Mmmmm ...
My original type conversion to the '500' was done (1976) on an "A" model that is 369A and it was NOT an OH6 (OH6 was flown from the RH seat).
It had the 'fibre glass' blades a C18 engine and IIRC 2500 lb (?) MTOW.
We soon upgraded the company fleet to C20 engines to eliminate the high TOT problems associated with distorting compressor scroll back plates which caused no end of aggravation with our bush operations in outback Australia in the mid '70's.
We also went with the metal (and Bungee assisted) Tail rotor blades as soon as they became available to overcome the "full left pedal & nothing is happening" effect ... this I think also allowed the MTOW to increase (??).
Also flew all sorts of versions in PNG ... 369 C, D, E & F (big engine, extended tail boom etc).
Mmmm .... had a lot of fun in the 500 .... those were the days .....
