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Thread: What Heli Now?
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12-03-2017, 03:07 PM #1
What Heli Now?
time to get a new heli, this season isn't shaping up the way I had hoped and as you all know, the best way to the goods is by air.
Been looking at some used Eurocopter AS350's (now Airbus125). Its hard to find a AS350B domestically for under under 2.5 million. Realistically I don't need the heavier lift capacity of the B series. the only real "must have" is 5 passenger seats.
So, what heli now?"Its not the arrow, its the Indian" - M.Pinto
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12-03-2017, 04:00 PM #2
If it floats, flys or fucks. Renting is preferable to owning.
Being grown-up sucks!
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12-03-2017, 04:09 PM #3
You'll give up some of the altitude performance of the AS350, but you might be able to get a good price on a slightly used Bell 206L Long Ranger. Comfortable seating for 5 pax.
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12-03-2017, 04:24 PM #4
I probably won't be banging out heli laps of Denali anyway .... 206L is a great economy option. I just worry about the maintenance costs with an older model.
Ownership, for exclusive winter use is only made feasible with a reverse lease option to an established aviation partner. Their busy season is generally summer, so it works out pretty good.... that route is what makes the AS350 variants marketable. ... but for 1.5 million less (for an older 206L) , I may not even have to worry about that."Its not the arrow, its the Indian" - M.Pinto
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12-03-2017, 04:31 PM #5
You taking lessons or hiring a pilot?
Originally Posted by blurred
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12-03-2017, 04:34 PM #6
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12-03-2017, 04:38 PM #7
If I could find one pilot who would work for peanuts, i could probably size down to a 4 seater.
but that's a question for my finance guy."Its not the arrow, its the Indian" - M.Pinto
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12-03-2017, 04:44 PM #8Registered User
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12-03-2017, 04:51 PM #9
I have no doubt you could find someone to fly for nearly free...
Now finding one with enough hours and experience in your helo that you'd trust to fly you and your helo in the situations you imagine?
Helos are terrifying enough and crash too often before you throw in a factors like single pilot , single engine, altitude, mountain weather, and sketchy snowy LZs... do you want an unproven pilot?
Gonna look for a a crash worthy fuel cell bladder?
I like that when I get in a single engine helo in the mountains, it has an incredibly experience pilot. I like two engined/twin pilots more, but usually those only come in green. But then again, I'm not usually paying... you are.Originally Posted by blurred
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12-03-2017, 05:20 PM #10
twin engine twin pilot, jesus. Pretty much every heli op around he runs single engine. AS350 is super common for that application.
But your points about pilot experience and unestablished LZ's are legit.
So what you are saying is I should thoroughly review my liability and replacement insurance before takeoff?"Its not the arrow, its the Indian" - M.Pinto
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12-03-2017, 06:51 PM #11
Why not an AS355, the "Twin Squirrel"? With its production ending in 2016 you should be able to get a good rate on one. Just avoid the Brazilian produced models.
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12-03-2017, 07:08 PM #12
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12-03-2017, 07:23 PM #13
I think when they developed the 355 the twin engine was appealing and gave customers a sense of security. When they eventually developed the AS350 and then the EC130, they were both better performing machines and and became a better sellers. The 355 production slowed, and it didn't make finical sense to produce the 355's any more, the majority of the recent sales were fulfilling military contracts for governments that were buying outdated equipment.
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12-03-2017, 07:53 PM #14
AS350 is powered by an Arriel engine, whereas the AS355 runs on Allison. The guy I know who turns the wrenches says he would take 1 Arriel over 2 Allison any day. I think you are right, the theroy of more reliability from two engines, never really paid off in reality. not to mention, you have the expense of overhauling two engines... and there is almost zero performance benefit to with the AS355 over the AS350. The Astar has has a faster rate of climb and higher top speed.
"Its not the arrow, its the Indian" - M.Pinto
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12-03-2017, 07:55 PM #15
https://www.avbuyer.com/articles/jet...l-206l-4-69360
this is an interesting comparison on of the AS350-B3 vs a 206L - 4.
any other contenders out there, in this category?"Its not the arrow, its the Indian" - M.Pinto
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12-03-2017, 07:57 PM #16Registered User
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12-03-2017, 08:09 PM #17
Get the red one
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12-03-2017, 11:12 PM #18
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12-04-2017, 03:41 PM #19Registered User
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I seen a really good pilot fly a Candig mini excavator a hammer drill and a whole bunch of other shit in a cargo net out of Burnie with the B ... quite the load capacity
WAY on the other end of the spectrum the flight school in PG was gona fly us using an R44 only carries 3 but really cheapLee Lau - xxx-er is the laziest Asian canuck I know
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12-04-2017, 03:52 PM #20
I thought this thread was a joke, now i'm not so sure.
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12-04-2017, 03:56 PM #21
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12-04-2017, 04:08 PM #22
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12-04-2017, 04:18 PM #23Registered User
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Ya I wondered too but who cares if a thread is a joke I mean if you had something better to do you probably would be doing it instead of wondering WTF
I got a buddy with a missing arm
lost it to a rotor bladeLee Lau - xxx-er is the laziest Asian canuck I know
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12-04-2017, 04:24 PM #24
Is there a bird or two going for cheap in Malakwa yet?
RIP Sam Brown
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12-04-2017, 04:33 PM #25Registered User
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That was 8 yars ago, even if thats all they were doing I don't think there is any market for flying weed to the lower 48 anymore
Lee Lau - xxx-er is the laziest Asian canuck I know
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