50 Years of the Fabulous 500.

[500 Fan]

Today marks the 50th anniversary of the first flight of the helicopter we know simply as “The 500”.

The 27th of February 1963 saw test pilots James Vittitoe and Raleigh Fletcher perform the first flight of a compact little egg-shaped helicopter at the Hughes Tool Company’s facility at Culver City in California. The YOH-6 was one of three entrants in the US Army’s “Light Observation Helicopter” contest for a new scout helicopter for the Army. The Army only purchased just over 1,400 helicopters but it has since gone on to be one of the legends of rotary-winged aviation.

http://i306.photobucket.com/albums/nn274/Bolkow1/LOH_advertisement_zps3b453b00.jpg
Ships No.1 and 2. Copyright:Boeing.

In 1966, Hughes and the U.S. Army set twenty-three FAI world records, the majority in speed and time-to-height categories. The most remarkable of these was the distance record for a non-stop unrefuelled flight. In a flight lasting over 15 hours, Robert Ferry flew 2,213 miles and amazingly, this record still stands today. The only modification made to the prototype for this flight was the addition of a fuel tank in the rear compartment.

http://i306.photobucket.com/albums/nn274/Bolkow1/757-1_zpsbe475009.jpg
FAI.

In the late 1960’s, the OH-6A became the “Hughes 500” and became available to comercial helicopter operators the world over. It proved to be a great success and as well as being a useful aircraft for the myriad roles undertaken by commercial helicopters, it has become the aircraft-of-choice for many very particular jobs like;
• Aerial Powerline Repair
• Aerial Tree-Trimming
• Live Animal Capture

If you absolutely, positively have to do a toe-in, a 500 with tall skids would probably be your weapon-of-choice too. The Tuna Boat boys seem to like it, too and many Police Air Support Units in the U.S. simply replace their old 500s with new ones.

http://i306.photobucket.com/albums/nn274/Bolkow1/P1010277_zpsac736784.jpg

The 500 has starred on the big screen and small. Probably one of the most recognisable helicopters ever was a candy-striped 500D that flew in Hawaii in the 1980’s in support of a certain mustacheoed P.I.

http://i306.photobucket.com/albums/nn274/Bolkow1/opening_credits_low_flying_chopper_full_zps670a7fa5.jpg

A significant amount of rotorcraft technology has been test-flown on the OH-6/500 down through the years. Some of the technology trialled by the 500 include;
• Quiet Rotorcraft Technology. “The Quiet One” OH-6A prototype is allegedly the quietest helicopter yet to fly, quieter even than the YO-3 “Quiet Star”.
• Mast-Mounted Sight technology. The Hughes 500 was the first helicopter to fly with an operational mast-mounted sight in the late-seventies, built by Martin Marrietta.
• N.A.S.A. and Hughes used an OH-6A to test-fly a major and successful programme exploring “Higher Harmonic Control” in helicopters, a technology that some manufacturers are today incorporating into their helicopters to actively reduce vibration from the rotor system.
• Hughes test-flew their earliest composite main rotor system on a 500E. This rotor system was later adopted for the MD900 Explorer.
• The “NOTAR” anti-torque system was initially flown on an OH-6A test-bed and has gone into production on the MD520N and MD902 Explorer.
• The Hughes 530MG Defender flew in 1984 with what can probably be regarded as one of the earliest “glass cockpit” displays, paving the way for the type of cockpit displays in use on many helicopters in production today.
• Today, Boeing have a pair of prototypes that are pioneering autonomous rotorcraft technology. One prototype has flown with no pilot on-board. They have also tested the AVMS flight control system on the same prototype. This provides tactile information to the pilot through a side-stick cyclic. A number of “auto-land” systems have been tested including one by Thales for shipboard operations.

http://i306.photobucket.com/albums/nn274/Bolkow1/060712c_lg_zpsae897eb4.jpg
Boeing.

The 500 can also lift another 500 on a sling and Robert Ferry’s world distance record flight saw his YOH-6A lift-off at a weight three time’s its empty weight. The 500 has flown with a 4-, 5- and 6-blade main rotor system and a 2- and 4-blade tail rotor and no tail rotor at all (NOTAR). One 500 set a round-the-world speed record while another flew across the Atlantic.

http://i306.photobucket.com/albums/nn274/Bolkow1/CopyrightJohnManning.jpg
John Manning.

The 500 has been licence-built in Argentina, Italy, Japan and South Korea and it remains in production today for military and civilian customers. All in all, not a bad record for a helicopter that measures less than thirty feet, nose to tail.

http://i306.photobucket.com/albums/nn274/Bolkow1/286135545cOMSwC_fs.jpg

On top of all this, it is a great helicopter to fly and is guaranteed to put a smile on your face.:ok:

http://i306.photobucket.com/albums/nn274/Bolkow1/SilverEagles0003_zpsa66d012e.jpg
US Army Museum Archives via Ray Wilhite.

500 Fan.

[RVDT]

Makes me feel old!

oJFj2vYqf7Y

[Ian Corrigible]

The on-screen pilot of that candy-striped 500D flown in Hawaii in the 1980s in support of a certain mustacheoed P.I. will be at Heli-Expo this year. Roger E. Mosely ("TC") will be on the Phoenix Heliparts booth for signatures, along with Larry Minetti ("Rick") and a replica of N1095A.

I/C

[SASless]

The "Fun-est" helicopter I ever flew! Hands Down! Did everything but crash in it I think.....and almost did that too.....once after an engine failure....and once due to a near fatal brain infarction!:ok:

[AdamFrisch]

As a rotor-admirer from the FW world, it has always been my favourite. Maybe it was the Magnum PI intro or Apocalypse Now or something - but it's the one that got my heart beating. The S-76 is the prettiest of all helicopters, but the 500 is the coolest.

[Brilliant Stuff]

Which one would be the sexiest Adam?

[Savoia]

Ah .. the flying egg, the angry bumble bee .. the little bird!

I first flew the 500 in 1982 in Brasil and was intrigued by the contrast in feel between it and the 206.

I initially bemocked its 'vibrating' cyclic as it shimmied from the feedback of its muted linkage to the main rotor but .. a few years later (in Papua New Guinea) I came to admire the craft when I was able to put it through its paces during hundreds of hours of mineral exploration support, inserting and extracting geological teams into insufferably modest landing areas along various mountainside streams and creeks.

For such work, which invariably involved passenger access and egress while hovering .. typically with one skid balanced on a boulder (and this usually after having 'weaved' the aircraft through several layers of jungle canopy to reach the stream) the 500 was indisputable 'king' with its crisp responsiveness which allowed for precision manoeuvrability.

The screeching transmission just behind your shoulder, constant compassion for your rear seat passengers and a slightly quick rate of descent during autos were all forgiven when a heavy-footed geologist jumped onto the skid and the craft responded with alacrity to the counter.

Unquestionably the most 'fun' helicopter I've ever flown.

https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/-zAN9mI4p2Nk/US8cdOgoANI/AAAAAAAAMDg/Je2k1SxmWvM/s700/Votec+Hughes+500D+PT-HPC+Aeroporto+de+Maca%C3%A9%2C+Brasil++1982.jpg
A youthful Savoia aboard Votec Hughes 500D PT-HPC at Aeroporto de Macaé, Brasil, in 1982

ps: Adam: Agreed. The 76 is still the sleekest of the girls although from its lines one can see that the Bell 525 is trying to copy her style.

pps: If anyone is attending Heli Expo and happens upon the scenario described by Ian Corrigible .. please take a couple of photos and post them on PPRuNe!

[500 Fan]

Here are two more Votec 500s. A pair of Cs.

Air-Britain : Hughes 369HS (http://www.abpic.co.uk/popup.php?q=1385879)

Air-Britain : Hughes 369HS (http://www.abpic.co.uk/popup.php?q=1385880)

Thanks for sharing your photo of that very attractive-looking D. It looks sharp with pop-outs, cargo pod and the classic candy-stripe colour scheme. What kind of operation wee Votec's 500s used for, given that they are all fitted with pop-outs? Thanks.

500 Fan.

[Savoia]

500: Well done on the thread! A great little ship .. for sure. :ok:

Remarkably, the 500's were used for offshore rig support providing access for technicians, essential crew and supplying priority parts and small equipment.

In the late 70's and early 80's the offshore market was just picking-up in Brasil but there were already plenty of 'normal' offshore workhorses (of which I also have photos) but as some of the rigs were not far offshore smaller aircraft (such as the 500's) were used for support missions where, for example, an S61 would have been an overkill.

I also have the photos by Martin Harrison (we've be showcasing some of his work on the Nostalgia Thread) and it was great to see the Votec 'C' models again.

As you know, the Italian manufacturer Breda Nardi built the 500 under licence from Hughes for many years (until BN were merged with Agusta) in fact, some Breda Nardi 500's even operated in Brasil!

https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-EnRNbdAnkcc/US9eEpgCkcI/AAAAAAAAMEE/AWLFKQjSepE/s748/Italian+Air+Force+NH500E+MM81271+Frosinone+29+May+05+%28Ales sandro+Savarese%29.jpg
Italian Air Force Breda Nardi NH500E MM81271 over Frosinone on 29th May 2005 (Photo: Alessandro Savarese)

https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/-rZ-rlfFucyA/US9eE-56ZLI/AAAAAAAAMEI/hk5P-dzc-dE/s681/Corpo+Forestale+dello+Stato+%28Italian+Forestry+Department%2 9+NH500D+I-CFSM+Imperia+Heliport+14+Apr+03+%28Alfredo+La+Marca%29.jpg
Corpo Forestale dello Stato (Italian Forestry Department) Breda Nardi NH500D I-CFSM at Imperia Heliport, Imperia, on 14th April 2003 (Photo: Alfredo La Marca)

[500 Fan]

Thanks Sav. Oil rigs, eh? Is there nowhere that the little 500 wasn't useful? It might not be widely known but PHI also operated a handful of early 500s in support of off-shore operations, probably in the early seventies.

