There's no 12 year rule I'm aware of with the Rotorway.
Built well, they're a great helicopter. And they give you much more time to drop the lever in an emergency than a 22. But...
You ARE more likely to have an emergency in a Rotorway than the super-reliable Robinson or other production helicopter.
2 up they are much less forgiving than a 22, you need more skill to fly one safely than a Robinson. In my opinion, with max payload they could do with a bit more power.
I'd recommend you speak to the experts first. For example, at the moment its difficult to get insurance but this is being sorted. Ivan Bedford at Skegness probably knows more about Rotorways than anyone else in the country:
http://www.icbhelicopters.co.uk/
Play safe with the seller of this Rotorway (look at his ebay rating and feedback).
Bottomline:
- If you are a skilled Rotorway pilot
- Are obsessed with checking every detail in pre-flights
- Minimise out-of-wind operations
- Expect more servicing time than a Robinson
- Fly as much below MTOW as possible (max weight per seat is 15 stone, but 2 @ 12 stone is much better)
If you're happy with the above then a Rotorway could be for you.
The Rotorway once built has running costs of around 70 pounds an hour (incl. fuel and ins).
That takes some beating.
All the best,
Steve