Frequently Asked Questions
We hope that you will find answers to your questions here, however if you don't please contact us.
Are you a flight simulator?
No. Helispan is a high definition design service for making decisions on paint, fabric and cockpit instruments. You cannot simulate flight with our virtual aircraft and typically the resolutions and imagery we use is 40x higher resolution than that used with traditional flight simulator products. The images and film that is presented is similar in resolution to modern film effects and uses the latest cutting edge technology.
How does it work?
We have a 5 phase approach for projects.
Consultation Phase
The process starts with a consultation meeting where we discuss with the client any preferences on colour, internal fabrics or avionics they may have and start to build a "picture" of the finished aircraft.
Initial Build Phase
Our design team then will produce 3 designs based on the consultation phase and produce a High Definition "walk around" movie. This movie is presented to the client in an Initial Build Workshop walking the client around each design and getting feedback.
Design Consulting Phase
We listen to the client's feedback on the initial 3 designs and then start to build and render the final aircraft in detail. This is presented back to the client on a regular basis for the client to review until the client is happy with the detail.
It is often this phase that clients will show the designs to colleagues / peers / family etc for their feedback and update the design via Helispan accordingly.
Final Design
Sign Off Phase
The client is presented with a High Definition walk around and any last minute changes can be made. The client then signs off the final design.
Design Delivery
The client is presented with a Helispan "helicopter design pack" that consists of the following:-
1 x 5 minute “walk around” HD Movie to be used on a PC or Blue-Ray Disc player with HD TV (or HD ready TV)
1 x 5 minute “walk around” lower resolution movie (in avi, wmf or MPG2 format)
30 x High Definition JPEG photographs taken from different sides and angles of the “final design” aircraft
1 x Paint reference scheme (listing all colour references used in the design)
1 x Fabric reference scheme (listing materials and colours used in the internal design)
1 x List of avionics used in the final scheme
Do you have a workshop that will work on my physical aircraft?
No. Although our offices are based on an airfield, we do not carry out any exterior, interior or avionics installations ourselves.
We are a bespoke helicopter design consultation service, however we do work with a number of aircraft paint shops, interior fitters and avionics companies; we can therefore make recommendations if our client requests this.
What if I want to change my design after the design delivery?
Once we get to Design Delivery phase we will intimately know you and your aircraft. The price agreed at the start of the project shall cover all of the phases as discussed above through to client sign off at the Design Delivery phase. Should a client wish to change the design after design delivery phase, we agree a project cost or work on an hourly charge basis. (This could be immediately or after 25 years, as we will always have your design on file)
What does the service cost?
It very much depends on the type of aircraft and the number of options installed/proposed to be installed, on the aircraft.
We price the project based on the 5 phases described above, however you may wish to do less or more work and that will obviously vary the price accordingly.
How long does it take?
Typically the whole 5 phase process will take between 1-2 months. We are able to work to shorter timescales in less detailed projects.
What if I only wanted exterior paint work designed?
No problem at all. We are happy to work on just exterior, just interior or just avionics. In fact we are happy to work on the smallest item (from how a new aerial mounting would look on your aircraft) to the complete project. You tell us what you want and we shall do our best to oblige!
