R44 Purchase
After many failed attempts to book out an R44 from my local (40miles away) field, due to it goign tech, or maintenance, or double booking etc.
I am looking into the options of a way of clocking up some hours towards my CPL(H).
Now before anyone starts on me I cant go to the states or oz or NZ due to family and work commitments.
I have read about flying groups for fixed wing but they dont seem to be that popular for helis (that I am aware of anyway).
Is anyone aware of a R44 group in the Cambridge / Peterborough area.
Failing that does anyone have an R44 that I could rent from them, after a check ride insurance upgrades etc.
My main stumbling block is that I only have 10 hours on the R44 I can understand peoples reluctance to rent (or lend if they are feeling very generous) to such a low hour pilot.
I have contacted a couple of other airfields in the area to check availability of an R44, I am still waiting for them to call me but (not a good sign).
My last option (that I can see), is to buy my own R44 (no bear with me)
Run it for a year to clock the required times (only 90 now !!) then sell it on and start my CPL course.
Firstly if I bought a new R44 (£210k I beleive). What would the running costs be, 50 hour check etc.
Also what would it cost in fuel per hour.
I live 5 miles from Peterborough - Conington.
Hope I get some positive answers but after reading many posts on here there seems to be many out there who just like to talk down to you.
So I am a newbie, I HAVE low hours, I am inexperianced but can you remember that far back when you were there too ?
Thanks.
Mike
PS. R44 over R22 due to the err,, hmmm waist line.