Originally Posted by
VeeAny
Kopter
Nigelh has a pretty good handle on it, however exercise caution when assuming that
He is quite right that most old Bells have some Agusta parts on them, but as these two links imply its not quite a simple as if fits it'll do.
http://www.caa.co.uk/docs/536/LTO253...usta%20bell%22
http://www.bellcustomer.com/files/St...9-65_Rev_A.pdf
I am not an engineer, but I know of at least one maintenance company who are taking Agusta bits off Bells in their care. And a number of others who are exercising extreme caution near Bells with Agusta parts on.
Also don't just assume that non profit flights need to be given away to the operator, its your machine at the end of the day if someone needs it then they should pay for it, maybe a reduced rate but why for free. If they don't need it and are doing you a favour operating it and recouping some cash for you then perhaps line checks etc get done for free, but that's a personal choice, not the norm.
Paco raises a valid question, why do you want to do this ? I did what you are suggesting on a smaller scale with an R22, it did work, but you will probably end up getting paid less and having a lot more fun at work (unless you're a pornstar)
V.
Thanks for your input...what 206 model would you opt for or perhaps avoid, if any?
I certainly wouldn't allow any flying to be done for free and a contract would include all the associated costs/fees. Why would a private owner pay towards a Companies overheads in keeping their pilots current anyway!! (It would be like renting out a property & allowing the management agent to stay there the odd weekend for free).
My whole reasoning behind this, is that I have a ppl & atpl theory with about 110hrs tt and would eventually like to get into paid commercial work. (I'm still not convinced about being an Instructor though)?
There are several ways in which I could achieve this and each way will have it's own pros & cons. However, I feel that buying a helicopter on leaseback seems to be the the most efficient and exciting way so far!
As long as I source the right helicopter and find a good AOC, it should hopefully pay for itself and allow me to build up a lot more hrs then I would normally be able to afford or want to pay for. I'm also hoping that because of my limited hours it might allow me a better chance to do some paid work when I've completed the Cpl(H). Please tell me if I'm missing anything here?
Thanks in advance,
KM