Zu Bell 205 Flying Pax
GunsssR4ever
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Appology ?
Accept my appology seeing that I was named as a " Misinformed and a critic" ... all I can say always : " Positiewe opbouende kritiek het nog nooit iemand dood gemaak nie " Sorry Boys and Girls I can not translate that one .. Bert ask wifey 
I had a scan through the thread and I could not find that I was such a bad boy but please accept my appologies (that ride in your machine makes me think twice - NOT to appologise bru would have been fatal)
I just wish to take you back to my first posting on this thread (second overhaul posting) ...
Here are the wise owl's words " ....- I really do not think South African's are so stupid / ignorant / bad / mad ... to fly a commercial heli out of a commercial, registered heliport for commercial purpouses without a commercial licence ? .... "
It is clear that I actually come up for you , but before this sounds like gatkruip ... tx for your reply I think there will be more questions and things. A tip - answer to sattisfaction and the thread will die out and we will all come for a flip and all be happy and shake hands with TOM ...
Oh Tom ... are you Uncle Arthur then ;-) Or no he must have 45 years heli experience ...
Cheers and good luck again !
Gunnsss
I had a scan through the thread and I could not find that I was such a bad boy but please accept my appologies (that ride in your machine makes me think twice - NOT to appologise bru would have been fatal)
I just wish to take you back to my first posting on this thread (second overhaul posting) ...
Here are the wise owl's words " ....- I really do not think South African's are so stupid / ignorant / bad / mad ... to fly a commercial heli out of a commercial, registered heliport for commercial purpouses without a commercial licence ? .... "
It is clear that I actually come up for you , but before this sounds like gatkruip ... tx for your reply I think there will be more questions and things. A tip - answer to sattisfaction and the thread will die out and we will all come for a flip and all be happy and shake hands with TOM ...
Oh Tom ... are you Uncle Arthur then ;-) Or no he must have 45 years heli experience ...
Cheers and good luck again !
Gunnsss
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Loved some of the comments made by Sir Cumference, especially relating to the speculation of the airworthiness of the machine and the fact that it may be taking bread away from the other operators. At least the Sir is logic.
As an old grey head in the aviation industry with 35 years experience, I welcome fair criticism, but all out there must be careful now that this matter does not result in a personal slanging match between the parties. It is good though that Francois Marais has stated their side of the story, and it will most certainly be interesting to see how rotorhead, who started this thread on speculation, will respond.
Gunship, I'm glad that you're also seeing the light now. Come on boys, lets work towards keeping aviation safe, and lets rather contribute meaningfully to our industry, instead of blaming each other for our shortcomings. Lets stick to the facts and forget about the hearsay.
As an old grey head in the aviation industry with 35 years experience, I welcome fair criticism, but all out there must be careful now that this matter does not result in a personal slanging match between the parties. It is good though that Francois Marais has stated their side of the story, and it will most certainly be interesting to see how rotorhead, who started this thread on speculation, will respond.
Gunship, I'm glad that you're also seeing the light now. Come on boys, lets work towards keeping aviation safe, and lets rather contribute meaningfully to our industry, instead of blaming each other for our shortcomings. Lets stick to the facts and forget about the hearsay.
GunsssR4ever
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Tom it remains a RUMOUR network ...
Ok, ok let us shake hands but on one condition ... shake the "industry" as well if they are in the wrong ...
We must protect the industry in that way because I can only see excellent opportunities in flying in SA in the future ... nice come from a Gunnss ... oh ok a pilot that does not do the usual "tourist routes".
I predict a tourism growth in Southern Africa that we could not imagine in our wildest dreams ... watch this space
Ok, ok let us shake hands but on one condition ... shake the "industry" as well if they are in the wrong ...
We must protect the industry in that way because I can only see excellent opportunities in flying in SA in the future ... nice come from a Gunnss ... oh ok a pilot that does not do the usual "tourist routes".
