Originally Posted by
helichris
You sure you flew a 407?
Flew AStars, TwinStars for 6000 hours, 206s for about the same. The AStar/TwinStars with "squirrel cheeks"/extended side holds have it all over the the little Bells for storage/cargo. If you anticipate more than hand luggage aboard, I recommend them. C/G is a non issue, Two small issues- they add a little drag, especially the rectangular boxes versus the rounded ones and will cost a knot or two in cruise... and they 'waddle', slow hunting in yaw as they interfere a little with the clean air at the vertical fin.
I love me an Aerospatiale, except at recurrent- Bells just auto easier and better. The Eurocopters is is strong, roomy and comfortable. And the doors, especially the latches are more "critter" friendly.