associated with charter services that depend on third-party contractors, allowing us to deliver a superior and seamless flight experience every time.
A Fleet Designed for Safety
Our commitment to safety extends to our carefully curated fleet. HeliFlite operates a fleet of twin-engine helicopters, including the Sikorsky S-76 and Agusta AW139, both of which are known for their advanced avionics and redundant safety features. Every aircraft in our fleet is equipped with:
- • Emergency Floats – All of our helicopters are equipped with floats for added safety when flying over water, ensuring safer water landings if needed.
- • State-of-the-art avionics for enhanced situational awareness.
- • Dual engines for increased reliability in all flight conditions.
- • Regular, rigorous maintenance schedules to ensure peak operational performance.
Sikorsky S-76 Safety
The Sikorsky S-76 has an outstanding safety record spanning over 26 years and more than 4 million flight hours. The latest S-76C++ model incorporates a range of preventive safety features, including redundant systems for flight controls, avionics, cockpit displays, and hydraulic systems. Additionally, it is equipped with a Helicopter Operations Monitoring Program (HOMP) and an optional Vibration Monitoring System, which captures and records operational flight data to enhance performance and safety. The Enhanced Ground Proximity Warning System (EGPWS), standard on the S-76C++, is an advanced terrain avoidance system that enhances all-weather safety, allowing for safer operations even in unfamiliar territories or adverse conditions. The model’s more powerful engines further improve performance, providing an added margin of safety and reliability for every flight.
Agusta AW139 Safety
The Agusta AW139 integrates cutting-edge safety technology into its design. It meets the latest certification requirements and includes multiple safety features. The aircraft features state-of-the-art integrated avionics and a fully digital glass cockpit, which improves situational awareness and reduces pilot workload. Safety enhancements such as the Obstacle Proximity Lidar System (OPLS) further increase flight security by detecting potential hazards. The AW139 also offers optional Full Ice Protection System (FIPS) and Limited Ice Protection System (LIPS), ensuring safe operations in various weather conditions. These advancements make the AW139 one of the most reliable and technologically advanced helicopters in its class.
Experience the Higher Standard
Choosing HeliFlite isn’t just about luxury, private travel—it’s about flying with the confidence that your safety is in the hands of the most qualified aviation professionals in the industry. Our pilots have extensive experience navigating NYC airspace, ensuring smooth and efficient operations in one of the most complex flight environments. We serve an elite clientele, including heads of state, professional athletes, movie stars, musicians, and Fortune 50 CEOs, all of whom trust us for their most critical travel needs. Our service meets the standards of even the most risk-averse clients, as evidenced by exceeding the requirements set by corporate Chief Risk Officers who personally inspect our facilities and aircraft. Additionally, we have exclusive access to private terminals such as the East Hampton Executive Terminal, ensuring fast and discreet boarding and disembarking. Our commitment to safety, highly trained in-house team, and elite-level certifications set us apart. Experience the difference of flying with an operator who defines the highest standard in private helicopter travel. Choose HeliFlite for your next charter.
