How To Determine The Size Of Your Helicopter

Determining the size of your helicopter is one of the most important steps in ensuring safe ground handling, proper storage, and correct equipment selection. As the manufacturer of the industry-leading Heliwagon, we work with helicopter owners, operators, and maintenance teams every day who need accurate sizing information to choose the right ground support platform. Whether you’ve recently purchased a new aircraft, are upgrading equipment, or simply want a better understanding of your helicopter’s true dimensions, knowing how to measure it correctly makes all the difference in performance and safety.

Understanding Overall Length

The first measurement most operators start with is overall length. This includes the distance from the tip of the main rotor arc to the furthest point on the tail rotor when the blades are fully extended. Helicopters vary significantly in length based on rotor diameter, tail boom design, and the configuration of the aircraft. Accurate length measurement ensures the aircraft will safely clear hangar doors, equipment, and surrounding structures during towing. Since the Heliwagon platform needs to accommodate the full footprint of the aircraft, understanding overall rotor diameter is also essential. A platform that’s too small can create unsafe operating conditions, while one that’s properly sized ensures smooth and secure movement on any surface.

Measuring Width and Rotor Span

Width is equally critical when sizing for ground support. Many pilots assume width only refers to the cabin or landing gear, but rotor span must always be considered as well. The width of a helicopter is typically measured from skid tip to skid tip or wheel to wheel, depending on the landing gear configuration. However, the rotor span extends far beyond the cabin, and this measurement determines how much room the aircraft needs for safe handling. When working inside hangars or tight spaces, knowing your helicopter’s true operational width helps prevent blade strikes and ensures enough clearance when maneuvering onto a Heliwagon.

Height Considerations

Height is another factor that is often overlooked but incredibly important. Measuring from the bottom of the skids or wheels to the highest point of the rotor mast or tail stabilizer gives you the overall vertical clearance required. This measurement ensures your helicopter can safely enter hangar openings and move beneath doors, rafters, and suspended equipment. The Heliwagon’s low-profile design helps maximize available vertical space, but operators still need accurate height measurements before planning storage or maintenance operations.

Landing Gear Configuration

Skid-based helicopters and wheeled helicopters require slightly different measurement considerations. Skid spacing, skid length, and step placement all affect how the aircraft sits on a ground handling platform. For wheeled aircraft, wheelbase, track width, and tire spacing must be measured precisely to ensure the helicopter aligns properly with the Heliwagon’s deck. Understanding your landing gear dimensions also helps determine weight distribution and center-of-gravity placement, both of which contribute to safe ground handling.

Manufacturer Specifications vs. Real-World Measurements

While manufacturer specifications offer a great starting point, real-world measurements are always recommended. Accessories such as antennas, camera mounts, float kits, wire strike protection systems, or tail boom extensions can alter the true footprint of the aircraft. Measuring your helicopter directly ensures that every component is accounted for, preventing surprises once the aircraft is placed on a platform or inside a hangar. At Heliwagon, we encourage operators to verify dimensions to guarantee you receive the optimal size platform for your aircraft.

Why Accurate Sizing Matters

Choosing the correct platform size enhances safety, improves maneuverability, and ensures your aircraft remains protected during towing and storage. A properly sized Heliwagon reduces the risk of rotor interference, tail strikes, and clearance issues, creating a smoother, more efficient ground handling process. Operators who know their helicopter’s exact measurements experience fewer operational constraints and enjoy greater flexibility in their hangar layouts.

Conclusion

If you’re unsure about your helicopter’s measurements or want help selecting the appropriate Heliwagon for your aircraft, our team is here to assist. We’ll walk you through the sizing process and ensure you have the right platform to move your helicopter safely and confidently.