500 Fan.

[Ian Corrigible]

http://i.imgur.com/SzfjaBP.jpg
7 people in a Loach, eh?

So how many marriages resulted from such intimate accommodation? :E

I/C

[500 Fan]

I thought that line from the cover of the sales brochure would catch someone's attention sooner or later! 7 was possible but obviously far from practical.

To accommodate the 4 in the back, two foam pads were fitted to the floor, one pad at the rear and one pad on the floor at the very front of the rear compartment. Two people were then seated on the forward pad facing backwards and two on the rear pad facing forwards, with their legs intertwined with their opposite number. This seating arrangement even came with seat belts attached to hard-points on the floor. I'm not sure how many helicopters were sold as seven-seater's but I'd imagine it was a rare day indeed when a commercial operator flew that many souls in a 500. It would certainly be a profitable operation if everyone was paying full fare on such trips and this thinking was in fact a significant part of Hughes' early sales push for the type.

The U.S. Army Special Ops boys did fly their early 500Ds (MH-6E) with 8 on-board from time to time. Two inside with three seated outside on each people-plank. Again, it wasn't common practice to carry three on each side, two generally being the norm, but allegedly it did happen!

Apparently the early people-planks were quite comfortable.:ok:
http://i306.photobucket.com/albums/nn274/Bolkow1/LoveBoatAug810013_zps5cb8b4cc.jpg
Graham Stevens Collection.

500 Fan.

[500 Fan]

The history of the relationship between the Hughes 500 and the deer hasn't always been pretty. Often, the deer has ended up with his head blown off, or at the very least, being unceremoniously hauled off alive on a long-line. To make up for these injustices against our furry friends, this pilot has attempted to make amends with this slick piece of flying.

Video: Helicopter blows deer trapped on frozen lake to shore in clever rescue - Telegraph (http://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/newsvideo/weirdnewsvideo/9900003/Helicopter-blows-deer-trapped-on-frozen-lake-to-shore-in-clever-rescue.html)

The piece of footage from 00:39 onwards is pretty cool. The pilot has a nice, steady, sidewards hover going and the deer is skating along at a healthy rate of knots. For once, 500 and deer both go their separate ways, happy.:ok:

500 Fan.

[Owz]

It's nice to see all the positive comments about the 500 as I'm doing my rating at the moment. (Bloody EASA rules!! if only I had an FAA Licence not a CAA UK one!) I must admit it is indeed the sports car of the helicopter world with plenty of power and maneuverability. I'm really enjoying flying it.

If anyone with lots of experience has any tips on things I should watch then I'd be grateful? Got my licence last year so am very much a novice!

Living the dream!

[Whirlybird]

My favourite helicopter too!

[SASless]

Owz......basic rule.....Fly with yer Thumb!



I pampered a 500E model for a couple of years flying a corporate gig.....washed every time it flew, cabin interior kept spic and span with plastic floor mats and Spit Cups for the Worm Dirt Masticators.

Not too many years later....stood in a Hangar looking at the crumpled up mess that resulted from someone treating her in a very un-nice manner. All of it would have fit into the bed of a standard Pickup Truck.

What a shame.....07C deserved a much better fate.

[chopjock]

Owz
If anyone with lots of experience has any tips on things I should watch then I'd be grateful?

If you are going from previous piston experience, make sure you do not inadvertantly roll off the throttle on approach and then expect it to come back on again quickly. Allways keep it at full throttle.
It caught me out once and I ended up on the ground when I didn't want to.:eek:

[newfieboy]

2000+ hrs on 500D/E and Notar, great fun. Nice platform and stable for longline ops. Only fault I thought was limited range, made ferrying from Eastern Canada to Western Canada for siesmic jobs pretty entertaining, oh and a sore thumb at the end of day. Had a runaway trim once coming off a drill pad in a Notar, an interesting second or two.......wouldn't care to be a backseat pax in any of the variants though, a tad noisy and cramped.

[500e]

newfi
Expect you can find trim breaker in the dark eyes closed & 2 dancing girls doing there best. :E
Sticky switch is bad enough.

[AdamFrisch]

Which one would be the sexiest Adam?

That has to be the CH-53 Super Stallion, but I like them with a little meat on...;)

[SASless]

Don't do like I did.....fly your New Hire Check Ride with the Frictions still on. Kinda shot down my claim of enough time on type for the job. Still got the job as the CP reckoned if I could do that well fighting the Frictions I would be much better with them released.

[Ian Corrigible]

If anyone is attending Heli Expo and happens upon the scenario described by Ian Corrigible .. please take a couple of photos and post them on PPRuNe!As requested:

http://i.imgur.com/gT5qsvq.jpg

http://i.imgur.com/nfpZfSu

I/C

[500 Fan]

Did you say hello to Rick and T.C. while you were there?

500 Fan.

[Bcopters500]

http://www.pprune.org/webkit-fake-url://B57BA17A-0DF6-4103-9BB3-CFAD216CBCBC/imagejpeg

[Savoia]

IC: Has anyone told you that you are simply incorrigible! Lol !!

Well done and many thanks. :D

Looks like they did a neat job of it! :ok:

[Hughes500]

Blimey, I am 50 this year and my son was 18 on the 27th of Feb, bit spooky really. She might be an old girl but she will still give a lot younger machines a run for their money. My favourite D will still just get to 140 kts with a little coaxing. :D

[helispeediii]

369/hu50/500 watever u call them, they are the dogs b------s i even had one with that reg is it still about GOTDB ?? helispeediii

[Hughes500]

I purchased G-OTDB ages ago ( from the owners estate who had passed away in 2003) and had to spend a fortune on it as who ever had maintained it obviously new nothing about maintaining one.
I sold her on and she was owned by Carl Springthorpe ( G-OOCS), he purchased a brand new one and I sold her on to one of my customers ( G-KSWI) which went on to have a tail rotor blade pitch horn fail over Glastonbury and was written off in the crash, but she looked after her owner who escaped with severe head injuries and a broken pelvis.

[Savoia]

500 Fan: Can I take it that you've already seen these?

https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-2BDN9czDbQU/UULr-HGSREI/AAAAAAAAMWA/3uqR8S49o74/s680/306280_10151492758101023_405267191_n.jpg

https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/-k_XWDAbFfpo/UULr-kh0oBI/AAAAAAAAMV0/0XV6cl_zdOI/s767/574799_10151501562081023_334749692_n.jpg

And .. for old times sake ..

https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/-QYTtz2PoHk8/UULr_RmmQcI/AAAAAAAAMV4/e-hHRdNLhR8/s449/Selleck+and+TC.png

[500 Fan]

Thanks, Sav. They're some of the best photos I've seen of this 500D yet.:ok:

I am in contact with a test pilot who flew for Hughes back in the late seventies (in relation to research for my planned book). He was in the Production Flight Test section at the time of this aircraft's delivery and flew this helicopter prior to delivery to Hawaii. This heli has flown only in Hawaii for all of its service and was suffering with some corrosion consistent with that environment. He was at Phoenix Heliparts recently and he reckons this ship is now in as good a condition as the day it was pushed out of the factory back in the seventies, after the refurbishment work carried out on it.

500 Fan.

[Savoia]

500 Fan: Happy St.Patrick's Day!

https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/-lM2zfanmcKg/UUW6N11RyWI/AAAAAAAAMX0/xWukvF3VjQo/s640/4+leaf+500.jpg

And because I know you may want to discover a liitle more about the craft in question (if you don't already know her) ..

https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-kx4vM0-edmw/UUW6OMlv41I/AAAAAAAAMX4/-xGne3zzIzI/s400/Moggy13.jpg

https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/-_NkMTH9m9fE/UUW6ORi3v9I/AAAAAAAAMYA/wr6fFjvSeAk/s400/PhotoPCFridayJanuary231998751PM18.jpg

She is a 'tuna bird'!

And here she is back in the 70's, presumably not long after her delivery:

https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-k-4SJLVGPeM/UUW6OaUE64I/AAAAAAAAMXw/pSY4pfKHDfU/s800/1977-06-15+reading+airport.jpg
Hughes 500D N8352F as seen at Reading Airport, Berks County, Pennsylvania on 15th June 1977 (Photo: Peter Nicholson)

[500 Fan]

Hi Sav. Thanks for that latest set. An Irish Tuna Bird is a rare bird indeed!

Here is another Irish Hughes, pictured at Kilrush Airfield a few years ago.

http://i306.photobucket.com/albums/nn274/Bolkow1/IMG_0526.jpg

Edit: I am particularly proud of that landing. I almost got the skid tube exactly parallel with the seam in the tarmac.

500 Fan.

[helispeediii]

Hi hughes 500 gotdb was maintained or not ?by the hungarian air service that where i purchased it , used it for a while and sold it rgds helispeed iii

[Buttocknurdler]

http://i1358.photobucket.com/albums/q761/Buttocknurdler/Pprune/Groundrunning_zps350b0d8c.jpg

Hey helispeediii, look what I've found!

