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Old 3rd September 2013 | 19:14
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misterbonkers
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Joined: Sep 2002
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From: UKdom
AeroMaintenance don't look after Bell 47s anymore.

There is a smaller outfit in Dewsbury who specialise in looking after Bell 47s (I think 8 now!). They are making progress with regards to keeping these aircraft flying long term.

They are Annex 2 aircraft now under EASA too so they are slightly more cost effective and easy to maintain than they used to be.

Cracking helicopter and VERY safe.

PROs - The view, the nostalgia, the inertia, nice roomy cabin, easy to hangar (2-bladed). A man's machine because you have to fly it!

CONs - The speed, the fuel burn (unless you get a G5), you have to be a fettler to own one (cleaning, greasing, checking - as with all classic vehicles)

There are still instructors and examiners in Yorkshire/Midlands so learning to fly on one will not be an issue. If you're in Doncaster then there is a very experienced Bell 47 instructor at Sherburn and I'll be happy to come over and conduct your flight test at the end of your training.

I've flown a wide range of helicopters from the R22 up to the Dauphin and I'd always make room in my dream hangar for a Bell 47!
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