For some, owning a helicopter is simply a source of high-flying excitement and entertainment. Others purchase a helicopter as an investment that they can sell to make money down the road. And, of course, there are those that hope their helicopter hobby will produce a profit, as well as some fun memories while they wait to cash in on their wings.

But, whether you’re hoping for good times or a good return, your helicopter is bound to give you more of your money’s worth if you practice smart aircraft maintenance.

Investing in helicopters is regarded as a good financial opportunity by many. This is partly because their market is one that’s less volatile than other potential investments. And, well-maintained helicopters tend to hold their value better than other types of aircraft, as well.

Read on for aircraft maintenance tips to extend the life of your helicopter and boost its’ value!

The Must-Have Helicopter Handbook: Aircraft Maintenance Tips You Don’t Want to Miss

In 2017, helicopter hobbyists were given good news as Helicopter Investor reported the first increase in values since 2009.

The optimistic forecast caught the attention of helicopter enthusiasts and was the subject of quite a few headlines. But, what many failed to mention was the essential aircraft maintenance necessary to keep helicopters in tip-top shape.

If you own a helicopter, here’s what you need to know to make sure you can get the best price possible for your aircraft.

1. Know Your Limits

There are some maintenance tasks that you can do yourself, especially once you have an official pilot’s license. However, there are also those that are best left to the experts.

When attempting do-it-yourself maintenance projects, no matter how simple, it’s important that you know your limits. And, don’t try to attempt professional service projects if you aren’t a professional.

2. Act Fast

When you notice a strange smell, noise or behavior, be sure that you have your helicopter checked out as soon as possible. Delaying the problem is likely to exacerbate it. Best to address any maintenance issues head-on if you want to minimize the damage to your aircraft.

3. Have Your Helicopter Serviced Regularly

Make sure that you stick to a regular maintenance schedule. This will ensure that your helicopter stays in the best shape possible. And, it will also help to keep your aircraft operating safely.

4. Back to the Basics

Many helicopter owners focus on the major maintenance tasks but overlook the most simple things that can impact the health of their helicopter.

Certain things, such as cleaning your aircraft, checking the tire pressure, and storing it out of the elements can extend its’ life without much effort on your part.

If you fail to practice these simplest of tasks, however, you could cost yourself a lot of time and money in the long run.

5. Clean Fuel

To keep your helicopter running its’ best, always use clean fuel to gas up after your aircraft has been sitting for a while. If possible, don’t rely on old fuel to keep your helicopter in flight.

Stay Informed!

Aside from practicing smart aircraft maintenance, it’s a good idea to keep a tab on the current and projected values of helicopters. This is especially important if you are planning to sell or purchase a helicopter.

Order your trusted aviation guide to find out more about helicopter values today!