The Sikorsky S-76 at Helinet, Van Nuys

Why it is on the list

Helinet has flown private twin-engine helicopter charters across Southern California since 1987 and runs the largest twin-engine charter fleet in the region.¹ The S-76 is the largest of its three charter types: twin turbines, 180 mph, six to eight passengers, 600 pounds of baggage and a leather, air-conditioned cabin with food and drink served on board.² It lands at airports, heliports and private properties, and a dispatch team works 24 hours a day, every day of the year.¹ Pilots train in house and with Helicopter Institute and FlightSafety International on each type they fly, and the company has flown the transport helicopters for Children's Hospital Los Angeles since 1999.³

It is wrong for anything beyond about two hours or 300 miles in the air, the S-76's endurance.² For a group of five or fewer with more ground to cover, ask for the Leonardo AW109, which carries up to six for three hours.²

How to get it

Call the charter desk on +1 818 902 0229, which answers around the clock, or write to charter@helinet.com.⁴¹ Give the destination, the aircraft (ask for the S-76), the number of passengers and the dates; Helinet sends a quote, and the booking is confirmed once the agreement is signed and payment arranged.¹ Price depends on the itinerary. Changes and cancellations are allowed but can carry fees under the terms on the quote.¹ Drinks and snacks come with every flight; catering and ground transport at either end can be arranged.¹

Discretion

The helicopter can set down at a private property or an off-airport landing site rather than a public terminal, and Helinet arranges the car at either end.¹