Frequently asked questions

Where can I test fly the Aerokopter 1-3 Sanka? There is a demonstrator helicopter based in Cape Town.

Is the AK1-3 Sanka "Type Certified" for comercial operation?  No. As it uses a non certified Subaru motor car engine, it can not be used commercially in SA.

Can I buy the AK1-3 Sanka helicopter in kit form? No. Only as factory assembled, thus ensuring quality of assembly.

Do I need a license to fly this helicopter?  Yes. You need a minimum of a Private Pilot Helicopter license.  (PPHL)

Must I have a fixed wing pilots license first? No. Flight training schools will teach everything from the beginning.

Do you provide helicopter training? No. However there are many helicopter training schools dotted all round South Africa.

                                                       Once you have gone solo at flight school, you can convert to the Sanka and complete your solo hours on your own  machine, thus saving you money.

Do you provide financing? No. But your bank may assist you.   (Home "Access bonds" are the cheapest finance available.)

What is the maximum weight of passengers?  200kg in total or 125 kg on one seat.     (This will reduce at hot and higher altitude locations.)

How does it compare to other light piston helicopters?  Refer to the "Flight test" and "Flight Performance Data" on home page.

What height person will it accommodate? A 2.0 m (6'7") tall person fits comfortably with headsets.

How wide is the cabin? 1,353 m at the elbows.   (53" in US speak)

What fuel does it use?    95 Unleaded petrol.    This is much more freely available than Avgas and in SA is 30% cheaper!

Can I service it myself?  Provided you have the necessary technical ability and get a SACAA approved person to sign your work off.

Can I get someone else to service it for me? Yes.  An Approved person will be able to do so.

What about spare parts availability? Air frame and associated parts, rotor blades, gearboxes etc. will be sourced ex-factory Ukraine initially, using airfreight couriers, and engine related parts obtained from Subaru S.A.

How reliable is the Subaru engine? Very reliable when well maintained.

Can I buy serviceable parts directly from a Subaru dealer?  Yes, or from Aerokopter SA if there is no Subaru dealer nearby.

Are there long range fuel tanks available? No.

Can I trailer it?   Yes.  The rotor blades must be removed first.   This takes two people approx. ten minutes to accomplish.

What is the lead time from ordering to delivery?  This will depend on how busy the factory is at time of ordering and if all machines in production have been allocated.  Allowing approx three months for shipping, clearing, reassembling, registration etc, the total time to customer delivery may vary between 6 to 18 months. Best is to check with us for more accurate lead-time.