Helio Courier

'If it had claws, it could land on a fencepost.'

Helio Courier — on Floats

On floats, it can land on and take off from many smaller lakes not safely accessible with the de Havilland Beaver and Otter or the Cessna 180/185 or 206.

Helio airplanes are proven workhorses that have been operating around the globe in the harshest environments for over 30 years.

The Helio Courier is a light C/STOL utility aircraft designed in 1949. Around 500 of these aircraft were manufactured in Pittsburg, Kansas from 1954 until 1974 by the Helio Aircraft Company.

It is a 6-place bush / utility / sport-utility aircraft that features a piston engine in the 300 to 400 horsepower range. The Helio Courier is anticipated to have a useful load of 1,700 pounds and a range of 912 nautical miles with standard fuel capacity. The Helio Courier can safely operate out of a 500 foot unimproved clearing at full gross weight and take-off and land in areas otherwise only accessible to aircraft such as 2-place Piper Super Cubs. The Helio Courier is capable of safely taking off and landing in less than 250 feet.

  • Top speed: 170 mph (274 km/h)

  • Seats: 6

  • Wingspan: 39′ (12 m)

  • Length: 31′ (9.35 m)

  • Unit cost: 151,600–151,600 USD (1984)

  • Engine type: Flat engine

  • Manufacturer: Helio Aircraft Company