[Hughes500]

heliispeed
not saying it was you but how I found it when puchased eg 3 mm hole in the leading edge of one of the main rotor blades, all main rotor dampers delaminated and scrap. Tail rotor showing 6 ips not .01 as it should be !:ugh:or should that be :eek:

[Savoia]

Buttocknurdler: (What a name! :D) What happened to your original photo? I was admiring the driver's dismount! ;)

500Fan: You said you liked the 'offshore' 500 with cargo pod .. if you like the 500 with lot's of kit hanging off it .. then I assume you must be familiar with the ASW version:

https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/-2q9N6Lbz-_0/UUgvVPdjx7I/AAAAAAAAMY8/_qMDykLQ9nA/s703/500+ASW.jpg
Hughes 500M 6912 of the Taiwanese Navy (colour drawing)

And here's 6912 in 'the flesh' but, sadly, minus the torpedo:

https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/-MI98a6VYW6M/UUgvW_wiKwI/AAAAAAAAMZE/9O2DXa7-fw4/s682/H500M+ASW+6912+Taiwan+Navy+Taoyuan%2C+Taiwan+14+Aug+04+%28Mo rgan+Liu%29.jpg

Hughes 500M ASW 6912 of the Taiwanese Navy at Taoyuan, Taiwan on 14th August 2004 (Photo: Morgan Liu)

And finally .. one with the torpedo:

https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/-kUxZe0PaXrA/UUgvWaGlybI/AAAAAAAAMZQ/_UgiGioCX4Q/s643/500MD+ASW.png

Could someone with a better awareness of military equipment have a go at explaining the short belly pod next to the torpedo and also indicate the function of the 'drogue' on the craft's starboard side?

[chopjock]

I suspect the "drogue" is the sonar sensor that get's dipped whilst in the hover.
The belly pod looks like compressed gas for the floats?

[helispeediii]

nice to see the the 500 at kb happy days helispeediii

[500 Fan]

As far as I'm aware, the smaller item hanging under the ASW 500D is either a smoke marker or, more likely, a single depth charge. I don't think the 500 has the ability to carry two torpedoes at the same time so the mix of one torpedo and one depth charge still gave it two chances of success. The sonar sensor is dubbed the "Magnetic Anomaly Detector" or MAD Bird.

The Hughes 500/ASW came about when the U.S. Navy's QH-50 Drone Helicopter ( Gyrodyne Helicopter Co., Mfg of QH-50 series of VTOL UAVs (http://www.gyrodynehelicopters.com/) ) was retired in the late sixties and a small ASW helicopter was required. The 500 fitted easily onto the existing heli-deck and into the hangar facilities already fitted to the Sumner- and Gearing-Class vessels. Soon, these vessels were sold off to friendly nations and a new, larger ASW helicopter was required. Ultimately, the Kaman SH-2F LAMPS was purchased by the U.S. Navy.

Hughes recognised that the new owners of these vessels might still need a small ASW helicopter and development continued. Spain purchased the 500M/ASW while Taiwan acquired the 500M-D ASW Defender. Despite the obvious risks of single-engine maritime operations, both nations still fly the majority of the aircraft delivered to them.

500 Fan.

[500 Fan]

Here is nice old video of early production of the OH-6A at Culver City and pre-delivery test flying at Palomar. You might want to turn the sound off on this vid!

HUGHES HELICOPTERS - Light Observation Helicopter , OH-6 Cayuse 27180 - YouTube

500 Fan.

[Bcopters500]

:eek:-LgxgbtiVZg

[Bcopters500]

YouTube (http://m.youtube.com/#/watch?feature=share&v=fjXBWQHXItU&desktop_uri=%2Fwatch%3Fv%3DfjXBWQHXItU%26feature%3Dshare)

[ericferret]

G-BEJY Dollar helicopters 500D at Sywell, G-BESS and G-HOOK outside Sywell motel.

http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8120/8711252446_4d7e37c1b3_c.jpg (http://www.flickr.com/photos/ericferret/8711252446/)
G-BEJY (http://www.flickr.com/photos/ericferret/8711252446/) by ericferret (http://www.flickr.com/people/ericferret/), on Flickr

http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8273/8711295458_dfa61342f8_c.jpg (http://www.flickr.com/photos/ericferret/8711295458/)
G-HOOK (http://www.flickr.com/photos/ericferret/8711295458/) by ericferret (http://www.flickr.com/people/ericferret/), on Flickr

http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8542/8711283830_bdabe6d561_c.jpg (http://www.flickr.com/photos/ericferret/8711283830/)
G-BESS (http://www.flickr.com/photos/ericferret/8711283830/) by ericferret (http://www.flickr.com/people/ericferret/), on Flickr

[Savoia]

Eric: Thanks for the link. No photos from TZ? I don't blame you, there wasn't really much to photograph. As it is I only have three photos from that time. Now of course I deeply regret having not bought a camera to take into the bush.

Now Barbados .. that looks okay! :ok:

[ericferret]

Somewhere is a real bad photo of 5H-MUM but I was always concerned about taking photos there, didn't fancy a spell in a Tanzanian gaol. Did't you spend a short time in one getting in to the country?

[ericferret]

Belgian 500's

http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7316/8731241887_0306e535dc_c.jpg (http://www.flickr.com/photos/ericferret/8731241887/)
2013-05-12 (304) (http://www.flickr.com/photos/ericferret/8731241887/) by ericferret (http://www.flickr.com/people/ericferret/), on Flickr

http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7286/8731251419_7ea1dcd7e8_c.jpg (http://www.flickr.com/photos/ericferret/8731251419/)
2013-05-12 (319) (http://www.flickr.com/photos/ericferret/8731251419/) by ericferret (http://www.flickr.com/people/ericferret/), on Flickr


http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7371/8731248095_9734f1f854_c.jpg (http://www.flickr.com/photos/ericferret/8731248095/)
2013-05-12 (307) (http://www.flickr.com/photos/ericferret/8731248095/) by ericferret (http://www.flickr.com/people/ericferret/), on Flickr

http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7448/8731256465_a2d8f93bfb_c.jpg (http://www.flickr.com/photos/ericferret/8731256465/)
2013-05-12 (335) (http://www.flickr.com/photos/ericferret/8731256465/) by ericferret (http://www.flickr.com/people/ericferret/), on Flickr

[Dennis Kenyon]

There is a Hughes 500 which has been following me around over the years so I thought I would post some photos of her in case anyone is interested. She's changed registration several times but her serial no. is 450738S or 738 for short.

I've been involved in selling her on between owners several times now during which time she's been in my care.

My first involvement with 738 was in 1986 when I bought her on a part exchange from then owners Cosworth Engineering of Northampton.

It was at this time that her C20 was replaced by a C18 and I sold her to Brian Wronski who cherished her for many a year. Up until now she still wore here original registration of G-BDOY.

In about 1990 Brian sold her to another Brian, this time Brian Stein of 'Gee-Gees' polo fame who registered her as G-GEEE, when I acquired her again as a part exchange for a later model 500E.

This time I sold her to that affable gentleman, Steve Giddings who, among other things, added the latest Nordam 'all glass' nose and registered her as G-GSPG.

And finally - just over a month ago I acquired her again, selling her to another super gentleman, one Johan op De Beeck who I am currently training up at Shobdon from the Tiger Helicopters facility. As with almost every sale, she has changed registration yet again as in now on the American register flying as N488NS.

Hope this isn't too boring but perhaps someone is interested to follow the craft's journey over the years.

Like several other comments on this thread, I've always enjoyed flying the 500. A very nimble aircraft with crisp responsiveness.

https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/-l6XrFte4qf4/UZChhPT-4UI/AAAAAAAANhA/Jpf7UjatSKM/w700-h466-no/G-BDOY+87.jpg
G-BDOY when I first bought her from Cosworth Engineering

https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/-xeKU1uVL0Fc/UZChf_o3KfI/AAAAAAAANgw/QM5hapuaueE/w680-h510-no/DSC00072.JPG
'In the shop' as G-GEEE

https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/-fxFVfzXJWSw/UZChgfFsZKI/AAAAAAAANg0/jLRYKuprmnQ/w680-h510-no/DSC04197+-+Copy.JPG
'On the pad' as G-GSPG

https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/-hXVqRXSI5MI/UZChgnICXtI/AAAAAAAANg8/Gt3NRRVsDkc/w680-h510-no/DSC04698.JPG
And finally, as she is now, as N488NS

Regards to all PPRuNers,

Dennis

[as350nut]

Do you know if you can still get the 'Yehert" full vision front screen conversion?

