Why don't we compare aples with aples.
Lets compare the AS350 B3 to the Bell 407.
Yes Turbomecas survace is crap to say the least.
I have never heard of a B3 pilot complain about a lack of power. I have heard a few complain about the 407s power (I'm talking about 30deg C OAT here)
I have never heard of a B3 shopping its own tail of.
I Know of atleast 4 407s doing this.
The B3 is just as quick as the 407 fully loaded.(If not quicker)
The B3 now has a option of Dual Hydraulics.
The B3 will lift over a tonn on the hook.-the 407 might, depending on conditions.
I have heard of 2 occations of a company overtorqueing their 407s. Never heard of a company doing it in a B3. (I'm sure there would be atleast one at there)
The B3 has a gong that warns you when you have reached your power limit.
All passengers in a B3 face forward.
I have heard of many a passenger getting sick while seated in the rear facing seats in the 407.
The B3 has the VEMD with the FLI that makes life so much easier.
I have seen 407s aswell as B3s AOG for times that were unexeptable.
In my books the 407 is the better looking one, but the B3 is the better aircraft.
Just my 25c
