What Heli Now?

[cmcrawfo]

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?

[Flake]

If it floats, flys or fucks. Renting is preferable to owning.

[Meadow Skipper]

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.

[cmcrawfo]

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.

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.

If it floats, flys or fucks. Renting is preferable to owning.

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.

[summit]

You taking lessons or hiring a pilot?

[cmcrawfo]

You taking lessons or hiring a pilot?

Lots of low hour bros looking to bank some stick time around here. I got two on tap so they can switch out between laps. Basically just have to buy these guys lunch.

I just hope they can work the pedals in ski boots.

[cmcrawfo]

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.

[SKIP IN7RO]

[summit]

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.

[cmcrawfo]

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?

[Dee Hubbs]

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.

[Meadow Skipper]

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.

I've sometimes wondered why you don't see a lot of Twin Stars around (compared to AStars). They didn't sell much - overkill?

[Dee Hubbs]

I've sometimes wondered why you don't see a lot of Twin Stars around (compared to AStars). They didn't sell much - overkill?

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.

[cmcrawfo]

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.

[cmcrawfo]

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?

[Angle Parking]

.... this season isn't shaping up the way I had hoped .....

It's Dec 3rd.

[::: :::]

Get the red one

[sfotex]

Been happy with our H125. Plenty of power at altitude. Get the hoist package for those tough insertions.

[XXX-er]

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 cheap

[samthaman]

I thought this thread was a joke, now i'm not so sure.

[TAFKALVS]

I thought this thread was a joke, now i'm not so sure.

agreed.

[Meadow Skipper]

Been happy with our H125. Plenty of power at altitude. Get the hoist package for those tough insertions.

Dude next to the ship looks like a candidate for decapitation.

[XXX-er]

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 blade

[BCMtnHound]

Is there a bird or two going for cheap in Malakwa yet?
RIP Sam Brown

[XXX-er]

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