[ericferret]

A few UK 500's


http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7325/8734463163_2d19dcb8c6_c.jpg (http://www.flickr.com/photos/ericferret/8734463163/)
2013-05-12 (404) (http://www.flickr.com/photos/ericferret/8734463163/) by ericferret (http://www.flickr.com/people/ericferret/), on Flickr

http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7317/8735568642_e3666f4d92_c.jpg (http://www.flickr.com/photos/ericferret/8735568642/)
2013-05-12 (394) (http://www.flickr.com/photos/ericferret/8735568642/) by ericferret (http://www.flickr.com/people/ericferret/), on Flickr

http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7312/8734453197_c32da4ceb0_c.jpg (http://www.flickr.com/photos/ericferret/8734453197/)
2013-05-12 (403) (http://www.flickr.com/photos/ericferret/8734453197/) by ericferret (http://www.flickr.com/people/ericferret/), on Flickr

http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7304/8735546200_3e8d9ac4a5_c.jpg (http://www.flickr.com/photos/ericferret/8735546200/)
2013-05-12 (428) (http://www.flickr.com/photos/ericferret/8735546200/) by ericferret (http://www.flickr.com/people/ericferret/), on Flickr

http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7282/8735552236_f66861227a_c.jpg (http://www.flickr.com/photos/ericferret/8735552236/)
2013-05-12 (387) (http://www.flickr.com/photos/ericferret/8735552236/) by ericferret (http://www.flickr.com/people/ericferret/), on Flickr


http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7310/8734424379_19cecf7f8f_c.jpg (http://www.flickr.com/photos/ericferret/8734424379/)
2013-05-12 (400) (http://www.flickr.com/photos/ericferret/8734424379/) by ericferret (http://www.flickr.com/people/ericferret/), on Flickr

http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7299/8735588754_f804011e9c_c.jpg (http://www.flickr.com/photos/ericferret/8735588754/)
2013-05-12 (419) (http://www.flickr.com/photos/ericferret/8735588754/) by ericferret (http://www.flickr.com/people/ericferret/), on Flickr


http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7318/8734442075_ac22a80ee3_c.jpg (http://www.flickr.com/photos/ericferret/8734442075/)
2013-05-12 (388) (http://www.flickr.com/photos/ericferret/8734442075/) by ericferret (http://www.flickr.com/people/ericferret/), on Flickr

http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7291/8735549226_771244302d_c.jpg (http://www.flickr.com/photos/ericferret/8735549226/)
2013-05-12 (385) (http://www.flickr.com/photos/ericferret/8735549226/) by ericferret (http://www.flickr.com/people/ericferret/), on Flickr

[Savoia]

Eric: Great stuff! :ok:

The Belgian 500's .. did you ever work on these or were you just passing through?

I never knew there was a G-FROG .. excellent!

500 Fan: Are you seeing this? Including AVN!

[ericferret]

OO-KAR begat G-FROG which begat G-WELD which begat G-GASC which begat G-HUES
and continues to fly today.

[Dennis Kenyon]

So dear gentlemen ... can I come in again.

Ah ... the likes of G-WELD ... takes me back to the early 1980s when I trained the owner of a welding business, being Bob House on Enstrom G-BEEK. In no time he realised a turbine was the way to go and ended up buying the 500 which he registered G-WELD naturally. More 'tittle-tattle' on request. Take care all. Dennis Kenyon.

[Dennis Kenyon]

Oh I forgot to add ... G-GASC, so registered as she was the first of several 500s to work on the gas contract for my Southern Air business at Shoreham. Dennis K.

[Plank Cap]

Dennis, G-GSPG in the days of Steve Giddings' ownership, and an admirer on a day out to Newcastle, circa 2003. Unhappily for me I no longer have any contact with the aircraft. Happily for me I have daily contact with the admirer, as she agreed to become my wife!
She would occasionally fly with Steve to help out.

Plank Cap


http://i39.photobucket.com/albums/e172/ruplaw/Rotary/2004_0212Image0007.jpg

[Dennis Kenyon]

For AS 350 ... Can't answer your question directly but the latest 'E' model nose was installed circa 2002 by the 'Nordam' company. I believe they are no longer trading. The best guy to advise on the 'Yehert' nose would be Hughes 500 so suggest you PM him here. Dennis K

[Dennis Kenyon]

Hi Plank Cap ... you lucky thing. If I'd known about the pic and your lovely lady, I would have asked to use her presence on the ship to enhance my sales advert.

But for the record, the dear old G-GSPG, (now N488NS) managed to sell herself anyway which I put down to the new nose job!

Regards to all '500 & Nostalgia' fans out there. Dennis Kenyon.

PS. Today she spent the afternoon in training battling, but oh so easily .... against 40 knot winds.(Shobdon sits in the lea of the Welsh mountains - so lots of standing waves)

[Hughes500]

DK

You flatter me ! Not sure what the state of the " true vision nose " world is at the moment. I believe Nordam now do it with another company in the States. Best person to ask is martin Lovell at Skytech helicopters on Sywell what he doesn't know about them isn't worth knowing from a maintenance point of view. He looked after CSPG for sometime.
Personally I am a D model person with the old curved nose, they seem to fly better, well my favourite G-BIOA as always out paced the 4 E models I have owned. Still have OA some 14 years after buying her !
have fun:ok:

[500guy]

If anyone makes the replacement glass for the clearview nose or knows of a place that does please PM me.

[Savoia]

I am a D model person with the old curved nose ..


Count me in .. my all-time favourite 500 .. having flown all models (except Notar). :ok:


.. my favourite G-BIOA ..


http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7281/8738290595_90676f68fa_b.jpg
Hughes 500D (369D) G-BIOA flying through Snake Pass in the Peak District, Derbyshire on 19th March 2013 (Photo: Shaun Connor)

[500 Fan]

Thanks for posting that nice set of photos, Eric. The paint scheme on G-BDFP looks particularly smart.

500 Fan.

[Savoia]

The Maestro wrote:
Today she (N488NS) spent the afternoon battling in training, but oh so easily .... against 40 knot winds. (Shobdon sits in the lea of the Welsh mountains - so lots of standing waves)



https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-nOzvgea0p0U/UZTCR5tPzII/AAAAAAAANnY/jryMSbPDszs/w957-h392-no/Denissimo+training+in+the+wind.png


81 and still flying strong!! God love you Denissimo!! :ok:

[500 Fan]

I spotted this photo on Eric's Flickr collection.

All sizes | 2013-05-12 (409) | Flickr - Photo Sharing! (http://www.flickr.com/photos/ericferret/8734466913/sizes/l/in/photostream/)

http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7285/8734466913_40715cb1b8_b.jpg

It looks like G-BMJH was finished in the "Plumage III Ltd Edition" paint scheme. I wonder if it was delivered with the executive interior as well?

500 Fan.

[Ian Corrigible]

Unashamedly lifted from the most recent edition of Heli-Ops (sorry Ned!).

http://i.imgur.com/htPdBEC.jpg

http://i.imgur.com/RV8oa0H.jpg

I/C

[Heli-News]

The "New" Magnum PI Helicopter in Hawaii on Vimeo

[500 Fan]

There aren't too many OH-6As entering service in this day and age but here is one that started out with a proud new operator in 2012.

Sheriff's Office Unveils Air Wolf-1 | Pro 8 News.com - News, Weather, Sports - | Laredo, Texas | News (http://www.pro8news.com/news/Sheriffs-Office-Unveils-Air-Wolf-1-169701116.html)

It looks to be in good nick for a 42 year old airframe.

500 Fan.

[HeliHenri]

.
I like this one :

Rare picture of a Great White attacking a swimer in the Yellow Sea ;)

http://nsa33.casimages.com/img/2013/08/24/130824115830689934.jpg (http://www.casimages.com/img.php?i=130824115830689934.jpg)


(Emergency landing in a corn field yesterday after a wire strike during power lines inspection)
.

[catseye]

Does anyone have access to the old promotional film/tapes of " Its a 500 world" Think they must have been produced in hughes ownership time.

:confused:

[ericferret]

BMJH had a brown suede interior on delivery. Probably the whole ensemble interior and exterior was the tackiest I've ever seen applied to an aircraft. I seem to think that Mike Hughes got it cheap because nobody else wanted it.

[DRDR]

…you might enjoy:

A 500D from Germany:
http://farm1.staticflickr.com/251/444149920_ba6a16bc21_z.jpg
Flickr (http://www.flickr.com/photos/humuku/444149920/)
http://farm1.staticflickr.com/240/444149928_e0b6195717_z.jpg
Flickr (http://www.flickr.com/photos/humuku/444149928/)
And some shots from Hawaii:
http://farm4.staticflickr.com/3080/3142873367_2880e66081_z.jpg
Flickr (http://www.flickr.com/photos/humuku/3142873367/)
http://farm4.staticflickr.com/3129/3142867399_8cc7a0ea4f_z.jpg
Flickr (http://www.flickr.com/photos/humuku/3142867399/)

[Rotorbee]

That's a coincidence. N500PH (http://aviation-safety.net/wikibase/wiki.php?id=157805) just rolled over after an autorotation. Everybody on board OK. That's the most important news.
:sad:
:{

[KiwiNedNZ]

Some more to add here from recent shoots.

http://i54.photobucket.com/albums/g100/KiwiNed/A17Y2259.jpg

http://i54.photobucket.com/albums/g100/KiwiNed/HeliOps%20-%20High%20Country%20Helicopters/HCH0558.jpg

http://i54.photobucket.com/albums/g100/KiwiNed/Soloy%20Helicopters/A36A0268.jpg

http://i54.photobucket.com/albums/g100/KiwiNed/Soloy%20Helicopters/A17Y4840.jpg

[Anthony Supplebottom]

Fabulous indeed!

Such a great shame though that you never label any of your photos.

[500 Fan]

Here is some recent 500 news;

A seagull rescue.
Photos | Helicopter rescues seagull in Virginia Beach | HamptonRoads.com | PilotOnline.com (http://hamptonroads.com/2013/09/helicopter-rescue-bird-stuck-va-beach-power-line#1213411000.jpg)

The comments at the bottom of that article are, em, interesting. No shortage of people lining up to shoot the gull out of the wires!

More autonomous flight-testing at Boeing.
Robocopters to the Rescue - IEEE Spectrum (http://spectrum.ieee.org/robotics/aerial-robots/robocopters-to-the-rescue?utm_source=feedburner&utm_medium=feed&utm_campaign=Feed%3A+IeeeSpectrum+%28IEEE+Spectrum%29)

500 Fan.

[500 Fan]

Deleted.

