Single and Twin Engine Helicopters
One Engine or Two?
Single or Twin Engine is more a question of personal preference, some people just feel safer having two engines rather than one. Whitetracks Helicopters however, do have a number of clients who won't fly in anything less than two engines with some further insisting on having a second pilot.
Whitetracks Helicopters works closely with several private jet companies that will only organise twin engine helicopters for their clients. When you get to this level you will find that the majority of the helicopters of the particular size required are only twin engine helicopters thus not providing the choice of single or twin engines.
Eurocopter EC135 | Agusta 109 | Eurocopter AS365 | Eurocopter EC155
It is only when you look at all the helicopter types across the board that you discover the smaller helicopters are mainly single engine helicopters whereas, the larger helicopters are nearly all twin engine. The only helicopter type that comes in both single and twin engine versions, is the Eurocopter AS350 (single engine) and Eurocopter AS355 (twin engine) helicopters.
A large percentage of our clients are looking for the least expensive or most cost effective helicopter option so are more than happy to travel in a single engine helicopter.
The majority of flights across the French and Swiss Alps and to Zermatt are performed by single engine Eurocopter AS350 'Squirrels' or 'Ecureuils' which are renowned for their high performance and safety record. The AS350 helicopter is extremely well suited for operations in conditions such as mountainous areas, hot countries and for very demanding missions for example mountain rescue.
The AS350 is the only helicopter to have landed on Mount Everest.
