AS 350 - what to look out for when buying
A 407 in preference to a 206L3 or L4 would certainly top any wish-list but the faster speed and more comfortable cabin - it's wider and slightly taller than the LongRanger for the same number of seats - does not always justify the significant price jump.
The cabin layout of the LongRanger and 407 permits all passengers have a very good view out of the ‘opposite’ side. The bulkhead and control tunnel behind the crew seats resultsin a limited forward view, but my experience with LongRangers is that passengers are not concerned with this. The ‘cosy’ passenger seating arrangement makes passenger interaction easier (the laughing and squealing of a group of friendsor relatives on a sight-seeing flight can often drown out the helicopter noise!).
Another distinct advantage of the LongRanger and 407 passenger cabin is that it is virtually impossible for a passenger in the rear cabin to interfere with the pilot, this would be very easy in the ‘open plan’ arrangement of the AS350 Series.
You may hear some over-eager pro-Eurocopter people saying that aft-facing passengers in the LongRanger and 407 are prone to air-sickness. Again, from my experience with LongRangers, it does occasionally happen but I feel it affects a person who would be airsick no matter which seat they occupy, or whichever helicopter type they’re flying in.
Parts availability for all of the LongRanger versions is not an issue. Furthermore, a point that is often overlooked is the fact that the Bell airframes and engines generally required a fewer special tools for field maintenance than their contemporaries.
At themoment, it’s unlikely that Goody35 would find a suitable 407 that fits his budget. If he did, it’s likely that the helicopter has a number of high-time components and the remaining life would not permit him to accumulate an adequate overhaul/repair fund before replacements and/or repairs became due.
Go for a206L3 or if your budget is flexible, a 206L4.
Last edited by Saint Jack; 7th August 2012 at 09:55.