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HELICOPTER AIR SERVICE PROGRAM                                 451

The advantages of turbine-powered helicopters are numerous. They are of simpler design than the piston types and offer even greater operational schedule reliability to the public. They will carry more passengers and fly faster. This will enable the helicopter airlines to offer more service for more people at greater comfort, convenience and reliability. Finally, the increased speed capacity of the new equipment, coupled with the efficiency and simplicity of their power plants, promise a substantial reduction in operating and maintenance costs. However, as has been evident with the efficient subsonic jet, it will take a period of time, possibly two to three years, for the new turbine helicopters to demonstrate their full potential. 

The improved operating characteristics of the new twin-engine helicopters will make it possible for carriers to operate at downtown heliports in congested areas for the first time. Federal Aviation Agency criteria for single-engine operations have precluded such close-in operations by scheduled carriers heretofore. 

However, operating cost levels inherent in the new aircraft indicate that economic self-sufficiency is possible with an increased scale of operation and a consequent increase in equipment utilization, and passenger load factors and lower unit costs. Although it is difficult to estimate precisely when the period of self-sufficiency will be reached it appears that the benefits of increased traffic levels and the expanded operations of new turbine aircraft over the next five years will allow for the elimination or a drastic reduction in the need for financial assistance from the Federal government. 


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