Bermuda's only helicopter is due to leave the Island for the last time on January 5.

Co-owner Mike Smatt said the $350,000 JetRanger was scheduled to leave on the MV Oleander bound for Port Elizabeth, New Jersey.

And he said Government was missing an opportunity to save millions on its own purpose-built helicopter.

The 120 mph aircraft will go on permanent display in the Air Trade Centre showroom in Bristol, Tennessee.

But first, the hi-tech chopper will be showcased as a unique search and rescue aircraft at the Helicopter Association International convention in California.

Mr. Smatt said the For Sale sign had to be placed on the helicopter after negotiations with five Government departments failed to keep it airborne.

Senior Police officers and oil industry bosses have already called for a solution to keep the helicopter on the Island for search and rescue, drugbusting or surveillance missions.

But Government is unwilling to provide an annual $60,000 contract towards the JetRanger's yearly costs.

The aircraft will be flown from Newark International Airport to Tennessee, where it will be prepared for the three-day helicopter convention.

It will then return from California to the Air Trade Centre for display to potential buyers.

Mr. Smatt, managing director of Bermuda Helicopters Ltd., said: "Unfortunately, it's a one-way ticket out of Bermuda.

"The helicopter will go on show at the California convention but then it will go on permanent display at the Tennessee Air Trade Centre.

"Prospective buyers will be able to view the aircraft there and the Air Trade Centre will act as agents on our behalf.'' He added that the helicopter would be advertised for its "unique'' features, including search and rescue capabilities.

Mr. Smatt added: "The aircraft has modern communications equipment which allows us to link up with local Police radios.

"There are also sophisticated navigation aids, inflatable emergency-landing floats, a cargo hook with line and net and life-saving equipment.'' Mr. Smatt said year-long negotiations with Police, Customs, Fisheries, Tourism and the Rescue Co-ordination Centre had already fallen flat.

Mr. Smatt opted not to renew his commercial flights licence when it ran out on October 31.

And Tourism Minister David Dodwell said Government could not launch a rescue package because the helicopter must be a viable private business.

He added that different Government departments wanted to use the helicopter "when the need arises''. But Mr. Smatt said the helicopter could not survive on an "ad-hoc'' basis. He added: "Should Bermuda decide at some future date to purchase a purpose-built search and rescue helicopter, it will certainly mean an initial expense of several million dollars.

"It will also incur maintenance costs of several hundred thousand dollars per year to be paid for by the taxpayer.

"A redeeming feature of the JetRanger currently on the Island is that it can offset annual expenses by providing tourists with a view of Bermuda they will not quickly forget.'' He said the helicopter could also be used for aerial photgraphy.

BUSINESS BUC