Heli Support NZ is one of the leading helicopter engineering services companies in New Zealand, with clients around the world who rely on its time-tested ability to ensure rotorcraft perform at their peak potential.
With help from an elite group of business partners who share the company’s devotion to high-quality service and quick turnarounds, Heli Support NZ serves a wide range of customers in many countries.
The company services several major rotorcraft brands, but most of its clients fly Airbus products–a fact that prompted Heli Support NZ to recently become an authorized maintenance center for Airbus Helicopters and Safran Helicopter Engines.
“We made this move in recognition of Airbus Helicopters and their Safran engines becoming a prevalent type in New Zealand, the Asia-Pacific region, and around the world,” said Sacha Wetzel, Heli Support NZ’s head of business development.
“Our focus is on maintenance–namely the line maintenance and regular inspections that are required in Airbus manuals,” he added. “We have a division that assists our customers with any purchases that they need, be they a maintainer or an owner. This includes avionics, engines, gearboxes, or anything else where parts are required.”
Heli Support NZ services, sells and leases single-engine Airbus rotorcraft, with plans to branch out into twin-engine models as the market changes. The company also does major inspections required by Airbus during the life cycle of its products, as requested by Heli Support NZ clients.
Heli Support NZ is also a Dart Aerospace Approved Maintenance Center and a Standard Aero Authorized Support Center.
When it comes to inventory, Heli Support NZ has parts and accessories on hand for Safran (formerly Turbomeca) engines, as well as Allison and Honeywell engines.
Meanwhile, the company’s warehouse is full of parts for Airbus AS350, H120, and H130 single-engine helicopters. This includes assemblies such as the main and tail rotor gearboxes,epicyclic gearing, servo control, starter generators, fuel pumps, horizontal stabilizers, vertical fins, tail booms, electrical components, and helicopter instruments.
Once parts have been purchased at (or delivered to) Heli Support NZ’s hangar at Wanaka Airport, the company’s expert staff completes installations, configurations, and refurbishings with keen attention to detail.
“We can completely redo your helicopter, inside and out,” said Wetzel. This includes interior and exterior designs; composite and alloy repairs; interior seat and carpet refinishing or replacement; interior and external repainting using PPG Aerospace primers and top coats; and decals or sign writing.
Beyond all of these services, Heli Support NZ provides ongoing third-party support for client helicopters throughout the Asia-Pacific region.
“We are currently maintaining about 50 helicopters on behalf [of] our customers,” said Wetzel. “That is more than any other maintenance center in Asia-Pacific.”
Heli Support NZ is also an excellent place to buy Airbus helicopters.
“We always look to sell new helicopters at their list prices,” said Wetzel. “Moreover, we bring added value to the purchase. If you go out and buy on your own, you get the product without support. If you buy from us, you pay exactly the same price for the helicopter–plus all the support and expertise that we put behind it.”
The company can also help customers broker purchases from other original equipment manufacturers (OEMs), ensuring necessary details like pre-purchase inspections, escrow transactions, shipping, and certificates of airworthiness and export approval are all taken care of.
“We also offer leasing for our own aircraft and for owners who want to lease their helicopters,” said Wetzel.
Finally, Heli Support NZ is a company that looks ahead.
“The growth of unmanned aviation, plus the manned helicopter industry’s move towards more charters and less direct VIP ownership, is going to change how aircraft have to be purchased, configured, and managed,” said Wetzel.
“This is something that we are planning for at Heli Support NZ. We will be ready to help our clients cope as the market evolves.”
All told, Heli Support NZ truly is a one-stop shop for helicopter owner/operators.
“This comes from our understanding of what it takes to run a helicopter company, built upon the experience of our founders Jason and Kelly Buick,” said Wetzel.
As the company’s engineering manager and director, Jason Buick is fully versed in maintaining and fielding a helicopter fleet. CEO/director Kelly Buick is an experienced chief pilot and manager who knows the rest of the business.
“Is there a message for people to take away about Heli Support NZ? Yes: It is better for their business to work with our business,” said Wetzel. “We know all aspects of helicopter management, and we can help you get the most out of your aircraft.”
