{
  "name": "SkyMatch helicopter calculator methodology",
  "humanPage": "https://skymatchgroup.com/methodology",
  "modelVersion": "route-model-2026.08",
  "lastReviewed": "2026-08-21",
  "publisher": {
    "@id": "https://skymatchgroup.com/#organization",
    "name": "SkyMatch Group"
  },
  "distance": {
    "method": "Great-circle (haversine) distance between published reference points",
    "earthRadiusKm": 6371,
    "kmPerNauticalMile": 1.852,
    "note": "Reference points are airports, licensed heliports or the recognised centre of the place. They are not a filed flight plan."
  },
  "flightTime": {
    "method": "Distance × routing allowance ÷ category planning cruise, then a fixed start-up, hover-taxi, approach and shutdown allowance.",
    "routingAllowanceLow": 1.05,
    "routingAllowanceHigh": 1.2,
    "blockOverheadMinutes": 8,
    "groundTransferMinutesLow": 20,
    "groundTransferMinutesHigh": 35,
    "output": "A range. A single exact minute figure is never published for a sector.",
    "whyOperatorTimesDiffer": "Operators plan against the actual aircraft, payload, wind, temperature, airspace restrictions, noise routings and the departure and landing points cleared on the day."
  },
  "aircraftCategories": [
    {
      "id": "light_single",
      "planningCruiseKts": 120,
      "indicativeRangeNm": 300
    },
    {
      "id": "light_twin",
      "planningCruiseKts": 130,
      "indicativeRangeNm": 350
    },
    {
      "id": "medium_twin",
      "planningCruiseKts": 138,
      "indicativeRangeNm": 400
    },
    {
      "id": "vip_twin",
      "planningCruiseKts": 145,
      "indicativeRangeNm": 450
    }
  ],
  "price": {
    "published": false,
    "reason": "SkyMatch does not publish numeric price estimates. Charter price depends on aircraft positioning, billable return, operator minimum charge, landing and handling fees, permits, waiting time, season, crew duty and local taxes.",
    "binding": "Only the operator's written quotation is binding."
  },
  "currency": {
    "method": "No exchange-rate conversion is applied to published figures, because no numeric price estimate is published."
  },
  "limitations": [
    "Estimates are for planning and are not an offer.",
    "Feasibility, landing permission, availability and price are confirmed by the independent licensed operator.",
    "No current availability, live traffic or live ferry schedule data is used; comparisons are planning estimates.",
    "Weather, airspace and air traffic control can change routing and timing.",
    "Weight and balance is determined by the operator, not by the calculator."
  ],
  "updateCadence": "Reviewed at least quarterly and whenever the model changes.",
  "corrections": "support@skymatchgroup.com"
}