PPRuNe Forums - View Single Post - Bell 407 vs AS-350 B2/B3

BlenderPilot · 6th September 2008, 01:20

Maintenance Support on Bell, is way, way better.

Operation Cost, EC is cheaper, I would say at least 80 dollars less per hour.

Performance I would say is equal, the B3 might carry a little more, but the 407 is more manuverable, better for off airport for my taste, for EMS the Bell litter kit is more comfortable to use I would say.

Never done sling loads in either one.

I feel a lot safer on the Bell, the EC is more confortable to fly, the Bell is a lot more manuverable and fun to fly.

If I were to pick one in the next 5 minutes, Bell 407 would be it. The decisive point would be the EC's maintenance support, I see so many cases of people being stuck for lack of it, EC around here in Mexico is absolutely bad, and having to deal with EC is always a pain for those involved.

6th September 2008, 01:20	#2 (permalink)
BlenderPilot Join Date: Feb 2002 Location: N20,W99 Age: 38 Posts: 373	I fly both (407 or B3) at least once a week . . . Maintenance Support on Bell, is way, way better. Operation Cost, EC is cheaper, I would say at least 80 dollars less per hour. Performance I would say is equal, the B3 might carry a little more, but the 407 is more manuverable, better for off airport for my taste, for EMS the Bell litter kit is more comfortable to use I would say. Never done sling loads in either one. I feel a lot safer on the Bell, the EC is more confortable to fly, the Bell is a lot more manuverable and fun to fly. If I were to pick one in the next 5 minutes, Bell 407 would be it. The decisive point would be the EC's maintenance support, I see so many cases of people being stuck for lack of it, EC around here in Mexico is absolutely bad, and having to deal with EC is always a pain for those involved.