I predict a tourism growth in Southern Africa that we could not imagine in our wildest dreams ... watch this space
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Hiya Gunship
Thanks for your response. I forgot to post my email address in my earlier thread, as I have no objection to anyone mailing me at any time, should they want to correspond with me or should they require further information on the Huey. My email address is [email protected]
Drop me a mail sometime, and I will mail you some photographs of the Huey.
We look forward to seeing you when you come home, and old Arthur told me that you were a naughty ****** in the good old days, but because of him, you became an excellent gunship driver, (ha ha) and he's looking forward to drink a frostie with you. We appointed him here as our safety officer, as he comes with a wealth of experience. Flies the Jettie now, is a Grade 2, so does all the check rides etc. Keeps all the boys under control. A good man.
Seeya
Thanks for your response. I forgot to post my email address in my earlier thread, as I have no objection to anyone mailing me at any time, should they want to correspond with me or should they require further information on the Huey. My email address is [email protected]
Drop me a mail sometime, and I will mail you some photographs of the Huey.
We look forward to seeing you when you come home, and old Arthur told me that you were a naughty ****** in the good old days, but because of him, you became an excellent gunship driver, (ha ha) and he's looking forward to drink a frostie with you. We appointed him here as our safety officer, as he comes with a wealth of experience. Flies the Jettie now, is a Grade 2, so does all the check rides etc. Keeps all the boys under control. A good man.
Seeya
GunsssR4ever
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Handshake
You see now we are friends ..
Francois great to hear from you and Uncle Artie. Please let him tell you about his 7 series BMW days at Hoekoespruit with Bobbos Courtney , me and few other stouters ... those where the days when we drank a bottle of 76 Nederburg Cabernet Sauvignon BEFORE we got pi55ed for the evening. Oh and for snacks .. (Frans Coetzee and REAL ORCA also joined sometimes) it was always biltong with a garlic clove ... ok ok Gunsss you are hi-jacking the thread.
Seriously - I would love to come and see your set-up - I wanted to come that way and even visit DeanW but man Cape Town was crazy from Helderberg. Should be down there in Easter.
Please let uncle Arthur join - his safety knowledge can just be of the greatest help on this forum ! Then again he has never answered my e-mail
Good luck with your operation again . Do you have a web site ?
ROTORHEAD .. are you still going to stir the pot
Francois great to hear from you and Uncle Artie. Please let him tell you about his 7 series BMW days at Hoekoespruit with Bobbos Courtney , me and few other stouters ... those where the days when we drank a bottle of 76 Nederburg Cabernet Sauvignon BEFORE we got pi55ed for the evening. Oh and for snacks .. (Frans Coetzee and REAL ORCA also joined sometimes) it was always biltong with a garlic clove ... ok ok Gunsss you are hi-jacking the thread.
Seriously - I would love to come and see your set-up - I wanted to come that way and even visit DeanW but man Cape Town was crazy from Helderberg. Should be down there in Easter.
Please let uncle Arthur join - his safety knowledge can just be of the greatest help on this forum ! Then again he has never answered my e-mail
Good luck with your operation again . Do you have a web site ?
ROTORHEAD .. are you still going to stir the pot
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Huey friends
This is a great pub ... we may have a hearty banter with each other, but it always ends with sharing an ale together!
Welcome Francois and thanks for contributing, I was over at your pad mid December, just before the signage was applied, so I'd love to come back and take some photies of the finished product.
Please tell Authur Dean from the Museum says hi, all is forgiven!
Gunship, glad you haven't forgotten our beer
Cheers all
Welcome Francois and thanks for contributing, I was over at your pad mid December, just before the signage was applied, so I'd love to come back and take some photies of the finished product.
Please tell Authur Dean from the Museum says hi, all is forgiven!
Gunship, glad you haven't forgotten our beer
Cheers all
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Huey Hooo Haaa
Guys and in particular, Francois thank you for bringing in some facts finally and ending plenty of speculation that has been on the boil for some time now.
