Further on the 109E tail rotor upgrade: the machine I (occassionally) fly just passed over a couple of times at cruise, and initially sounded like a JetRanger! Substantial difference in the noise signature, the new blades went on a day ago. The old blades had 650 hours on them, changeover was $US19k, but with extended life, reduced maintenance inspections, etc., well worth the dosh.
The new blades should be certified for the 3T weight about the end of January 2005, from what I was told.