Trainer helo
Dave,
Most airplane pilot certificate holders do not fly for hire. They fly for fun or business or sometimes just get a pilot certificate and never fly again.
For helicopters the cost per hour at around $200US probably limits the number of pilots that just like to add ratings for fun. But there are a few,and there would be many more if a low cost trainer were available. A good trainer would be purchased by most of the new pilots for private use.
So what the world needs is a good trainer that also looks cute enough for someone to own and be proud of.
The R22 was apparently designed for highly experienced pilots that enjoy the responsive control. The Pitts Special is a highly responsive airplane and experienced owners just love it. But a new pilot would say the Pitts is way too sensitive and I would not recommend learning to fly in a two seat Pitts,but it could be done.If the Pitts special was the only two seater certified for hire then surely flight schools would train in the twitchy little biplane and a lot of pilots would give up after the first flight.
Cessna sold C-150 trainers at a low price to get future customers for bigger planes with a higher profit margin. That may be foolish today because of liability, only a startup company would sell a trainer today.