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Old 1st Nov 2004, 17:35
  #34 (permalink)  
Hughes500
 
Join Date: Aug 2000
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Tricky one really, depends upon what you are using one for and where in the world it is.

I have owned / run them for over 10 years, tend to be very reliable, but here is a quick run down for a UK based one.

Insurance £ 9000 to £ 14000 on £ 250k hull value with betterment and xs bought out ( £14 k is for any puropose )

Annual inspection £ 2500 plus retification

100 hour / 6 month inspection £ 600 to £ 1200 depending if compressor needs inspecting.

Fuel 25 imp gallons / hour

Component costs are what they are - use MD's component reserve figure, suggest you add a bit as things do not always last, espically if the machine flies as a private one. Eg blades leading edge erosion strips.

Worst ever year running one £ 32k on 250 hours, but this included 2 new main rotor blades and FCU. But insurance at the time was £ 6500 and fuel was .15p per litre !!!!!!!!!!

You will not have more fun in any other type of helicopter. Given the option buy a low skidded D model, the best of the type.
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