Thanks VF. Tail rotor authority is actually one of Enstrom's strong points. Airflow around the TR is unobstructed and it is really difficult to run out of pedal. I've done pedal turns in >40kts without hitting the stops. An Enstrom flight test engineer told me they've flown them sideways in excess of 70kts.
From the 480B RFM - "There is no wind azimuth, relative to the nose, that is critical to directional control of the aircraft. Sideways/rearward flight permitted at 35kts up to 8000ft."