To the commercial operators out there, ZS or ZU for maintenance? Which rules would you rather conform to? There is no question as to the answer to this and which makes more financial sense, but then we do have the "club members" safety to consider and not always the quick buck!
I know all the individuals mentioned as the pilots of the machine and I have a wealth of respect for all of them, but did the boss not do numerous flights with only a PPL and an aircraft full of "club members?"
Andy does seem to be pointing out flaws in the operation whilst his seems to be doing the same, not a good tack that!
Like I had said on an earlier posting, the guys are making use of a gray area / loophole in the law. Full support of the CAA as well reminds me of the early conversion to type at Thunder City by CAA rep, RR in the early days. Clever!!
To the commercial operators out there, ZS or ZU for maintenance? Which rules would you rather conform to? There is no question as to the answer to this and which makes more financial sense, but then we do have the "club members" safety to consider and not always the quick buck!
I know all the individuals mentioned as the pilots of the machine and I have a wealth of respect for all of them, but did the boss not do numerous flights with only a PPL and an aircraft full of "club members?"
Andy does seem to be pointing out flaws in the operation whilst his seems to be doing the same, not a good tack that!
Like I had said on an earlier posting, the guys are making use of a gray area / loophole in the law. Full support of the CAA as well reminds me of the early conversion to type at Thunder City by CAA rep, RR in the early days. Clever!!
GunsssR4ever
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The Future ?
I think the raving and ranting had deminished ... except ROTORHEAD we are waiting bru
I just want to ellaborate on what I said about tourism.
Guys and Gals, if an American can pay up to a $100k to go to Russia and fly in a Mig-29 / shoot with a Mi-24 etc ... I see a very great future for the likes of Thunder City, Combat Zone & the Harvard Club , Helibase? , Sportsheli's etc ...
We have great weather in the Cape for 8 months of the year, so we can have a major influx of "flying tourists". Combine that with the SAA Historic flight and the strong? $ / Pound / Euro and I can not see what is stopping the industry ?
Am I dreaming (again) ??? ???
I just want to ellaborate on what I said about tourism.
Guys and Gals, if an American can pay up to a $100k to go to Russia and fly in a Mig-29 / shoot with a Mi-24 etc ... I see a very great future for the likes of Thunder City, Combat Zone & the Harvard Club , Helibase? , Sportsheli's etc ...
We have great weather in the Cape for 8 months of the year, so we can have a major influx of "flying tourists". Combine that with the SAA Historic flight and the strong? $ / Pound / Euro and I can not see what is stopping the industry ?
Am I dreaming (again) ???
???
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Non Helo Driver
I applaud the change in attitude now that we have a reply from the "horses mouth" . It certainly looks like the capitalist system is alive and well and when the competition starts biting, we run to the regulations and shoot ourselves in the foot.
Yeah , I know those old and bolds well and they would not get involved in something that would besmirch reputations and damage future operations.
Go for it and next time I am in CT.....membership here i come.
Yeah , I know those old and bolds well and they would not get involved in something that would besmirch reputations and damage future operations.
Go for it and next time I am in CT.....membership here i come.
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Gunnnssss my man, you're not wrong. SA has the potential to develop the aviation entusiasts market. We must just be careful. We may get sanctioned by the Government. Just now the private forces (ex warbirds) will be stronger than their national forces. Go on Bert, go find Gary a Cobra. I'm sure he would love one with live rounds though!!!!!!
Rumour has it that the CEO of some Waterfront Heli company had recently paid the new Chief of Flight Operations at the CAA a visit. By the way, it was apparently not the first visit. The man complained bitterly, and eventually accused one very senior CAA Flight Inspector as being the creator of the Huey problem. Wonder who that could be????
Rumour has it that some other Waterfront helicopter operator have now decided to offer extreme rides to attract business. Guess what we're going to see? A camo Alo with the doors slid back, and a 20mm paintball canon mounted in the back. The mission? To dogfight the Huey with paintball on the eastern slopes of the Blaawberg Hill. Apparently a derelict farmhouse has been identified in the area as a fort to detain the Huey hostages.
