And in the meantime... [edited to add: all relates to EC120 - SP thought it wasn't clear]
(All actual bills for my EC120)
A 6 month inspection for £243 (including parts)
A 50-hr for £715 (including parts)
A 50-hr for £ 275 (including parts)
A 100hr (plus some additional work re igniter cable replaced, oil cooler replaced due to stripped thread, aircraft re-weighed, replacement skid shoes and some corrosion treatment) £3,860
Yes she has some expensive episodes which you mention; but you paint only one side of the picture. Save up during the 10 years because the intervening service cost is nothing compared to an R44.
I am interested (never having owned a Hughes 500) - is this comparable to your service cost? I know it is substantially cheaper than a 206 or an A109 or an R44 because I did the research. I didn't bother with the 500 because although it is a nippy fun ship, I want to take passengers incomfort so it wasn't for me.
In truth, we all love the ships we fly and want to defend them. I don't say "you were wrong" choosing a 500 - if that's what you want then it is the best ship in the world for you. Don't "rag-off" on the 120 because it isn't a 500. It is something else, and it is fantastic at being what it is.
Work out what your needs are, match a ship to that and you will be happy forever.
Last edited by John R81; 8th Mar 2011 at 16:00.