Frequently asked questions

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

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 comercially 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.

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

What is the maximum weight of passengers?  210kg 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? One of the pilots who flies has no problem and is 1.92 m tall.

How wide is the cabin? 1,353 m. About the same width inside as a V.W. Golf or new Ford Fiesta at your elbows.

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

Can I service it myself? Yes, if you wish. Provided of course that you have the necessary technical ability.

Can I get someone else to service it for me? Yes. Any Approved Maintenance Organization 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? Extremely reliable. Contact your local Subaru dealer workshop and ask them.

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. Not at present.

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. Allowing approx three months for shipping, clearing, reassembling, registration etc, the total time to customer delivery may vary between 14 to 22 months.