FH1100
The S-55 first flew on 10 Nov 1949. One would wonder exactly what specifications it was designed built and certified to. I would hope that the system (FAA and manufacturers) became a little more intelligent over the years. By comparison the AS-350 was designed, built and certified in the 1970s in Europe. The AS-350 was brought into the US under the bilateral agreement between the FAA and the European authorities cited by Shawn. It was only recently that the AS-350 was certified for complete manufacture in the US. Up until then all aircraft were manufactured, flown and certified in Europe then disassembled and shipped to Texas where they were reassembled for completion and delivery. The question then is: Could the AS-350 have met the entire spectrum of US certification requirement outlined for helicopters in the 1970s? I hope that Shawn may be able shed more light on this subject. To answer FH1100, YES I believe that the B206L-4 Long Ranger is a great machine and under appreciated.