Where do Campos Basin crew-change flights depart from?

The vast majority stage from Macaé (SBME), ~180 km northeast of Rio. Executive charters can position from Jacarepaguá (SBJR) or Santos Dumont (SBRJ) but crew-change contracts run out of Macaé for range and fuel economy.

How long is the flight to the Campos Basin platforms?

From Macaé to central Campos fields: 45–75 minutes on an S-92 or AW139 depending on platform. Pre-salt fields (Santos Basin) run 90–150 minutes and typically use heavy twins with auxiliary fuel.

What safety training is required?

Passengers need current HUET/BOSIET (or equivalent Petrobras-recognised offshore survival), a valid ASO medical, and operator-issued PPE (survival suit above 25°C water temp threshold is waived; life jacket always). Weights are declared and re-verified at check-in.

Which aircraft fly Campos Basin routes?

Sikorsky S-92 (19 pax) is the workhorse for medium/heavy contracts; AW139 (12–15 pax) covers shorter legs; AW189 increasingly deployed for Búzios and pre-salt. All operators must hold ANAC certification and meet Petrobras SMS standards.

Can I charter privately to an FPSO?

Yes — for operator/regulator visits, media, or executive tours. The receiving asset must approve the deck slot, and the flight follows the same HUET/manifest/weight protocol as scheduled crew changes.

Offshore route guide

Rio to Campos Basin Helicopter Crew Change

Rio (SBJR/SBRJ) to Campos Basin offshore platforms by helicopter. Flight times, S-92/AW139 crew-change logistics, HUET requirements, Macaé staging and costs.

The Campos & Santos Basin lifeline

The Campos and Santos basins produce the majority of Brazil’s oil. Every barrel is supported by rotor lift — crew, medics, inspectors and executives fly to FPSOs and fixed platforms daily out of Macaé, with Rio-based executive charters filling the gap for boardroom visits, regulator missions and media.

Planning tips

Stage from Macaé (SBME) for anything crew-change: the fuel math, the deck slots and the operator apron all live there.
Use SBJR/SBRJ for direct executive lifts, media tours or short-notice regulator flights from Rio proper.
Book HUET refresh 30 days out — expired offshore survival certificates ground passengers at the ramp, no exceptions.
Confirm deck window early. FPSO decks are shared; slots move with weather, cargo and simultaneous ops.

Landing & deck procedure

Manifested passengers report to the Macaé heliport 90 minutes prior. Weigh-in, HUET/ID check, survival brief, boarding. On approach the deck LSO controls the slot; disembark in the marked lane only, keep clear of the tail rotor arc, follow the deck crew to the accommodation module. Total curb-to-cabin is typically 3–4 hours from Rio hotel to platform bunk.

What it costs

The figures below are indicative market ranges for planning only, not quotes. Real pricing depends on aircraft availability, positioning, deck fees and weather, and is confirmed only by the operator flying the mission.

Scheduled crew seat (operator contract): allocated by the asset holder — not sold retail.
Executive charter, AW139 SBJR → central Campos and return: USD 22,000–32,000 including deck fees.
S-92 charter for larger parties or pre-salt range: USD 38,000–55,000 per rotation.
Weather diversions, night ops and holding add 10–25%.

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SkyMatch is an independent helicopter charter concierge and sourcing platform. SkyMatch does not operate aircraft. Flights are performed by licensed third-party operators, subject to availability, operator approval, permits, weather and local aviation regulations. Prices are indicative until confirmed by an operator.