Originally Posted by
Fareastdriver
I think the 225 is out of the medium civil helicopter market for other reasons now: The design looks dated, its too narrow with just three seats in a row, you cannot stand up in it and it's reputation leaves much to be desired.
I flew Pumas and Super Pumas from 1971 to 2008.I have retired and so should the basic design.
One the other hand, it is the best ride out there. Always my favourite way home. Smoother than all the rest, with those big escape windows, jettisonable big doors, good run-dry spec, good flotation spec. If you know of a large rotorcraft that has done 12 years of intensive CAT without a fatality, please let me know.