Having flown 600 + hours in the MD 600 s, I would argue with anyone who says they are a pig to fly , they are diferent, but I think they are great to fly.
To be honest I cant even be bothered to argue about the reliability, weve only had 3 minor snags in 600 hours, and as to the blades falling off!, them having no legs, and they dont lift anything well ours did just fine ,and we quite often flew with 5 people for 280 miles all within the limits. But hey what do I know.
There is a but, the aircraft does not like slow speed , ie between 10 - 25 knots, so as a film ship or police or observation ops it is not good, for picking up people and flying them VERY smoothly from place to place its great.
Im just sorry weve sold ours.
HB