From an economic point of view I wouldn't touch one-downunder a new R66 is around $1.1-1.2 million, Take it home and over the next few years watch the value of that aircraft decline monthly and considerably as it approachs the 12 yr life overhaul-and as you put time on it and assuming you don't run it out of hrs sooner in 10-12 yrs it would not be worth $300,000.
Take half of the current asking price of an R66-say- $600,000 go to the USA and buy a nice mid 80's Jetranger 3, and you know what you have got?-,one of the best helicopters ever built and in 12 yrs it will be worth a bunch more money-a JR will appreciate in value. They are proven-reliable and solid the world over, and it won't corrode away like these 44's are with their ****ty paint and corrosion proofing.
Last edited by Granny; 2nd Dec 2011 at 00:41.