Thanks guys for your input ..always interesting reading the various opinions as to what machine suits various tasks and why.
Down in this part of the world most commercial passenger operations either use an R44 or one of the AS350 variants...no idea why , but in NZ Long Rangers are almost no existant hence it wasn't something I'd considered .
Finding a LAME qualified to work on a Long Ranger in Fiji where we are setting up the service may be an issue. As far as I'm aware there are only 2 MD500's and 6 AS350 variants in Fiji at present..that's it for the whole country chopper wise.
I'll run off and and read up specs and prices . Great advice with regards to the air filter ..thanks