Ben Cometti: Helicopter Engineer Revolutionizing Aircraft Ownership Through HeliShare

Who is Ben Cometti? The Helicopter Engineer Behind HeliShare

"My name is Ben Cometti, and I'm a licensed helicopter engineer from New Zealand who has spent over 18 years working with helicopters—from government rescue operations to private aircraft acquisitions. Today, I'm the co-founder of HeliShare, a revolutionary fractional helicopter ownership platform that's making helicopter ownership accessible to people who never thought it was possible."

Quick Facts About Ben Cometti:

• Licensed helicopter engineer (New Zealand CAA)
• 18+ years helicopter industry experience
• Former certifying engineer for Auckland police and rescue helicopters
• International helicopter inspection specialist
• Co-founder of HeliShare fractional ownership platform
• AC130 and AS350 helicopter specialist

How Did Ben Cometti Become a Helicopter Engineer?

Early Beginnings: Growing Up in Aircraft Hangars

I've been asked many times how I became a helicopter engineer, and the answer starts before I could even walk. My father was a helicopter engineer, and my earliest memories aren't of playgrounds—they're of the thunderous whir of rotor blades and aviation fuel in aircraft hangars around Auckland.

During school holidays, while other kids played games, Dad brought me to work. I thought I was helping the mechanics, but really, I was a five-year-old sweeping floors and fetching tools. In those moments, I was absorbing a culture of precision, safety, and deep respect for these incredible machines.

The Malaysia Experience: What Shaped Ben Cometti's Aviation Vision

When I was five, my world expanded dramatically. Dad's work took our family to Malaysia—specifically to Borneo and Sarawak—where we lived for an entire year. This wasn't just a vacation; we really lived there, attending local schools and forming lasting friendships.

Why Malaysia Was Important:

• Flew around jungles of Borneo in helicopters
• Visited places accessible only by helicopter
• Witnessed helicopters connecting remote communities
• Experienced different cultures and environments
• Realized helicopters open impossible places

We flew around the jungles of Borneo and visited places you could literally only reach by helicopter. As a kid, I thought a career like my dad's would give me opportunities to experience incredible places and meet fascinating people. That experience has stuck with me my whole life.

What Makes Ben Cometti Different from Other Helicopter Engineers?

Government-Level Experience: Police and Rescue Helicopters

Unlike many helicopter engineers who work on private aircraft, I became a licensed certifying engineer for some of New Zealand's most critical operations:

Ben Cometti's Government Helicopter Experience:

• Auckland police helicopters (10 hours daily, 7 days weekly operations)
• Auckland rescue helicopters (North Island coverage)
• High-intensity maintenance programs
• Life-or-death operational responsibility
• Zero safety incidents record

The police helicopters flew ten hours every day, seven days a week. This intensity required the most rigorous maintenance program I've ever encountered. When lives depend on your work, you develop an uncompromising approach to safety and precision.

International Helicopter Inspection Expertise

As an independent contractor, I've traveled worldwide inspecting helicopters for private buyers. One memorable assignment took me to Nepal for a pre-purchase inspection in Kathmandu, followed by a flight to one of the world's most dangerous airports.

Countries Where Ben Cometti Has Inspected Helicopters:

• New Zealand
• Australia
• Nepal (Kathmandu/Everest region)
• Malaysia
• Various European locations

I've been lucky to fly helicopters in completely different environments—from New Zealand's Southern Alps to the mountains around Everest, across Central Europe, and throughout Australia. I truly believe flying helicopters is the best way to see the world.

What is HeliShare and Why Did Ben Cometti Create It?

The Problem with Traditional Helicopter Ownership

Through years of helping private owners buy helicopters, I discovered a fundamental problem: helicopter ownership is incredibly expensive, often underutilized, and filled with unexpected costs.

Traditional Helicopter Ownership Problems:

• High purchase costs ($3-6 million for quality aircraft)
• Low utilization (most owners fly 40-50 hours yearly)
• Unexpected maintenance costs (engine overhauls cost $1 million)
• Complex regulatory requirements
• Insurance and hangar expenses
• No management support

Most private owners I worked with flew only 40-50 hours per year while bearing full ownership costs. They needed a better solution.

How HeliShare Solves Helicopter Ownership Problems

The HeliShare concept came through meeting Ross, who was purchasing a helicopter and needed an inspection. During our collaboration, we realized we shared a vision: fractional helicopter ownership done properly.

HeliShare Fractional Ownership Benefits:

• Split costs among multiple owners
• 75 hours annual allocation per owner
• Complete management included
• Professional maintenance oversight
• Fair booking system with seasonal allocation
• No hidden costs or surprises
• Licensed engineer oversight

We manage everything—hangar, insurance, pilot scheduling, maintenance. The gap in the market is for people who want to show up at the hangar, pull the helicopter out, and have an experience without the stress of ownership.

Why Did Ben Cometti Choose the AC130 Helicopter for HeliShare?

Technical Reasons for AC130 Selection

My choice of the AC130 isn't arbitrary—it's based on decades of hands-on experience with multiple helicopter types.

AC130 Helicopter Advantages:

• Built on proven AS350 series success
• Same type certificate as AS350
• Safran engine with dual FADEC systems
• Larger cabin space than competitors
• Extra seating capacity
• Quiet fenestron tail rotor
• Incredible safety record
• Industry-standard aircraft (others compare to AC130)

The AC130 is built on the success of the AS350 series with the same engine as the AS350 B3 Plus—a combination we know works. The larger cabin, extra seating, and safety features make it perfect for private ownership.

Safety Features That Matter to Ben Cometti

The modern Safran engines in AC130s are FADEC controlled with dual channel systems. Even if the aircraft has complete electrical failure, the engine continues running until fuel exhaustion. These redundant safety systems take load off pilots and ensure reliable operation.

