Slowrotor. We have 2 D1's, a G model and a G3B1. All the parts are still available although some can be expensive. The age of the helicopter means nothing. The only thing on our helos of any age is the data plate. Everything else has been replaced many times. Two of our helos were completely rebuilt in the last year and the third is just about to go in so everything will be zero time.
The wood blades are not really wood. There is wood in them but they have a metal spar, different types of wood in the core a fibreglass coating, gel coat, stainless steel leading edges and steel butt plates and straps. They are easy to balance and track and are still available at a reasonable price.
We use the D1's and G for training. You can have the stabiliser bar removed with an approved mod but I don't recommend it. The helicopter becomes a bit twitchy and the wear can be high. Not worth the effort of getting it converted.
We use Bell 47's for training because we like them but they not cheap to run. We think the direct operating cost is around $170 per hour. It would be a lot less for a private owner. We do 1,000 hours a year per helicopter so maintenance is an issue for us although we now do it in house.
There are still over 1,000 Bell 47's flying in the USA so that tells you something.
Regards,
Chopperpilot47
