R44/b206/ec120/md500e?

[HeliPilot1]

I'm a private pilot with about 300hrs on an R44II. While I love the simplicity of the R44, I've grown tired of being tossed around in turbulence and/or wind gusts. I'm leaning towards the EC120 as their are some great deals out there but heard of horror stories from engines failures to poor customer service. My typical flight is less than 120NM and rarely carry more than 2PAX on board. My order of importance is below:

- Stability and comfort
- Fun to fly
- Speed
- Fuel efficiency/cost to operate
- Range

What would you suggest?

[rotorspin]

from what I know of them, if you think you had problems in wind gusts in a 44 wait until you try it in an EC120, the tail rotor was designed for its looks rather than its functionality...

but then I would say that owning a 206 - BUY A 206!! :ok:

[FLY 7]

My research suggested that the Enstrom 480B was the best entry level light turbine - and very comfortable and refined. In a different league to the R44.

The H500 models offer more performance, but would be older for similar money, and the C, D and E models each have different flight characteristics, so I'm told.

[JTobias]

Hi

Enstrom 480B or Bell 206 BIII
I own a 206 now, myself but my previous machine was the 480.
Both suitable for your purpose/

Joel

[Efirmovich]

Helipilot1,

The 120 fills all your needs, get it spent as you can't take it with you !:ok:

Rotorspin,
Never had any problems with the 120 in high winds, great rotor head, the tail works well and yes looks as sexy as hell !:)

E.

[chopjock]

Enstrom or 206. Big heavy blades usually give a smoother ride in turbulance.:ok:

[cleartorotate]

I have done about 50hrs on a EC120 recently in a wide variety of wind conditions and weather, at times i was thrown around like a rag doll like nothing i have ever experienced and other days was nice and smooth well under 100kts anyway anything over it bounces around a bit. The small rotor head and small blades does not give you the best of rides all the time, B206 is nicer in all weather from what i have experienced.

EC120 looks nice, Great Vis, Huge boot, Is kind of pricy, support is Shi%house, Its really under power but if your always 2 pax thats not much of a problem

B206, Has stood the test of time, good support, reasonable price, power not so bad, Boot Space is average, not the best of vis for rear pax

H500, Looks Cool, Sounds Cool, Fast and nimble, No boot space and cramped rear seats, Not sure on smooth of ride or support

[Hughes500]

Think you will find a 500D or E will bethe best as you are not carrying pax. It will blow the doors off the rest when it comes to agility performance and sheer fun. Due to its cruise of 130kts plus it is cheaper on fuel and component times compared to the rest ( 206 at 110 kts means you are using 20% more fuel and component times). 500 has no calender items like 206/enstrom straps. More importantly they are one if the few helicopters that hold their second hand value. The bills on a 120 when it comes up to module overhauls are eyewatering !!