As355f1

[WLM]

Hi

I did a search of the forum but did not find any info. We are after the cost of operations for a 355F1 and the pro/con of owning one

Thanks you
WLM

[paco]

It can be an expensive way of carrying two allison 250s around - if your needs are small and you don't need to operate hot and high they are good machines, but if you are full all the time take a look at an N model.

Especially take a look at the FX conversion (saves weight, decent electrics), but it depends if that is approved where you are

There are threads on this here and on Canadian sites

phil

[Big Beres]

Stay away from the N model, the company I work for owns one and has had 17 unscheduled engine changes since purchasing new in 1997, 4 of those changes have been due to engine failure.

BB

[WLM]

Thanks for the replies.

It would be operated mainly sea level to 3000' max most of the time, doing VIP shuttles, 4 pax plus pilot. Also the need to use Allison rather than Turbomeca is quite a deciding factor for local maintenance support

I really would like some figures on running cost if possible from operators

Thanks
Regards
WLM

[crunchingnumbers]

Go to this link - http://www.aso.com/i.aso3/staticcontent.jsp?which=cda/main&iaso3sid=1.

You'll find reports for DOC's, Fixed costs, Annual budget, Performance and Specs. These are largely US based prices, but will give you an indication for approx $50 per aircraft report which includes the 5 headings mentioned above.

They are useful for an initial overview but would probably never replace accurate operator costs in UK (I'm assuming).

[paco]

Thanks, Big Beres - I have only flown the N model, not operated it like I have the F1. I'll file that away......

Phil

[WLM]

Thank you all so far for the info & links. Any more true operating costs, pro/cons from operators?
Cheers
WLM

[Helinut]

It has lousy helipad performance especially when it gets warm or high.