Bert, you better get your butt down there. Its gonna be worse than Nam.
Rumour has it that the CEO of some Waterfront Heli company had recently paid the new Chief of Flight Operations at the CAA a visit. By the way, it was apparently not the first visit. The man complained bitterly, and eventually accused one very senior CAA Flight Inspector as being the creator of the Huey problem. Wonder who that could be????
Rumour has it that some other Waterfront helicopter operator have now decided to offer extreme rides to attract business. Guess what we're going to see? A camo Alo with the doors slid back, and a 20mm paintball canon mounted in the back. The mission? To dogfight the Huey with paintball on the eastern slopes of the Blaawberg Hill. Apparently a derelict farmhouse has been identified in the area as a fort to detain the Huey hostages.
Bert, you better get your butt down there. Its gonna be worse than Nam.
Gatvol
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It certainly is amazing to see how many folks signed up with PPrune in Jan 2003 just to get on this site of the forum.
AND how quiet some have become since Francois got on line.......Hmmmm
AND how quiet some have become since Francois got on line.......Hmmmm
GunsssR4ever
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SHILLS
Bert,
Do you remember the rants and raves against the likes of Solenta (pse do not start again) ... mhhh I think shills are in high demand ... surely those IP addresses must show up and distinguish between them ??
Quite a few low-posters here bru ...
Do you remember the rants and raves against the likes of Solenta (pse do not start again) ... mhhh I think shills are in high demand ... surely those IP addresses must show up and distinguish between them ??
Quite a few low-posters here bru ...
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SHILLS
i'm a shill + low poster.......
but i still do visit and view this site everyday....like the views,news and reports and roumors that goes around here...just love it...
Postings? don't have much to post about.....u okes are in the industry and know more than me and before me about anything.
just my shill two cents
but i still do visit and view this site everyday....like the views,news and reports and roumors that goes around here...just love it...
Postings? don't have much to post about.....u okes are in the industry and know more than me and before me about anything.
just my shill two cents
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Rotorhead has disappeared. I viewed some other forums that he contributed to, and told everyone to check out this forum. He obviously wanted everyone to see his one sided postings. Since Francois responded, Rotorhead has not posted one thread.
Its amazing! The guy started off trying to get sympathy from all of us in the aviation industry, and now that the facts have come to light, he's gone. Its not surprising.
Rumour has it that his company is in the process of flying west....... into the sun.......so maybe his packing???????
Its amazing! The guy started off trying to get sympathy from all of us in the aviation industry, and now that the facts have come to light, he's gone. Its not surprising.
Rumour has it that his company is in the process of flying west....... into the sun.......so maybe his packing???????
Thread Starter
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Welcome Francois, not quiet - just away for a while. Sjoe this is smokin!
Apology to the man with the license.
Francois - do you or don`t you fly HHW and HEM (ZS 206`s) with paying passengers? What license do you hold?
Francois - do you or don`t you fly the Huey solo with pax?
Does Gary fly the Huey solo with pax?
The inspector I spoke to at CAA tells me that the Huey has an Experimental Certificate of Airworthiness. The same inspector tells me that a letter has been sent to all the operators at the waterfront to the effect that all flights in and out are restricted to com pilots on revenue flights. It would appear that the inspector/representative you have been speaking to/dealing with is a little "confused".
Rumours also floating around about hours not been logged an all the machines, attempts to install timex components on the 206`s.
As I said on the first post its embaressing but lets rather straighten it out here.
Yes there are wonderful opportunities for SA Aviation so lets do it right. If its such a goer why not invest in a Bell 205 instead of a UH1? Remember there must be thousands of Kiowa`s (mil 206), mil 500`s etc in the desert.
