Special Mission Planner
Brief a HEMS, SAR, Film, Inspection or Heavy-Lift Helicopter
Choose the mission type, follow the required-information checklist, and send a complete brief straight to the SkyMatch concierge. We return qualified, independent operators with the right aircraft, approvals and crew.
Choose mission type
HEMS / Medical Evacuation
ICU-configured helicopter with medical crew for inter-hospital, organ or repatriation flights.
We need patient acuity, equipment level and hospital coordinates to shortlist a HEMS operator with the right cabin and medical crew.
Preview brief
SkyMatch — Special Mission brief Mission: HEMS / Medical Evacuation • Origin hospital or helipad: — • Destination hospital / facility: — • Patient acuity: — • Medical team required: — • Additional passengers: — • Preferred lift window: — Please advise availability, indicative pricing and mobilisation.
Straight answer
What is the difference between this estimate and a formal quote?
This planner produces a planning estimate, not a price you can book. It models typical aircraft categories, flight time and the usual cost components so you can size a budget before you talk to anyone. A formal quote is issued only after a certified operator confirms a specific aircraft, crew, date and landing permissions for your mission. SkyMatch is an independent helicopter sourcing and coordination platform — we do not own or operate aircraft, so every final figure comes from the operator holding the AOC.
What the estimate gives you
- An order-of-magnitude budget range for internal approval
- A view of how aircraft category and passenger count move the cost
- Indicative flight time and routing assumptions
- A structured brief you can send to us in one message
What only a formal quote can confirm
- Actual aircraft availability on your date and its positioning legs
- Landing site, helipad and permit fees for the specific points
- Crew duty, waiting time and overnight requirements
- Taxes, handling and the operator's contractual terms
How do I turn this estimate into a quote?
Send the date, the exact pick-up and drop-off points, passenger count and luggage, plus any timing constraint. We take that to operators in the region and come back with the options they confirm — as quickly as possible, subject to operator availability.
Frequently asked questions
What information does an operator need to quote a special mission?
Mission type, exact operating area or coordinates, dates and duration, payload or manifest per rotation, required equipment (hoist, cargo hook, camera mount, sensor pod, medical fit) and any permits or landowner permissions already secured.
How quickly can a special mission helicopter be mobilised?
Standard film, survey and utility missions are typically mobilised within a few days once permits and insurance are in place. Medical and search-and-rescue support is arranged faster, subject to a suitably equipped aircraft and crew being available in the region.
Are special missions priced per hour or per mission?
They are priced per mission for the whole aircraft. The operator prices flight hours, positioning, crew duty and standby days, plus role-equipment fitting where a hoist, cargo hook or sensor mount is required.
Do we need our own permits?
Usually the operator holds the operational approvals, while the client secures site access, landowner consent and any filming or survey permissions. The planner checklist flags which documents to prepare before the brief is sent.
Can a mission combine roles, for example survey plus heavy lift?
Yes, when one airframe can carry both configurations, but role changes take ground time and sometimes an engineer. It is often faster to split the work across two aircraft — the concierge will say which is cheaper for your scope.