Internal cargo
Goods carried inside the cabin — parcels, spare parts, documents, luggage, samples. The operator checks weight, size, packaging and how the load is secured.
Cargo · Planning guide
Helicopter cargo flights: what they are, how flight hours add up, and how payment works
A helicopter cargo flight moves goods or equipment where roads are slow or there is no runway. SkyMatch reviews each request and asks suitable licensed operators for offers; the operator confirms the helicopter, the load, the landing sites, timing, availability and price.
Last reviewed
Types of helicopter cargo
External (sling) load
Equipment carried below the helicopter on a hook or long line — used for construction, utilities and remote sites. Needs a lift plan, ground crew and site checks by the operator.
Mixed passenger and cargo
A team travelling with its tools or equipment. Seats and cargo space trade off against each other, so the operator confirms what fits.
Flight hours: what counts
Helicopter work is usually priced by flight time. This comparison shows what goes into the hours, not what they cost.
| Part of the flight | How it is counted | For cargo |
|---|---|---|
| Airborne time on the route | The core of the estimate: from lift-off to landing on each leg. | Can be slower with an external load; the operator sets speed for the load. |
| Repositioning | Flying the helicopter from its base to the pick-up point and back. | Often significant for remote sites far from the operator's base. |
| Lift cycles / hover time | Time spent hooking, lowering and releasing loads. | Applies mainly to sling-load work with several drops. |
| Waiting and standby | Time on the ground between legs, if the helicopter waits. | Loading and unloading time, and waiting for site clearance. |
| Minimum billing | Some operators apply a minimum flight time per booking. | Set per operator and stated in its offer. |
General planning information. Each operator states its own billing rules in its offer.
Payments and common questions
Is an advance payment or deposit required?
Most operators require payment or a deposit before departure. The exact schedule is set by the operator's charter agreement and shown in its offer before you confirm. Sending a request to SkyMatch does not commit you to anything.
Who sets the price?
The licensed operator that performs the flight. SkyMatch is an independent broker and concierge with human review: we do not operate helicopters, and we do not publish cargo prices.
Can every item be flown?
No. The operator decides what can be carried. Dangerous goods, very heavy or oversized items, and some sites need extra approvals or may not be possible.
What should I send with a cargo request?
Pick-up and drop-off points, date and time window, weight and dimensions of each item, packaging, whether it must go inside or under the helicopter, and who receives it on site.