500 Fan.

[Savoia]

500 Fan: I am sure you must have come across this external fuel tank for the 500 which, apparently, adds an additional 30mins endurance to the D model although, from its size one might hope that it offered a little more, perhaps it does?

http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7424/10383403005_025f8dd290_b.jpg
Prism Helicopters Hughes 500D C-GLHQ in Alaska (Photo: Kyle Negri)

[Wiggins61]

There can't be a thread about the angry egg without a mention of this guy.
Pure Gold - Helicopters Magazine (http://www.helicoptersmagazine.com/content/view/134/38/)

[500 Fan]

Hi Sav. I always thought that pod under the Prism 500 might have been some kind of small cargo pod so thanks for setting me straight on that.

The Viking Pod is also an interesting design. Apparently it had some "interesting" flight characteristics in autorotation.

500 Fan.

[Dennis Kenyon]

This one is for Eric Ferrett ... so I guess I would have been the 'tacky' sales guy who supplied dear Mike Hughes of Hughes of Beconsfield, with his 'tackiest' MD 500. I'm guessing it would have been late 1970s-early 1980s as the firm I worked for ... Spooner Aviation as a Hughes dealer, had the E model 500 on its sales stand at Farnborough. Mike had placed his order for the first of the new 'E' models to come into the country.

However, the moment Mike Hughes inspected the MD (Hughes in those days) he announced he wouldn't accept it since many of the parts were suffixed 'D' indicating they were for the earlier round nose D model. With the days rushing by I'm not sure how we got round the problem if indeed we ever did! PS. I loved the terrific 'Plumage' 500 paint scheme.

[ericferret]

Keep taking the medication Dennis, at the time time BMJH was imported Sloane Aviation was the UK distrbutor and I think Mikes Hughes may have been a director.When BMJH was built the 500E was still on the drawing board. Now if I was talking about OMJH which I wasn't that would be another matter.
As to you being a tacky salesman your words not mine!!!!!!

[fijdor]

Here a Pic of the Viking pod, there was different versions of it, some were just cargo pods and some were a mixed of cargo and aux fuel tank.

500 Fan I don't remember having any problems with Autorotations and the pod installed. Just had to be careful landing in the bush, you could damage it easily on stumps etc.

Photo taken in LG2 Quebec, Canada 1979, Viking Heli, bran new D model.

JD

http://i683.photobucket.com/albums/vv196/jacdor/H500viking_zpscb21ccf9.jpg (http://s683.photobucket.com/user/jacdor/media/H500viking_zpscb21ccf9.jpg.html)

[Dennis Kenyon]

Ah thanks Eric ... yes the cogs are turning better after a sherry or two. Now I recall the Gee Oh bit!

Mike was surely involved with the March guys ... as was Mike Smith and Archie McKenzie. Hence the March name. BW. Dennis K.

[Savoia]

Fijdor: More great shots! :ok: This same cargo pod was fitted to many of the Hughes 500's operating in Brazil in the early 80's.

Did you ever hear about a detachment of aircraft (500's and a 205) which were sent by Viking to East Africa, Madagascar and Tanzania, probably '79 or '80? I think all the craft were still painted-up in black and yellow?

https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-SLmwy3TAWeY/Umd23Kdj9fI/AAAAAAAAOzQ/E52_W5HQG24/w510-h470-no/Viking+ordered+12+D+models+in+78.jpg
In 1978 Viking Helicopters of Canada ordered 12 'D' models. They already operated a number of 'C' models

Fijdor - did you ever hear of a firm called Rotor-Ways Helicopters? Either way here is one of their 500's fitted with the same cargo pod. (I think they may have become Provincial Helicopters, not sure):

https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-3gmJBAXDB3g/Umd23SfPt1I/AAAAAAAAOzU/UIhPCl1LNZc/w729-h516-no/Rotor-Ways+%2528Provincial+Helicopters%2529+Giraffe+Lake+C-GTNM.jpg
Rotor-Ways Hughes 500D C-GTNM at Lake Giraffe in Manitoba, Canada

Oh .. and I was lucky enough to find a photo of Fijdor taking a nap between sorties! ;)

https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/-RRgp3F2hV1Q/Umd22waHRJI/AAAAAAAAOzM/5fZPEDZgn4E/w643-h403-no/Aug+87.jpg
Viking Hughes 500D (and pilot) resting between sorties

[fijdor]

Yes I have heard of 500's going to Africa but never heard of 205's. I was asked at the time to go but refused, had no interest. if I recall it was in Gabon and the job was to spray some chemicals in the water or something like that, some of my friends went.
Never heard of Rotor-ways Heli but I do know about Provincial Heli, they bought a B205 2 years ago from the Company I am working for now.

Here are 2 more pics 1) is to show the hole in the pod for the cargo hook, not me flying but still we were young and athletic back then;)

The other one is in winter 1988, that 500 is going back home on a flat bed truck. The back end was destroying itself in flight, the drive-shaft damper (something like that) in the tailboom broke and the drive-shaft was bouncing up and down and hitting everything that could be hit in the tailboom. Scary sounds and vibrations. The Company was called Nordic Helicopters, not in business anymore

JD

Forgot, I prefer the Bell Hotel, simply more comfy. :zzz:

http://i683.photobucket.com/albums/vv196/jacdor/Nordic_0002_zps312d58b0.jpg (http://s683.photobucket.com/user/jacdor/media/Nordic_0002_zps312d58b0.jpg.html)

http://i683.photobucket.com/albums/vv196/jacdor/Nordic_0001_zps1a69796d.jpg (http://s683.photobucket.com/user/jacdor/media/Nordic_0001_zps1a69796d.jpg.html)

[500 Fan]

Have a look around this little website. It features a few anecdotes about the good old days at Viking Helicopters.

Archives (http://viking.twolaneroads.com/archives/)

500 Fan.

[ericferret]

Dont think so Dennis. I think Mike and Archie bought the assets of Sloane from Mike Hughes
and then set up March Helicopters. Sloane Aviation on the Friday, March Helicopters on the Monday. A seamless transition.

I think Mike and Archie were employed by Sloane, obviously they both worked there. but I am not 100% sure about that.,

[Savoia]

Wiggins61: Thank you for posting the link to the article on John Schultz. :ok:

Leanne Schmidt (the interviewer) refers to an extensive collection of photos and I was thinking how wonderful it would be if a member of his family could scan some of these and put them online as an ongoing tribute to John's life and career. I am sure there are many who would find such memorabilia of interest.

There was a thread posted (by PPRuNer Albatross) at the time of John's passing (see below).

http://www.pprune.org/where-they-now/500457-john-schultz-passed-away-fyi-canadian-helicopter-pilots.html

[heli1]

Surely David George was in at the beginning of Sloane .....and of course still is....ahh memories. I first met him at Sywell flogging Hillers in a sheep or was it goat skin coat and long hair !

[Savoia]

Surely David George was in at the beginning of Sloane .....and of course still is....ahh memories. I first met him at Sywell flogging Hillers in a sheep or was it goat skin coat and long hair !

Given that the flyer-in-question is a member of PPRuNe I imagine he's having a good chuckle although from your description I've now conjured-up an image of John the Baptist .. oh no .. that was camel hair!

ps: For purposes of discretion and by reason of his initials, I usually refer to the said flyer as Dolce & Gabbana!

Scusa Davide! :E

[ericferret]

I am sure David George was involved with Sloane Aviation in the Hiller days. There is a nice story a friend of mine tells about trying to get the loan of a million pounds from David for a couple of weeks as he was sure David wouldn't miss a bit of interest on the money!!!!!

I thought David had dropped out of Sloane Aviation by the early 80's, but then formed Sloane Helicopters for the Robinson distributorship. Since then then two brands appear to have been reunited.

[500 Fan]

http://i306.photobucket.com/albums/nn274/Bolkow1/Hughes%20Helicopters%20Album/P1010489_zpse107caae.jpg (http://s306.photobucket.com/user/Bolkow1/media/Hughes%20Helicopters%20Album/P1010489_zpse107caae.jpg.html)

N239MY heading out for a spin today at Weston.

500 Fan.

[Savoia]

Looks like a lovely day for it! :ok:

N239MY .. was this the C model which was taken 'shopping'?

[500 Fan]

Hi Sav. It was indeed a nice day for a bit of flying, at least until the afternoon rain rolled in!

As regards the helicopter that did a little roof-top shopping in Athlone a few years ago, that was the similarly-registered N239MW, a Hughes 500C (C-20 engined). I was a passenger in N239MW whilst closely following N239MY one day a few years ago. Much confusion ensued with the controller at Baldonnel as he received calls from both ships from similar locations! :ok:

500 Fan.

[SASless]

This wee Cutie is living up near Blackpool.....next to Huey 509!



http://www.huey.co.uk/images/OHAE/tmbs/IMG_5432.jpg

[Hughes500]

500 fan

Be careful with that OH6 they are banned from flying in UK and possibly European airspace. The OH6 at Blackpool was grounded after 2 months as it didn't have a C of A. It now has a permit to fly only in UK airspace. I know for a fact the any other flying in UK airspace would be grounded by our CAA !!!!!

[SASless]

The CAA does have some very odd rules and policies.

