I learned to fly in R22's and now I own a F28C-2, Enstroms are great machines. The transition required getting use to "no governor" and the use of a 4 way trim switch.
I fell much more safe flying the Enstrom than I did in R22's. Autos are much eaisier and the ship is much more stable, especially in gusty winds. I can trim the cyclic for "Hands Off" in cruise which can never be done in a Robinson. The rotor system is extremly smooth. It has plenty of reserve power and tail rotor authority. The NTSB reports a good safety record and my insurance rates also reflect that. My insurance company said that the Enstrom was the most insurable for me, due to my low hours and it's good accident record.
I am also an A&P mechanic and I do all my own maintenace. This heli is not as eaisy to work on as an R22, but I do not find it difficult to work on. I think the reason Enstroms may have a bad reputation for maintenance is because some mechanics may not now how to maintain them. One needs to attend the factory maintainence course, just like Robinson requires, to be properly checked out on how to manitain one. Once, an Enstrom is set up correctly, it flys smooth and reliable.