The USA helo industry went through this exercise (ex mil machines for State agencies law enforcement, fire fighting etc) a couple of years ago - the producers were not charmed. When they get a sniff of this you can be sure there will be some serious behind the scenes action.
Apology to the man with the license.
Francois - do you or don`t you fly HHW and HEM (ZS 206`s) with paying passengers? What license do you hold?
Francois - do you or don`t you fly the Huey solo with pax?
Does Gary fly the Huey solo with pax?
The inspector I spoke to at CAA tells me that the Huey has an Experimental Certificate of Airworthiness. The same inspector tells me that a letter has been sent to all the operators at the waterfront to the effect that all flights in and out are restricted to com pilots on revenue flights. It would appear that the inspector/representative you have been speaking to/dealing with is a little "confused".
Rumours also floating around about hours not been logged an all the machines, attempts to install timex components on the 206`s.
As I said on the first post its embaressing but lets rather straighten it out here.
Yes there are wonderful opportunities for SA Aviation so lets do it right. If its such a goer why not invest in a Bell 205 instead of a UH1? Remember there must be thousands of Kiowa`s (mil 206), mil 500`s etc in the desert.
The USA helo industry went through this exercise (ex mil machines for State agencies law enforcement, fire fighting etc) a couple of years ago - the producers were not charmed. When they get a sniff of this you can be sure there will be some serious behind the scenes action.
GunsssR4ever
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Round Number three
Ok we had a reply from ROTORHEAD ... round number three ... Francois come out of the corner bru ...
Seriously .. on Rotorheads the guys (and girls) are running a thread on Cowboy Operators ... http://www.pprune.org/forums/showthr...threadid=77939 and we thought there might be troubles only in SA ... also same problems with CAA etc ...
Seriously .. on Rotorheads the guys (and girls) are running a thread on Cowboy Operators ... http://www.pprune.org/forums/showthr...threadid=77939 and we thought there might be troubles only in SA ... also same problems with CAA etc ...
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Thanks for your response Rotorhead. You have obviously read all the threads since your last posting. A lot of issues were mentioned in the various threads from various people. Some asked you questions, to which I notice you have not bothered to respond, like your own qualifications and experiences, the way Thunder City & Combat Zone operates etc. You were the one that opened this forum, mentioned the names, and decided to "draw a line in the sand". I have no interest whatsover to get involved in a slanging match with you on this forum, but will gladly answer your questions, if you are man enough to answer all mine.
You started off this forum by saying "this magnificent machine......" Then you continued to slate everything from its country of origin, the type, the components, the engineers, the pilots et al. Very contradictory in many respects. It was clear from the threads that you posted, that you knew very little about this machine, and never really bothered to establish any facts on it. Everything was based on rumours and hearsay, aimed at trying to convince the aviation fraternity out there that the operation of this machine was the worst thing that could have happened in SA aviation. The trend of the threads was, as I see it, the venting of frustration aimed directly at Gary and his Company. Maybe you can tell us why you felt so strongly about condemning this machine and its operation, and why you never bothered to attack the other ZU operations? Surely every ZU operation should then be painted with the same brush? Why specifically this ZU machine and the people involved with it? Is it not true that Thunder City's jets also came out of ex military environment, is registered as ZU and maintained as such, and flown by PPL's for commercial gain? I'm really curious as why you particularly singled ou this machine? I'm also really curious to know why you have never taken the initiative to go on this forum and slating the other ZU organisations? Surely if you felt that strong about aviation safety and the operations of ZU machines in SA, you could have posted the same information on those organisations and machines?
Surely by now you must have noticed that the Huey is always flown by 2 crew members, and that at least one crew member occupying a crew station, is a com pilot or instructor. I have gone through the notions of explaining in my previous thread who has been flying the machine. Both Gary and I are PPL's (H), and surely it is up to Gary & the insurance to decide who can fly the machine.
Its also Gary's perogative to decide what he wants to invest in. I'm sure that he most certainly does not need your advice or recommendation on what he should buy or what he should operate, and yes, the Huey is a hit, mostly due to the publicity you created for it.