[Hughes500]

Sas
It took us 2 years of arguing with UK caa to convince them it was a mil version of a 500.
Needed to have all safety data for the 1400 made . US army gave us info 844 crashed in Vietnam CAA turned round and said no obviously unsafe., even when pointed out they were shot down !!!!:hmm::ugh:

[Evelyn Higginbottom]

844 Loaches crashed in Vietnam? :eek:

[BigMike]

"844 Loaches crashed in Vietnam? "

Read this book by Hugh Mills... you can see why.
Great read BTW.
Low Level Hell: A Scout Pilot in the Big Red One by Hugh L. Mills Jr. | NOOK Book (eBook), Paperback | Barnes & Noble (http://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/low-level-hell-hugh-l-mills-jr/1017384700)

The Kiwi's crashed a few 500's in the deer recovery days too apparently.... ;)

[500 Fan]

Hughes500, are the Confederation Against Aviation actually that thick?

Of the total number of OH-6As lost in Viet Nam, 654 were lost due to hostile fire while 293 are listed as operational losses. Compare that with the ratio for the Huey, 1,211 versus 1,379, and, combined with the OH-6A's higher rate of availability, the Loach looks like a very safe aircraft indeed. Did the CAA not realise that the Hughes 500 and Hughes 500C is nothing more than a civilian OH-6A and they were happy to certify those two helicopters? The LOH contract also made it a requirement that the OH-6A be FAA-certified from the very start.

500 Fan.

[SASless]

500N,

That is exactly the position the CAA took.....no OH-6A had ever flown in UK Airspace and is not a Hughes 500C.

It took more than Two and a Half Year long effort to gain acceptance of the OH-6A by the CAA.....and only after the US Army had done a very involved bit of research and compilation of its own historical data and providing that to the Owner for his use....did the CAA deem the Aircraft acceptable for flight in the UK. The US Army was very helpful and did all that at no cost to the Owner as they fully support what he doing with his Huey and the Loach. They want to see those Vintage Aircraft up and flying instead of mounted on a Pole somewhere.

It is not so much the CAA being mean spirited.....but more about obeying their rules and policies which to the not knowing come across as being simply bloodymindedness. That what they require is completely preposterous does not enter into the argument however.....although it should but then the CAA is a very large and very bureaucratic organization now isn't it?

The OH-6A (Hughes 500C) is a very safe helicopter. The military specs add to that safety and the basic design itself adds to its crash worthiness. When compared to its rival....the OH-58A Kiowa......the Cayuse is far ahead of the Kiowa in performance, design, and utility.

If one compares the Loss Records of both aircraft....the Cayuse comes out ahead of the Kiowa by far.

The Loss rate in Vietnam for the Cayuse is very high....for simple reasons....the very mission it flew. Scouting is a very dangerous business, done down low and slow, and resulted in the Cayuse Crews engaging in gunfights with the NVA and VC at very close distances.....and very frequently.

Despite this....a great number of people survived the crashes that resulted when the Aircraft were shot down and landed in amongst the people that shot them down. The Cayuse is a rugged airframe and designed to protect the occupants.

I personally saw one take a hit from an RPG (Rocket Propelled Grenade), when it hit it appeared to simply explode, then it smashed into the ground doing about fifty knots maybe....and all three Crew members survived and were rescued. They were injured.....but returned to duty in a few weeks time.

Add to all that the fact they are so much to fly.....and it is very good news the Loach is still flying. Phil Connolly deserves a lot of credit for what he has done to get it into the air in the UK.

[Hughes500]

SASless

The final straw that broke the camels back for the CAA ( to be fair of the 5 members of the CAA who were doing the paperwork 3 wanted it to fly one was dead against) was the direct comparison that I laid before him.
Took all the component cards from a 369HM ( mil spec right hand drive machine but with normal c of a ) on the UK reg copied them removing the record of what ac they were fitted to. Did the same with the OH6. Only difference were some dash numbers indicating a higher mod state. Gave both sets to CAA surveyor and asked him to tell me which was the OH6, guess what !!!!!;)
month later I was air testing the machine with CAA chief test pilot

As for Phil who owns both machines great guy with a real passion I take my hat of to him, looking forward to the cobra ! He is always up for a curry and beer if in Blackpool

[claudia]

Hughes500, Why involve the Caa and just operate the OH6 on the N-reg as the Irish boys are doing. Just wondering? Thanks.

[500e]

TC –H3WE NOTE 4 [a]: The Hughes Model 369 (YOH-6A) and 369A (OH-6A) helicopters were only produced for and delivered to military customers. To meet the basic eligibility requirements for a U.S. standard and export airworthiness certificate, Hughes Model 369 (YOH-6A) and 369A (OH-6A) helicopters must have been issued an FAA Form 8130-2 (previously FAA Form 970), “FAA Conformity Certificate – Military Aircraft”, prior to delivery to the U.S. Army. Civil conversion of these helicopters requires certain modifications to be made in accordance with the applicable FAA approved type design data which forms the basis of Type Certificate H3WE.
Thanks IC

[Hughes500]

Claudi

The CAA told Phil that as it was a mil ac that he had 2 months to put it on a G plate or they would ground it ! The Irish boys strictly shouldn't be flying theirs in EASA land now. I am told that the FAA would not ben impressed that it is flying outside US airspace with no direct permission from IAA or EASA . Like all things you can do what you want til things go wrong.
Remember you cannot fly a permit to fly ac inside another countries airspace without direct permission from that state

[claudia]

Hughes500, I appreciate you sharing your obvious knowledge on this minefield. Just glad i do not own an OH6.! Many thanks.

[Savoia]

500 Fan: Was wondering if you had seen this:

https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/-pHiQN-dI4AM/UqiHNL7cvcI/AAAAAAAAQIM/AJlwgkV68w0/w876-h584-no/helicopter_cutting_trees_from_electric_lines0.jpg
Swedish Hughes 500D SE-HNO fitted with pilot's 'door hood' (Photo: Sartenada)

https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/-NFTYD8CoQD8/UqiHM7_rySI/AAAAAAAAQII/PCuhPGVPxNY/w879-h584-no/%2528Sartenada%2529.jpg

[fijdor]

Never seen it but sure like it.

JD

[500 Fan]

Hi Sav. I had seen a variation of that before but not that particular version of a vertical-reference wind/rain/sun shield. The only one I've seen previously was an entirely clear perspex version. Presumably such a modification would reduce the VNE by a considerable amount.

500 Fan.

[heli1]

Slightly off topic but mention of the Cobra above reminds me to ask what has happened there.I recall seeing it flying in the US at least two years ago ...maybe longer but it still hasn't arrived in the UK?

[500 Fan]

50 years ago today, Robert Ferry was preparing to commence his record setting distance flight in the YOH-6A for greatest distance flown, non-stop and un-refuelled, in a rotorcraft. Amazingly, this record still stands today. One engineer at Hughes reckoned at the time that the only way this record could be bettered was if someone could produce a lighter helicopter with similar performance to the YOH-6A. Is it possible that this record will never be broken?

The YOH-6A set a total of 23 FAI world records in March and April 1966 and quite a few still stand today.

500 Fan.

FAI Record File Num #785
Status: ratified - current record Region: World Class: E (Rotorcraft) Sub-Class: E-1c (Helicopters: take off weight 1000 to 1750 kg) Category: General Group: 2 : turbine Type of record: Distance without landing Performance: 3 561.55 km Date: 1966-04-06 Course/Location: Culver City, CA - Ormond Beach, FL (USA) Claimant Robert G. Ferry (USA) Rotorcraft:MDD-Hughes YOH-6AEngine:1 Allison T63-A-5

[turboshaft]

Some trivia regarding the flight:
Bob Ferry's flight launched at about 2pm local in Culver City and landed at about 8am the next day in Ormond Beach (15 hours and 8 minutes, of which 8 hours were on oxygen)
Bob wore slippers instead of flying boots for warmth and comfort, and a leather flying cap. His preparations for the flight also included losing 20 lbs.
The aircraft's weight was in excess of 3000 lbs at takeoff (possibly as high as 3200 lbs); the OH-6's overload gross weight at the time was 2400 lbs
The flight profile was cruise-climb as fuel was burned off, the Loach reaching 25,000 feet towards the end of the flight
The Army's original goal was to set eight records; they ended up with 23 over a 26 day period
Bob passed away in January 2009, at the age of 85. His career included 90 operational missions in Korea, and he also piloted the first flight of the AH-64A (with Bud Fletcher) in September 1975.
From a previous thread (Record cross country flight in a H500, 1966 (http://www.pprune.org/rotorheads/516952-record-cross-country-flight-h500-1966-a.html)). Bob is sitting in the aircraft; his crew chief Dick Lofland is on the left.

http://i8.photobucket.com/albums/a3/Micksphotos/Moments_and_Milesstones_good_mileage_FLASH.jpg

There were a couple of plans for attempts to beat the YOH-6A's endurance record a decade ago, one by a tour operator in a JetRanger and another by the late Steve Fossett in a Bolkow (BO 105 - Good, Bad or just Ugly? (http://www.pprune.org/rotorheads/195130-bo-105-good-bad-just-ugly-7.html#post4707270)), but neither came to fruition.

[Tickle]

Extremely interesting and impressive reading, thank you turboshaft.

If this was done in the modern day and age, there would no doubt be a docu team following him and GoPro cameras fitted, to produce a documentary for marketing purposes. Wish there was such a documentary made back in the day which had followed these record attempts.

[500 Fan]

Sadly, no film footage of this flight has emerged thus far, although you can be sure that Hughes had a camera man on hand at Culver City to record Bob Ferry's departure. If that footage still exists, hopefully it will emerge in the future.

Here is a link to another of the YOH-6A's record setting flights. The photo shows Jack Zimmerman standing beside 62-4213 with the auxiliary fuel tank visible in the rear compartment. Also visible is the high-tech PVC tape over the door crack to ensure a more aerodynamic finish!

