GOmer, thanks, I kind of feel like that, but without any 412 (or 76 or 365) experience, I can't really make any statement, that's why I ask
UM..l..
maybe I posted the wrong question:
What I am looking for is a pilot-side comparison of the machines mentioned.
My partner is
the die-hard 412 man, "Its a tank, its what I know, its the best, its the only one, its invincible!" HOw do I make him open the eyes, to at least admit there is other airframes and it takes evaluation. No doubt the 412 can do the job, but what if there is a better, more economic, safer airframe, at least lets look at it!
Make no mistake he knows his job, but he was "indoctrinated" for 20+ years on this rig - crew, but not driver. "A Bell is a Bell is a Bell, and nothing beats it" - Syndrome....
What I am looking for is discussion like the one we just had about the S-76.
But please include the 412 for experience.
If I can get everyone to discuss also the other airframes mentioned I will split this thread into 3....
I try to answer your points below as good as possible for a start.
3top
Offshore?
yes
Mountains?
highest 12000ft ISA+20, normal ops will do with 4000ft ISA+20
Hot?
very, and humid too
Heavy?
likely
What radius of action do you need?
for the 412/76/365 group 150nm offshore, 200nm over land
Long Range?
yes
Fuel Available?
yes, but not many places to put up depots
EMS?
will be part of the duties
Who's paying for this?
contract, but will scrutinize the proposal for performance/cost effectivness
What's the budget?
For this discussion assume, limited for procurement to 3-4 used frames in the 412/76/365 size
Who maintains it?
operator, ourselves
How you gonna stay current?
inhouse training, contracted personal
Winching?
yes
Slinging?
possible, but not essential initially
Cabin space?
As much as possible, but everything else is more important, we adjust to space available
And those are all before my morning coffee...
It is grown in the country, minimum pilot requirement - 5 mugs a day!