Originally Posted by
cattletruck
My very first 3 hours in an R22 (under supervision) were in very challenging conditions of wind 25 knots gusting to 30-35 knots. My 4th hour on type was in light and variable conditions and I remember thinking what a false sense of security it was because it was incredibly easy to fly.
Later I would solo in similar challenging conditions and after pulling take-off power it felt like the thing was gonna fall apart in flight so I reduced the collective as there was enough wind providing translational lift anyway, albeit it was quite a bumpy take-off. A few years later I would see someone taxying one at Bankstown Airport under similar windy circumstances and doing it very well - it can be done. I believe these operating conditions are now banned for an R22, probably because the fair weather flyers get themselves caught out.
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Yes, before I got my private in 2003 they placed restrictions on wind and turbulance until you have 200 hours total with 50 hours in the R22.
http://https://robinsonheli.com/wp-c.../r22_poh_2.pdf
The 22 is a lot of fun to fly, but please remember, its a Yugo, so don't drive it like a Ferrari.