What ,in your opinion, are the 'significant issues' with the Astar?
True, I have not acted as a pilot in the A-Star (but have been a pax on a number of occasions). My concerns are based on widely reported problems with support and parts availability and pricing in the U.S. For this info I am relying heavily on posts on Rotorheads, and on the Pro Pilot magazine annual surveys. Dont know if this is in the category of folklore or not. OTOH, there is much to like about the A-Star acft itself, especially the cabin layout. If this acft were as well supported in the U.S. as Bell products, it would be my first choice hands down. My only concern re safety is the possible issue with hydraulic failures (perhaps folklore), but as I understand it, a dual hydraulic system is now available.