About Us
Helicopter
The Schweizer 300 series (formerly Sikorsky S300, Hughes 300) family of light utility helicopters was originally produced by Hughes Helicopters. Later manufactured by Schweizer Aircraft in 1984, the same basic design has been in production since 1961. The Hughes 300 was created with a fully articulated three-bladed main rotor wherein the blades turn counterclockwise and a two-bladed tail rotor that would remain as distinctive characteristics of all its variants. It also has shock absorber-damped, skid-type landing gear. The flight controls are directly linked to the control surfaces of the helicopter so there are no hydraulics in the 269. The "C" model, introduced in 1970, featured a more powerful engine and a larger rotor diameter for a 45% performance increase. The Hughes 269C makes 190 HP from a fuel injected 360 cubic inch (6.0L) horizontally opposed 4 cylinder Lycoming HIO-360-D1A piston engine. It weighs 1100 lbs empty / 2050 lbs full and holds 30 gallons of 100LL AVGAS fuel and 6-8 quarts of W100+ oil.
Our advantages:
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Very safe and affordable helicopter design.
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A personal experience for every passenger.
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Up to a 2.5 hour flight time for photo missions.
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Powerful and reliable piston engine using 100LL.
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Located at CDW airport in Fairfield, New Jersey.
History
DEL Helicopters offers aerial flight experiences in the New York City metropolitan area. We operate a small, three seated helicopter that offers the most immersive aerial views of any fixed or rotary wing aircraft in the sky.
Some of our many different jobs include: rides at summer camps, festivals, and fairs; aerial photography; sightseeing tours over New York City; New Jersey helicopter tours, picking up skydivers for jumps; airshow acts; Santa drops; gender reveal; and anything your heart desires!
People
Dennis Leaver
Founder & President
Commercial Pilot
Jordan Schmidt
Commercial Pilot
Flight Instructor
Daniel Leaver
Ground Crew
Erika Schmidt
Ground Crew
Safety
Listed below are just a few examples of why our safety practices are 'Above the Rest'.
FAA Licensed Pilots and Flight Instructors
Officially certificated by the FAA for commercial operations and for flight instruction, we have years of safe flying as well as the skills, experience, and knowledge of the area necessary to provide the best available aerial experience that we can to our clients.We have operated in the busiest and windiest conditions without a sweat.
FAA Licensed Mechanics
Our mechanics have decades of experience working on not just our aircraft, but countless other 'Schweizers' just like it. Officially licensed by the FAA as Airframe and Powerplant (A&P) Aircraft Mechanics, they have the know how to always keep our helicopter running in flawless condition.
Over-Water Operations
We insure that for all flights that take place beyond gliding distance of the shoreline, our pilots and passengers are equipped with Personal Flotation Devices set for automatic or manual deployment. In addition, we also carry underwater breathing tanks and back-up radios on certain aerial photography missions that are completely over water
Flight Planning
Before every flight, our experienced pilots will check NOAA, local, and prognostic weather reports, temporary flight restrictions issued by the FAA as well as advisories and airspace restrictions, brief all relevant air traffic control facilities on our flight plan, and determine best approaches and sun direction based on all current maps/charts of the area.
Pre-Employment Training and Testing
Every one of our employees must pass a pre-employment screening that involves computer-based training, flight/practical training, background check, and enrollment in a drug and alcohol testing program, all as required by the FAA for every mission.