Fai Record File (http://www.fai.org/fai-record-file/?recordId=762)

500 Fan.

Edit; I thought I would try to put the distance covered in this flight into perspective by seeing how far one could fly in Bob Ferry's YOH-6A if the flight started from Dublin! The most impressive flight I could come up with was this, a flight from Dublin to Happy Valley - Goose Bay, Newfoundland, Canada. IN AN OH-6A!!!!!! Granted, the conditions were quite different for Bob Ferry's flight but Dublin to Newfoundland is 2,187 miles, well short of his 2,213 miles. The extra fuel might have come in handy fighting that nasty headwind, though.

http://www.timeanddate.com/worldclock/distanceresult.html?p1=78&p2=1137

[Fark'n'ell]

Hughes 500. Ideal for this work.

bKWvsS-z9PU

[The Claw]

http://i1197.photobucket.com/albums/aa434/paulsphoto1/IMG_7.jpg

[500 Fan]

Air-to-air combat is a rarity in modern times. In a recent encounter, a 500D downed an unauthorised drone in Hawaii. (00:28 into video).

Stab Magazine | WSL Water Patrol vs Unauthorized Drone At Jaws (http://stabmag.com/stabcinema/wsl-water-patrol-vs-unauthorized-drone-at-jaws/)

Four more kills and he's an ace!:ok:

500 Fan.

[MikeNYC]

Air-to-air combat is a rarity in modern times. In a recent encounter, a 500D downed an unauthorised drone in Hawaii. (00:28 into video).

Stab Magazine | WSL Water Patrol vs Unauthorized Drone At Jaws (http://stabmag.com/stabcinema/wsl-water-patrol-vs-unauthorized-drone-at-jaws/)

Four more kills and he's an ace!:ok:

500 Fan.

Looks like original video link was broken. Perhaps this link works: https://www.facebook.com/fpvteamlegit/videos/1200156110086118/

I have mixed feelings about this. While the drone pilot was definitely in the wrong in failing to yield to the helicopter, the suggestion that it was an "unauthorized" drone isn't totally accurate. There was no TFR over the event, and the whole thing took place outside of controlled airspace. The "No Drone" signs posted by the event organizers only hold legal standing on the beach that they've closed by permit.

I've heard of some FSDO reports that have been made regarding this incident, and it doesn't show great airmanship in the pilot deciding to approach an unknown drone in close proximity (and fly directly over it). Had the drone pilot climbed, or the drone went into "Lost Link" mode and climbed on its own up to a safe altitude, the outcome could have been different.

Not sure about the authority the 500 pilot has to destroy another's property, either. At the very least, the 500 pilot is on the hook for a new toy for whoever lost theirs in the ocean.

[500 Fan]

Looks like original video link was broken. Perhaps this link works: https://www.facebook.com/fpvteamlegit/videos/1200156110086118/

I have mixed feelings about this. While the drone pilot was definitely in the wrong in failing to yield to the helicopter, the suggestion that it was an "unauthorized" drone isn't totally accurate. There was no TFR over the event, and the whole thing took place outside of controlled airspace. The "No Drone" signs posted by the event organizers only hold legal standing on the beach that they've closed by permit.

I've heard of some FSDO reports that have been made regarding this incident, and it doesn't show great airmanship in the pilot deciding to approach an unknown drone in close proximity (and fly directly over it). Had the drone pilot climbed, or the drone went into "Lost Link" mode and climbed on its own up to a safe altitude, the outcome could have been different.

Not sure about the authority the 500 pilot has to destroy another's property, either. At the very least, the 500 pilot is on the hook for a new toy for whoever lost theirs in the ocean.

I reckon the surf event organiser probably brought in the 500 to film the event, thence my reference to the drone being unauthorised. As you say, where exactly the regulations lie, out over the water is open to debate. Does the presence of the 500 mean the drone should vacate the area? What about operating the drone over a crowded area, in this case the surf zone? Was the 500 doubling-up as a rescue ship too? I think Windward often do surf rescue at Jaws and elsewhere in Hawaii.

I do a bit of stand-up paddle boarding and SUP surfing and drones are becoming a regular overhead presence when surfers and SUPers are out on the water. I've been over-flown quite closely and videoed by drones on two occasions this year. No real problem except I have no real interest in starring in a video on youtube without my consent (or being hit by one either, for that matter). Drones seem to raise lots of new issues for those not operating them.

I also witnessed one guy accidentally hit the wrong switch on his drone and ditch it. Fished it out for him but I think he'll need four new motors. :ugh:

500 Fan.

[MikeNYC]

I reckon the surf event organiser probably brought in the 500 to film the event, thence my reference to the drone being unauthorised. As you say, where exactly the regulations lie, out over the water is open to debate. Does the presence of the 500 mean the drone should vacate the area? What about operating the drone over a crowded area, in this case the surf zone? Was the 500 doubling-up as a rescue ship too? I think Windward often do surf rescue at Jaws and elsewhere in Hawaii.

I do a bit of stand-up paddle boarding and SUP surfing and drones are becoming a regular overhead presence when surfers and SUPers are out on the water. I've been over-flown quite closely and videoed by drones on two occasions this year. No real problem except I have no real interest in starring in a video on youtube without my consent (or being hit by one either, for that matter). Drones seem to raise lots of new issues for those not operating them.

I also witnessed one guy accidentally hit the wrong switch on his drone and ditch it. Fished it out for him but I think he'll need four new motors. :ugh:

500 Fan.

The 500 was indeed there to film the surf event, but the presence of one aircraft doesn't mean the (public) area isn't available for others. The drone definitely should have vacated the area with a full-size aircraft operating there. No argument there.

Operating the drone over a crowded area isn't the best idea, but it isn't strictly illegal by FAA standards unless people are being directly overflown. There are others that might argue flying a single engine helo over crowds of people at very low altitude with no airspeed also isn't the best idea, but it's done daily with little risk. The 500 wasn't doing rescue work, it was simply a camera ship.

Drones over nonparticipants, especially in areas people might expect peace, quiet, and relative privacy, are a nuisance indeed. But it doesn't give the 500 operator the right to down it.

This is a sticky area, and one that will be raised more and more in the future. Plenty of helicopter pilots own drones as toys, and also may work on film sets where aerial platforms vary between drones and helicopters. It's important to see both sides here. Unfortunately, too often, the drones are operated by people as toys, with no idea of the legal or safety ramifications of their operation.

[500 Fan]

50 years ago today, Hughes 500M FAC4241 entered service with the Fuerza Aerea Colombiana. It is the first production 500 airframe delivered from the production line in Culver City. As far as I know, it is still in service with the FAC but will be retired soon. It had 8,000 hours accumulated in 2010 so it doesn't have huge hours but 50 years of continuous service with one operator is impressive nonetheless. Howard would be proud of his little egg!

500 fan.

[Ian Corrigible]

I see that Ned finally finished his Loach family poster:

https://i.imgur.com/veE6Omm.jpg

(Mods - Posted purely out of artistic appreciation, sans weblink. Hope this is acceptable.)

I/C

[500 Fan]

I see that Ned finally finished his Loach family poster:

https://i.imgur.com/veE6Omm.jpg

(Mods - Posted purely out of artistic appreciation, sans weblink. Hope this is acceptable.)

I/C

FAC4241 made it onto that poster, along with an even older OH-6A that's also still airworthy!:ok:

500 Fan.

[500 Fan]

It is confirmed. FAC4241 has passed the impressive milestone of 50 years in continous service with the Air Force of Colombia. There is no mention in this small piece of its retirement.

Fuerza Aérea Colombiana celebra los 50 años de operación del helicóptero Hughes H-500 | Webinfomil (http://www.webinfomil.com/2018/04/fuerza-aerea-colombiana-celebra-los-50.html)

500 Fan.

[rotorfish]

Is there any information available on which civilian operator or owner has the most number of C models (or variants) still on a register?
Also which military or police force has or operates the most as well?
Thanks

[SASless]

500Fan, we used to routinely ferry 500D's using a 55 US Gallon fuel drum for an aux tank.

My longest trip was from DeadHorse in Alaska to Lafayette in Louisiana....took about 37 hours flight time as I recall.


Rough approximation of the route taken....all done at about 300-500 feet AGL and in some cases much lower due to the weather down the ALCAN an into Prince George....where I was the first aircraft to land in three days...and depart....as I approached Jasper the weather went beautifully clear and bright the rest of the flight.

I made two of those ferry trips that year....the other was to San Diego, California....and went down the Inland Passage route into the Seattle area....in some really not nice weather until I managed to find a way over Mount Ashland into California.

The closest young Captain Sasless came to doing himself in was on such a flight the following year....really hazy weather....and as I was approaching the Grand Canyon in Arizona....and concentrating on the map trying to figure out exactly where I would reach the Canyon.....I did....and flew right off the edge of a. mile deep hole in the ground....with no attitude indicator or airspeed indicator (it had decided to go U/S after takeoff on that leg of the flight.

I just managed to catch the edge of the canyon wall out of the corner of my eye....and immediately realize what I had done to myself....no visible horizon except for the canyon wall that was getting pretty vague already....and behind me....and no sight of the ground beneath me a mile away.

I did a rather abrupt return to the ground I could see having almost lot sight of it.....and landed and shutdown for a bit.

It took more than a few minutes to get my knees to stop shaking so I could get out and walk around and enjoy being on the ground.

I elected to take a detour and find a better way around that small terrain feature.

