STANDTO
"The confidence and belief in the R22/44 is interesting, considering the number of posts it gets in an official capacity on the AAIB website!." Interesting indeed.
But it's not difficult to work out the reason if you take into account the number of Robinsons relative to other types, that they are the most common/popular training helicopter, and that they are usually flown by newly qualified low-hours pilots.
The B206 is a wonderful helicopter, but most of us could't afford it for training. It's much easier to fly than an R22, but whether that's a good or bad thing is a matter of opinion.
A number of people have mentioned the Gazelle. Now that's a different matter. Fantastic machine - not only for training, but for most other things a PPL (like me) would ever want to do.
Treat yourself to a trial lesson with Al Gwilt at MW Helicopters (Stapleford) and you'll see what I mean! <img src="smile.gif" border="0">
[ 13 January 2002: Message edited by: Flying Lawyer ]</p>