How Does Ben Cometti Ensure HeliShare Safety Standards?

Safety Philosophy: Lessons from Government Operations

My father drilled safety into me early, insisting that if aviation was my career path, safety had to be the number one focus. Working on government helicopters reinforced this—when lives depend on your work, there's no room for compromise.

Ben Cometti's Safety Approach:

• Licensed engineer oversight of all aircraft
• Hand-selected maintenance staff
• Complete operational management
• Advance maintenance scheduling
• Regulatory compliance management
• Zero-compromise safety standards

With HeliShare, we control every aspect of safety by managing the complete helicopter operation and maintenance program.

Maintenance Management: How HeliShare Prevents Problems

We handle maintenance control and planning in-house, forecasting exactly when maintenance becomes due using our booking system. We schedule maintenance during less disruptive periods, ensuring aircraft airworthiness every time it leaves the hangar.

What Lifestyle Does HeliShare Create for Owners?

The HeliShare Owner Experience

HeliShare unlocks a lifestyle most people only dream of. Picture arriving at the golf course in your AC130 with friends and family, or flying to your beach house and beating Friday traffic.

HeliShare Lifestyle Benefits:

• Skip traffic and airports
• Access remote locations
• Impress clients and friends
• Weekend getaways made easy
• Unique business transportation
• Exclusive owner community
• Professional pilot services

Fair Usage System: How HeliShare Booking Works

Each owner receives 75 hours annually, split across seasons for fairness. Our booking system includes a fairness engine ensuring equal access, plus an app allowing owners to trade days and communicate.

HeliShare Booking Features:

• 75 hours annual allocation per owner
• Seasonal booking distribution
• Mobile app for easy scheduling
• Day trading between owners
• Fair usage algorithms
• Community communication tools

What Problems Does HeliShare Solve for Helicopter Buyers?

Cost Management: Making Helicopter Ownership Affordable

Traditional helicopter ownership comes with constant surprises. HeliShare eliminates hidden costs through complete management and cost forecasting.

HeliShare Cost Advantages:

• Fractional purchase price (typically 25% of full ownership)
• Predictable monthly costs
• No surprise maintenance bills
• Shared insurance costs
• Professional cost management
• Transparent pricing structure

Complete Management: What HeliShare Handles for Owners

Services Included in HeliShare:

• Aircraft acquisition and inspection
• Hangar management
• Insurance coordination
• Pilot scheduling and training
• Maintenance planning and execution
• Regulatory compliance
• Booking system management
• Owner communication and support

All stress of helicopter ownership is removed—owners simply show up and fly.

How to Get Started with HeliShare Helicopter Ownership

Who Should Consider HeliShare?

HeliShare is perfect for successful professionals, business owners, and aviation enthusiasts who want helicopter access without full ownership complexity.

Ideal HeliShare Customers:

• Business executives needing efficient transportation
• Successful professionals wanting lifestyle enhancement
• Aviation enthusiasts seeking helicopter access
• Families wanting unique travel experiences
• Anyone considering helicopter ownership
• People who value time and convenience

Next Steps: How to Join HeliShare

If you're seriously considering helicopter ownership, HeliShare offers the best solution available. We provide complete management, predictable costs, and access to premium AC130 helicopters.

Contact Ben Cometti and HeliShare:

• Schedule consultation call
• Discuss your aviation needs
• Review HeliShare ownership structure
• Inspect available aircraft
• Join the HeliShare community

Frequently Asked Questions About Ben Cometti and HeliShare

Is helicopter ownership safe?

Yes, when managed properly. Modern helicopters like the AC130 have incredible safety records. With my government-level experience and HeliShare's professional management, safety is our top priority.

How much does HeliShare cost compared to full ownership?

HeliShare typically costs about 25% of full helicopter ownership, with predictable monthly expenses instead of surprise maintenance bills.

What happens if I need more than 75 hours annually?

Our booking system allows day trading between owners, and additional hours may be available depending on aircraft utilization.

Can I use HeliShare for business purposes?

Absolutely. Many owners use their HeliShare allocation for business transportation, client entertainment, and corporate travel.

What maintenance standards does HeliShare follow?

We follow the highest aviation maintenance standards, with licensed engineer oversight and advance scheduling to prevent disruptions.

Ben Cometti's Vision: The Future of Helicopter Ownership

The thing that excites me most about HeliShare is giving people access to helicopter ownership who never thought it was possible. This means more helicopters flying, more people experiencing aviation, and sharing the incredible freedom that helicopters provide.

HeliShare represents fractional helicopter ownership done in a completely new way—simpler, smarter, and more accessible than ever before. We're not just selling helicopter shares; we're providing access to experiences that have shaped my entire life.

From that five-year-old boy sweeping hangar floors to co-founding HeliShare, my journey has been about sharing the magic of helicopter flight with others. Every time someone takes their first HeliShare flight and experiences lifting off to see the world from above, I'm reminded why I never really left those hangar floors where it all began.

About the Author: Ben Cometti is a licensed helicopter engineer with 18+ years of experience in helicopter maintenance, inspection, and operations. He specializes in AC130 and AS350 helicopters and has worked on government contracts including Auckland police and rescue helicopter operations. Ben co-founded HeliShare to make helicopter ownership accessible through innovative fractional ownership. He continues operating from Ardmore Airfield near Auckland, New Zealand.

Keywords: Ben Cometti, helicopter engineer, HeliShare, fractional helicopter ownership, AC130 helicopter, helicopter maintenance, Auckland helicopter engineer, helicopter ownership costs, helicopter safety, New Zealand aviation

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