Ok, confession time !!!
www.007helicopter.com is mine for the last few years
To answer a few points made above:
1) Vanguard Helicopters do not actually do any maintenance, In fact I do not believe they are active as a company, ask Hillerbee.
2) I use to fly N780ND on a JAA with a type rating but now have a clean
FAA license as it was hassle to keep getting an annual revalidation.
3) Touch wood (exscuse the pun) It has been very relaible and inexpensive to maintain, The high costs referred to and lack of parts relate to the E model I think, I have had no problem getting parts from Fort Wolters in the US and there are many other sources.
4) I Agree it is not fast but that is not really the point, My Cirrus SR22 satisfies my need for speed and getting places quickly, the view from the Hiller is fantastic.
5) For a Hiller mine is relatively smooth, Or should I say less of a bone shaker than some I have flown.
6) I do not recall offering it for the price as above but am now keeping for ther time being as I have my FAA license.
7) Personal opinion I think it would make a great primary trainer, it has an excellent safety record. In the UK I guess as it is on the N reg you would need an FAA Instructor like Tim Price and you need permission from the Department of Transport which is a formality as long as you are the owner.
8) Needs to be hangared
In summary not a serious form of transport but a lot of pleasure for the sake of flying or going on local's
Duncan