two thirds of my initial CPL in a 47 (with the balance in the R22).
IMO if running costs and fuel costs were the same for the 47 and the 22 then the decision would be a no brainer - 47 hands down every time. But sadly as mentioned fuel costs and availability do not make this economically possible.
Learning to tame the 47s manual throttle is a subtle skill and autos are a dream with the high inertia rotor system.
Sure, the 47 is old, greasy, and more expensive but it really is a great shame that many heli pilots will go to there grave having never flown one of these wonderful aircraft...
