Helicopter service in Bhutan officially started on 11 Nov 2015 and significantly introducing its services on the 60th Birth Anniversary of His Majesty The Fourth Druk Gyalpo/King. Royal Bhutan Helicopter Service (RBHS) will initially operate on-demand aerial sightseeing flights using its Airbus H130 helicopter that can cater to a group of up to six passengers per flight and it will also be deployed on emergency flight services in Bhutan. According to Department of Civil Aviation (DCA), Bhutan aims to have at least 40 operation helipads of various standards in 18 dzongkhags or Bhutanese local districts by 2020. Another H130 helicopter will be added to RBHS’ fleet by June 2016. Passenger Manifest & Safety Briefing A passenger manifest form is to be completed for all RBHSL flights by the Passengers and verified by Pilot-in-Command/Dispatch and left at point of departure. All passengers must be briefed prior to departure. Manifest must be updated by radio if passengers change at places away from Base. The Safety briefing will be carried out by either PIC or Ground Crew: · Embarking/Disembarking procedures (safe access and egress from the aircraft) · How to open doors, escape hatches · How to operate internal communications system · How to operate seat belts and the use of brace positions · Location and operation of aircraft emergency equipment including fire extinguishers, Emergency Locator Beacon/s · Location of first aid kit and survival equipment · Emergency procedures and emergency exits · Identification of restricted items · No smoking, mobile telephone and electronic item use requirements · Restricted activities during the flight · Flight Details
The following items of safety equipment must be demonstrated:
· Operation of normal and emergency exits · Operation of seat belts
Operator and Aircraft Information:
Name of the Operator: Royal Bhutan helicopter Service (RBHS).
Established: 2015 Type of Helicopter : H-130 Make : Airbus. Total Capacity : 6 pax + 1 pilot. Pilot Experience : +4000 HRS PIC experienced mountain flying, Fire & Rescue, Aerial Work
CHARTER FEE. Tourist Flight: USD 5250 per hour. Freight cargo: USD 5250 per hour. High Altitude Rescue Mission: USD 10500 per hour. Under slung: USD 6300 per hour.
* Cost is inclusive of 5% Insurance surcharge. *A 10% service charge will be applicable based on the services rendered by the DMC, like fuel positioning, positioning of additional transfers etc.
Terms and Conditions: a) The rate is inclusive of one hour halt time for the round trip and any additional halt time over one hour will be charged at 50% of the actual cost per hour.
b) Charterer must make an advance deposit of 50% of the estimated charter cost prior to 72 hours of the operation of the flight and the balance amount must be settled after completion of the flight trip.
c) For cancellations made more than 72 hours before the departure of flight, the advance deposit will be refunded.
d) For cancellations made less than 72 hours before the departure of flight, the advance deposit shall be forfeited.
e) No refund of advance deposit in case of cancellation of flight other than technical disruption. However, the Charterer may be allowed to operate in subsequent dates.
f) For any operations if fuel positioning is required, then the transport and other related costs on actual will be charged separately.
g) For payments made through credit card, an additional 3.5% of the total amount will be charged as transaction fees. We facilitate only Master and Visa credit cards.
h) Currency of payment shall be in equivalent BTN at daily BSR or in USD i) Passenger Insurance liability is covered with the Aircraft
DUE TO THE NATURE OF TOPOGRAPHY, MOUNTAIN WEATHER AND DIVERSE ROUTES THAT THE HELICOPTER OPERATES IN BHUTAN, EXACT FLIGHT TIMINGS CANNOT BE DETARMINED IN ADVANCE. THE EXACT BILLING CAN ONLY BE DONE ONCE THE MISSION IS COMPLETED. HENCE IT IS RECOMMENDED THAT GUESTS HAVE TRIP INSURANCE THAT COVERS HELICOPTER EVACUATION INCASES OF EMERGENCIES.
During evacuation and any helicopter mission if it is booked and the helicopter is in operation for that particular mission, even if the mission is not successful due to weather conditions but attempts are being made, it is chargeable.
HIGHLIGHTS OF THE TOUR
Breathtaking of Paro Valley
Tigers Nest
Spectacular view of Mount Jhomolhari
Pitstop at the base camp
Un named Himalayas Mountains along the route
Magnificent turquoise lake
Herds of Blue Sheep (If lucky)
Yak, etc
PACKAGES /POINTS OF I NTEREST
30 minutes flight – Paro Dzong, Paro Valley, Taktshang, Drukgyel Dzong & glimpse of Mt. Jomolhari (6 passengers).
1 hr. 50 minutes – All the above points of interest plus Lingzhi Dzong and Close Glimpse of Mount Jichu Drakey. (Pit stop at Jangothang Max 35o Kg or 6 Passengers if overfly only depending on client)
Whats Included?
Private guided tour
Visas for Bhutan
Airport transfers
Daily 3 meals (B/L/D) at designated restaurants or hotels
Accommodation at 3 star hotels
A qualified & licensed English-speaking guide
An experienced driver
A tour vehicle
Entry fees & road permits
Government fee, royalty, taxes & surcharges
Mineral bottled water
Set of traditional costume (to be return at the end of your stay)
Full service & assistance before, during and after your Bhutan trip
Whats Excluded?
Flight into Bhutan via Drukair (can be arranged with us)