Helio CourierThe Helio Courier was produced in several different versions from 1954. In modern times the Courier has been produced in limited batches and is reputedly currently close to being produced again. Very few planes offered the STOL performance of the Helio Courier and the only practical alternative for those seeking better STOL performance are helicopters. Helios comfortably seat four adults, though some models featured seating for six. Like the Cessna 180 and 185, the last two seats were small and cramped and generally not feasible for hauling adults.
Helios have a distinguished and storied history, and several were used in covert operations during the Viet Nam conflict. Exactly what role these planes were utilized in during the conflict is the subject that remains somewhat poorly told. Often stories of the Helio’s role in the conflict smell remarkably of fiction, but their use in covert operations is undisputed. Air America operated Helios during the conflict. Helios have also be widely used by religious missionaries traveling in remote and exotic locations because of the Helio's superior STOL capabilities.
Helios were never produced in great numbers and are not as common in the bush as the Super Cubs and Cessna. Bush pilots that have Helios typically are very proud of their rare bird and can be quite possessive of them. One should not expect to easily rent or fly a Helio to “see what they’re like”. Many Helios feature geared Lycoming engines and while these engines can be reliable if properly operated, they are notoriously finnicky and intolerant of ham-fisted pilots. One is well advised to have his or her financial affairs well in order when it comes time to overhaul these engines; few shops can properly service these engines and those that do, are not cheap. Given the foregoing, it is easily to appreciate the fact that Helios do not liberally dot the skies of bush country. Once one goes beyond the negative aspects of the Helios, he or she quickly becomes aware of the outstanding characteristics of the aircraft. The wing of the Helio features an automatic, Handley-Page slot, which deploys when the aircraft is flown at slow speed. Once the airplane exceeds approximately 55-60 mph (depending upon conditions) the slats automatically retract. Sometimes a noticeable “bang” can be heard as the slats deploy or retract, and can be startling to pilots or passengers unaccustomed to them. Although the slats may be disconcerting to neophytes, they allow the Courier to be flown at speeds as low as 28 mph. Under some conditions, the Helio can turn in the air at a radius not exceeding its wingspan, something perhaps no other airplane can do. Once again, the only feasible alternative to a Helio is a helicopter. A large rudder and vertical surface provides good control at very slow speeds, however, they can make the Helio difficult to handle in cross-wind conditions. Cross wind, castering landing gear is featured on some Helios.
Some may recognize the tower at Ted Stevens International Airport in Anchorage, Alaska rising above the blue Helio on floats at Lake Hood.
Helios featured a robust welded steel tube fuselage with aluminum skin. The wings are constructed in semi-monocoque design of sheet aluminum. Because of the Helios ability to fly at very slow speeds coupled with its rugged steel tube fuselage, the plane is extremely crashworthy. Helios are typically equipped with geared Lycoming engines but some models feature direct drive engines. A turboprop powered derivative of the Helio was manufactured as the Helio Stallion, these aircraft are exceedingly rare. Piston powered versions had engines that produce 250-400 hp. Helios can be fitted with floats or skis, and some were made (or modified) to have tricycle landing gear. Helios on tricycle gear have an ungainly appearance, looking somewhat like a Tri-Pacer on evil steroids. See the video for an impressive Helio take off.
This next short video cllip features an impressive Helio landing.
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