Originally Posted by
andre127
Hello everybody, I think I've read everything that is actually on the internet but I still have some doubt about the performance of this aircraft.
Because I can maybe only manage to operate an helicopter of this size and due to the fact that the r22 scares me for some reasons, I would like to understand if this ship is ok for some vfr trips around italy. And because of this I'm mostly interested in cruise performance. Until now I cannot have a clear picture regarding this aspect of the aircraft. From what I can read on the website they say it cruise at 100kts, and that could be very good for me. But, are those 100kts achievable every time at for example 1500ft, isa+10, 2 light pax, some luggage and let's say 130liters in the tank? even the flight manual seems to have different reviews I think. Is it correct that the max cruise is at the yellow threshold and the economy is 10% less than the yellow threshold? What will the performance be in the load scenario above? Is it realistic to fly most of the time at for example 1-2% less than the yellow threshold without wear components? Is the aircraft seem to fly nicely at this setting or it screams and vibrate or something else?
Another point: with enough practice can I fly with 30kts of wind on the ground? is It safe to operate? start and stop the rotor an so on?
thanks if you are so kind to answer me, it's very appreciated.
best regards
Andrea
Cruise performance with 2 POB and 130 litres of fuel: I would say 90KIAS is possible, but 100KIAS is pushing it with two people and plenty of fuel. You are correct that the 'bottom of the yellow' is max continuous power (145shp). 100KIAS is certainly possible alone, but with two POB I wouldn't plan on it. Bear in mind the fuel burn is higher at MCP (a conservative figure would be closer to 45 L/hr rather than the normal 38-40 L/hr). Vibrations entirely depends on how nicely track & balanced the aircraft is - maybe go for a test flight in one and see for yourself the difference between 'economy cruise' and MCP.
Operating with 30kts of wind: I wouldn't recommend it, but it's possible. The 'maximum demonstrated' start-up / shut-down limits are 40kts wind according to the RFM. The issue however would be with a heavy helicopter, hovering out of wind will be very tricky. It's best to keep the nose into wind and avoid taxiing crosswind / downwind if possible. Also bear in mind it is a small helicopter, and at 30kts wind, even with small hills / terrain you will experience a lot of turbulence, so best to leave the flight for another day (in my opinion).
Regarding component wear if cruise power is consistently set close to MCP, I don't know, as that is rarely how the aircraft is flown by most operators. Maybe contact a large operator such as Swiss Helicopter in Switzerland and ask them for advice (or contact Guimbal directly, their customer service seems to be quite good according to surveys).
Finally, you might want to ask Mona Seeberger on her thoughts of the Cabri G2 in italy - she flew one around Italy a few years ago