[KiwiNedNZ]

rotorfish

C models - would have to be one of the tuna boat companies. With Hansens being shut down not sure who would be left out there - maybe Tropic.
Italian Military has a lot of D and E models but not C anymore.

[500 Fan]

Hi SAS, glad you made it out of that sticky situation!

Is there any information available on which civilian operator or owner has the most number of C models (or variants) still on a register?
Also which military or police force has or operates the most as well?
Thanks

It looks like the Spanish Navy are possibly the biggest current military operator with six Hughes 500Ms still in use as training aircraft. These were recently refurbished and will continue to fly for another few years yet with no retirement date set. The Guardia Di Finanza in Italy may have a few 500MCs still in service but it is unlikely they have more than six. Argentina still fly the 500M, I believe, but I think their numbers might be around three.

Japan would have been the largest military operator, historically, with 120 OH-6J (500M version) but all have been retired. I understand that Japan is possibly prohibited from selling military aircraft on, so none of these are flying now. This also applies to their OH-6D (500D) fleet recently retired, which seems a waste of perfectly good second-hand aircraft.

On the commercial side, Ned is correct in saying the Tuna Boat operator companies have the biggest fleets, usually a mix of 500C and OH-6As along with some 500Ds now. There probably are a few 500Cs in use with Police Forces in the USA and elsewhere but their numbers are very low. The most numerous version from Hughes still in law enforcement use is probably the former US Army OH-6As donated to various agencies in the USA. Their numbers are dwindling but some still fly on. The Spartanberg County Sheriff's Office might have the only fleet that numbers greater than one (with two airframes currently operational, I believe).

500 Fan.

[EMS R22]

The 500s are still operating down here in NZ still lifting a ton….

[Rotorbee]

... the 500 never lifted a ton ... sorry I had to. :}
@EMS R22. They are talking about the C model. AFIAK there are none left in NZ either.

[Hughes500]

Wish they would lift a ton as much nicer machine than a 350. Lovey to see what a MELB would lift

[Rotorbee]

Wouldn't the MELB not be like a 530F more or less? You could convert your's to an F model.

[KiwiNedNZ]

Actually on sep note myself and Bill Hales from Alpine Springs Helicopters are putting together a Fly In here in NZ for 500s. Its being held in Feb 2023 and so far we have about 43 variants of the 500 confirmed. Should be a great event.

[RVDT]

... the 500 never lifted a ton ... sorry I had to. :}
@EMS R22. They are talking about the C model. AFIAK there are none left in NZ either.

Roughly 15 "C" bangers still on the register in NZ.

"Still lifting a ton" - is the local vernacular. Not actually the weight on the hook!

[RVDT]

Actually on sep note myself and Bill Hales from Alpine Springs Helicopters are putting together a Fly In here in NZ for 500s. Its being held in Feb 2023 and so far we have about 43 variants of the 500 confirmed. Should be a great event.

Skid-biters Paradise. Better put it in my diary.

[Hughes500]

Rotorbee
MELB has the 600 drive train and engine in it ie C47 shp 680 plus and 6 blades whereas the F has C30 and 5 blades

[Rotorbee]

Hughes 500
Now I get it why you want it. Not a lot of information about it to find ... or I look at the wrong place.
The Little Bird has an endurance of 12 hours and carries a maximum mission payload of 2,400 lb (1,090 kg
From Military Wiki. But 12 hours endurance? That I doubt.
But it could lift a ton. But why not taking the MD 600 then. It can lift a ton, too.

[KiwiNedNZ]

Just an update on this little event that Bill Hales and I are putting together in Hanmer in Feb. Below is what we have coming so far.

13 x 500C (there are currently 13 in NZ and we have ALL of them coming)
23 x 500D
19 x 500E
13 x 520N
2 x 530F
1 x 902

Total: 71

Largest gathering ever of 500s in one place at one time.

[SASless]

12 Hours endurance.....uh....no way!

If the 62 US Gallon spec is correct and the range of 430 KM is right....at the given 90Kts Cruise Speed.....it would seem there is decimal point error.

[EMS R22]

Just an update on this little event that Bill Hales and I are putting together in Hanmer in Feb. Below is what we have coming so far.

13 x 500C (there are currently 13 in NZ and we have ALL of them coming)
23 x 500D
19 x 500E
13 x 520N
2 x 530F
1 x 902

Total: 71

Largest gathering ever of 500s in one place at one time.

Skid biter heaven.

[KiwiNedNZ]

Up to 76 now :)

[BigMike]

This still happening, or has it already?

[KiwiNedNZ]

Its this weekend.

​​​​12 x 500C
26 x 500D
24 x 500E
16 x 520N
2 x 530F
1 x 600N
Ongoing Total: 81

Might lose a couple because they will be working on the Cyclone damage clean up.

[Eclan]

Today marks the 50th anniversary of the first flight of the helicopter we know simply as “The 500”.

The 27th of February 1963 saw test pilots James Vittitoe and Raleigh Fletcher perform the first flight of a compact little egg-shaped helicopter at the Hughes Tool Company’s facility at Culver City in California. The YOH-6 was one of three entrants in the US Army’s “Light Observation Helicopter” contest for a new scout helicopter for the Army. The Army only purchased just over 1,400 helicopters but it has since gone on to be one of the legends of rotary-winged aviation.

The 500 has starred on the big screen and small. Probably one of the most recognisable helicopters ever was a candy-striped 500D that flew in Hawaii in the 1980’s in support of a certain mustacheoed P.I.

http://i306.photobucket.com/albums/nn274/Bolkow1/opening_credits_low_flying_chopper_full_zps670a7fa5.jpg

Thank you for a fantastic thread and starting post. I always enjoyed Magnum PI and especially any scenes with TC and the 500, my favourite being the one where he went off the rails for an old mate and ended up face to face with an AH1 Hueycobra. I tried to find the scene on Youtube but couldn't.

Equal best scenes featuring Hughes 500s would be in the awesome film Blackhawk Down.

[BigMike]

What is the itinerary?

[Tickle]

Hi Ned, please update with any videos of the event afterwards! Thank you. Wish I could have attended.

[BigMike]

You have a location and times for the fly in Ned?

[krypton_john]

Hope this one is available: https://www.nzherald.co.nz/nz/cyclone-gabrielle-elderly-man-rescued-from-rooftop-in-hawkes-bay/YNZG2HJEJRCWFGXUYCLWK7U3MM/

[500 Fan]

How time flies! In what seems like a blink of an eye, the Hughes OH-6/500 is 60 years old today! To mark the occasion, I thought I might share a few bits of useless information I have discovered about the 500 during some research I have carried out over the last 13 years or so.



The little helicopter that wanted to fly!



The first flight is probably as good a place to start as anywhere. The first airframe to fly, a YOH-6 bearing the registration number N9696F, was not constructed as an airworthy airframe. It had been built as a ground test vehicle. Hughes found themselves in a bit of a bind though. Bell had flown their YOH-4 in December 1962 and the other competitor in the LOH contest, the Hiller YOH-5, flew for the first time in January 1963. That just left Hughes to get their entry into the air. The problem was their dedicated first prototype, N9697F, was nowhere near being ready for its maiden flight in early 1963. I’d imagine Howard Hughes was not too happy with this situation! And so N9696F was upgraded from its ground test role to being assigned the important duty of performing the first flight for an aircraft that would earn the nickname “Loach” and in the civilian world would simply be known as the “500”.



The 27th of February 1963 rolled around and test pilot James Vittitoe and test engineer Raleigh Fletcher climbed aboard the ground test vehicle that was now destined to fly. That first flight went well and resulted in a safe landing. It’s probably not true to say the flight went smoothly as apparently the prototype four-blade rotor system suffered from a serious vibration problem that plagued the early phase of the flight test programme for Hughes. They ironed out that problem and the YOH-6 went on to perform some incredible feats in just the next few years of its fledgling career as a rotary-winged hot rod.

https://www.flickr.com/photos/190772480@N06/52714713114/in/dateposted-public/

N9696F never flew a circuit and probably never ventured beyond 30 knots either. After 13 hours of flying spent in the hover or at low speeds, N9696F was relieved of its flight duties. It work was not done however. It went on to carry out the original task for which it had been constructed, namely ground test work. It accumulated almost 800 hours of test work before it was retired. The fate of this airframe is unknown and it’s likely it was scrapped, sadly.

https://www.flickr.com/photos/190772480@N06/52713930037/in/dateposted-public/

Looking closely at the photos, it might appear that the crew are wearing some peculiar garb for the serious work of test-flying. Both men are wearing a shirt and tie with a sports jacket! Apparently, that was the standard of dress at the time, required by Hughes, for any important flight where the crew were likely to appear in photographs in the aviation press afterwards. This practice seems to have been set aside soon after though as most subsequent Hughes flight test crews are seen to be properly decked out in flight suits.



Next time: “The name is Hughes, Howard Hughes…………..”

[Michaelin4lunch]

Hi Dennis
I remember this helicopter at Cosworth, Graham was the pilot. It was initially hangered at the back of the factory at St James Mill Road along a racing boat powered by a Cosworth Formula 1 engine. I went up in it once on one of the many flights to drop my father off at Heathrow. Graham occasionally picked dad up from a field behind our home once he’d ushered the horses away from his desired landing spot. Before the Hughes 500 Keith Duckworth had a Brantley, at Christmas he would fly Santa into the Cosworth kids party. I believe Graham was an ex RAF fighter pilot, he also did a spell of crop dusting which he demonstrated to my brother by mimicking in this aircraft. It’s nice to see that it’s still in use. Thanks for posting.
Michael