the going rate for a helicopter tow truck trip around here (NW Washington) was $550 an hour, which starts the minute the pilot guy puts on his cool sunglasses at the airport. And, it doesn't stop until he pulls his wirley gig back into the garage.
we got heli to get sled out worked out to about 10 buxs for every minute and like SHMO said you pay from the sunglasses till shes put away 1hour 600 buxs
My trip at the Big Dawg Shootout was 900 cdn.... based on engine hours it comes out to 2k cdn per hour. Whistler/Blackcomb Helicopters. Pictures were free.
Been there done that as you can see from my pic. I feel your pain buddy, the price is steep to get it out but hey it is cool to see a chopper long line a sled. It is also sweet to ride in the chopper over the areas you were riding. Other than that the price sucks but hey you will probably never forget it and that story is all part of this sport.