Handling without SAS/AFCS is no worst than the others, and like all things helicopter it requires some practice to get the feel of it. If you are moving into Agusta from Eurocopter you will find the controls heavy as you will initially overcontrol, with familiarity it all gets back to normal. I have been impressed with the Koala's ability to lift in high temps with the PW PT6 doing a very good job.