Golf Clubs

[krypton_john]

Hi All,

What light single turbines can accommodate 4 pax + pilot plus 4 sets of golf clubs, and still get off the ground with at least an hour's fuel aboard if not an hour and a half?

Cheers,
JohnO

[Big Squiz]

But EC120 pilots dont play golf ! :ok:

[krypton_john]

Heh! That's why I said FOUR sets of clubs, captain. You get to polish the windscreen while I'm playing with my buds!

:):):)

[Ascend Charlie]

A Long Ranger can do it, with some clubs in the cabin.

But I have seen a Jet Ranger loaded as described, and barely staggering into the air at sea level, headed for a golf course at 3500" AMSL. The "pilot" was newly minted and already a known dunce. Shame CASA didn't see it.:eek:

[joshuaw]

Hi All

The Agusta A119 Koala will be able to do that. Sure is great aircraft and has large baggage area with the extention into the tailboom.
:ok::ok:

[krypton_john]

Yep - the AW119 was the one I was thinking of when I posted the Q. None of the other obvious candidates (AS350, EC135, B206) seem to have a large enough baggage compartment.

What about the B407 - any idea if the clubs will fit there?

[docstone]

407 - all in a days work

[Bernouli's what?]

Krypton John,
EC 135 an obvious choice when looking for a light, single turbine? Remedial turbine counting lessons required, me thinks! :}

[DoinTime]

B407 hands down.

That load and a full bag of gas with plenty of pwr to spare. :}

Clubs fit in the back (have experience with that). You may have to put the drivers together.

Sounds like I trip I want to go on. Need a driver??? Although I will be bringing my clubs as well:ok::ok:

[Vertical T/O]

Just watch where you park on golf courses. They can be determined to cut the grass.

http://i46.photobucket.com/albums/f143/kevanfolan/13092006.jpg

[RVDT]

So where do you put your clubs in that thing?

krypton_john,
FYI, Clubs will fit in an EC 135 across the luggage locker easily, just has one too many engines for you. :E

[krypton_john]

Yeah, thanks mate (and Bernoulli) my brain disengaged but my fingers autorotated that one.

In my defense I think I had intended to type EC120 - honest!

[docstone]

Load up an EC120 as suggested and endurance is awful.

407 by comparison will go full fuel for 3+ hours 4 pax, clubs and pilot...may not look so flash but delivers the goods. Don't get me started on EC AOG support compared to Bell......

[HillerBee]

However you can't compare the price of an EC120 with a 407 can you?

Payload on our EC120

Empty weight 1068 kg
Max t/o weight 1715 kg
1.5 hours of fuel 180 kg

Leaves 467 kg, for pilot and 4 passengers + golfclubs.
Pilot 90 kg
Leaves 377 kg
4 Golfsets = 100 kg
Leaves 277 kg for the passengers
70 kg per passenger.

It wouldn't suffice for most male golfers.

[tigerfish]

What about the EC130 B3? Have heard it has good performance & has stacks of room!

Not sure how it compares on price.

Tigerfish

[krypton_john]

Well, it seems to be B407 v AW119. They are both around the same price but the AW119 wins on the numbers for useful load, speed, range and has one more seat. The AW119 baggage compartment is so long that even long handled putters can fit, never mind the drivers!

There must be something about the B407 that allows it to compete. Is it the operating cost?

[MrEdd]

How about AS350B3? It has the power but i have no clue how the cargo space is looking thou.

[Bravo73]

Mr Edd,

There's no chance of getting clubs in the back (or sides) of an AS350/5.

[jhiles]

*ahem*

Photo Private Eurocopter AS-350B-3 Ecureuil G-OLFA (http://www.planepictures.net/netshow.php?id=670298)


apparently the added 'cheeks' are for carrying a set of clubs

[krypton_john]

How about the PZL-SW4?

An AS350 style open plan cockpit for pilot + 4 pax, but cheaper Allison power and parts. A massive boot that will fit the clubs.

Looks to have the best of both worlds from the AS350 and the B206.

Anyone flown or even seen one though?

[Bravo73]

apparently the added 'cheeks' are for carrying a set of clubs

Ah. The exception that proves the rule, I guess. :O

[ThomasTheTankEngine]

You can fit 2 sets of golf clubs + a few small bags in each of the side pods on the AS350.

[krypton_john]

TTTE, that is only with optional 'Squirrel Cheeks', right?

[Bravo73]

Definitely.

Unless you've got very, very small clubs. :p

[ThomasTheTankEngine]

Hi John

Yes thats right the pods are not standard.

[R Coight 500c]

Forget all above and go for an E model with a pod, two sets of clubs in the belly pod, one under the back seat and one between the two sitting in the back, easy, full tank of gas and power to burn....... plus you cant beat the sound of a hundy roaring into a golf course.....top stuff:ok:

[Impress to inflate]

AS 332L, L1, L2, EC225, S76, S92, S61, B234, Bell 222, Bell 412, Bell 212, Bel 214ST, Bell 420, AW139, there's plenty of helicopters out there. All have been to golf courses and will carry 4 pax and golf sticks.

[Bravo73]

Not many singles in your list, ItI... :rolleyes:

[Impress to inflate]

Ooops


But with only 4 pax and golf sticks, you could fly most of them single engine.

[Freewheel]

There are people who think of a 205 as "light", for those who don't, a 204?

[DirtyDitch]

The Koala is often compared to the 407 in terms of capability. I really do believe that the 407 is purchased on the basis that it is well known. In reality I expect the A119 will very likely out perform all others in its class. Then of course there is the new A119 KE that has the increased MGW from 2720 to 2850. If my budget allowed I know which I would go for.