If it is your opinion that the CAA Inspector/representatives are "confused", then so be it. You are entitled to an opinion, and I would like to suggest that you take up your thoughts on them, with them, directly. Its really none of my business what you think of them.
With regards to the letter sent to the Waterfront Company by the CAA, and forwarded to all the operators in the Waterfront; surely you must have had sight of the letter? The letter is filled with contradictions, and obviously written in haste and without consultation with the operators.
If you are right with what you are saying in the last paragraph of your thread, then you should maybe take up the matter with the CAA, and ask them why they came up with Part 94 & Part 96? At the same time, ask them why they allow the Harvard Club, Combat Zone and Thunder City to operate ZU aircraft on a commercial basis with PPL's as the pilots?
With regards to the rumours that you are spreading about timex parts being fitted to WIN's 206's; why don't you take this matter up with the AMO at the airport that services the aircraft, and at the same time report the AMO to the CAA. I'm sure the CAA will be very interested to know about that.
You started off this forum by saying "this magnificent machine......" Then you continued to slate everything from its country of origin, the type, the components, the engineers, the pilots et al. Very contradictory in many respects. It was clear from the threads that you posted, that you knew very little about this machine, and never really bothered to establish any facts on it. Everything was based on rumours and hearsay, aimed at trying to convince the aviation fraternity out there that the operation of this machine was the worst thing that could have happened in SA aviation. The trend of the threads was, as I see it, the venting of frustration aimed directly at Gary and his Company. Maybe you can tell us why you felt so strongly about condemning this machine and its operation, and why you never bothered to attack the other ZU operations? Surely every ZU operation should then be painted with the same brush? Why specifically this ZU machine and the people involved with it? Is it not true that Thunder City's jets also came out of ex military environment, is registered as ZU and maintained as such, and flown by PPL's for commercial gain? I'm really curious as why you particularly singled ou this machine? I'm also really curious to know why you have never taken the initiative to go on this forum and slating the other ZU organisations? Surely if you felt that strong about aviation safety and the operations of ZU machines in SA, you could have posted the same information on those organisations and machines?
Surely by now you must have noticed that the Huey is always flown by 2 crew members, and that at least one crew member occupying a crew station, is a com pilot or instructor. I have gone through the notions of explaining in my previous thread who has been flying the machine. Both Gary and I are PPL's (H), and surely it is up to Gary & the insurance to decide who can fly the machine.
Its also Gary's perogative to decide what he wants to invest in. I'm sure that he most certainly does not need your advice or recommendation on what he should buy or what he should operate, and yes, the Huey is a hit, mostly due to the publicity you created for it.
If it is your opinion that the CAA Inspector/representatives are "confused", then so be it. You are entitled to an opinion, and I would like to suggest that you take up your thoughts on them, with them, directly. Its really none of my business what you think of them.
With regards to the letter sent to the Waterfront Company by the CAA, and forwarded to all the operators in the Waterfront; surely you must have had sight of the letter? The letter is filled with contradictions, and obviously written in haste and without consultation with the operators.
If you are right with what you are saying in the last paragraph of your thread, then you should maybe take up the matter with the CAA, and ask them why they came up with Part 94 & Part 96? At the same time, ask them why they allow the Harvard Club, Combat Zone and Thunder City to operate ZU aircraft on a commercial basis with PPL's as the pilots?
With regards to the rumours that you are spreading about timex parts being fitted to WIN's 206's; why don't you take this matter up with the AMO at the airport that services the aircraft, and at the same time report the AMO to the CAA. I'm sure the CAA will be very interested to know about that.
Gatvol
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Rotorhead Writes:
"Yes there are wonderful opportunities for SA Aviation so lets do it right. If its such a goer why not invest in a Bell 205 instead of a UH1? Remember there must be thousands of Kiowa`s (mil 206), mil 500`s etc in the desert.
The USA helo industry went through this exercise (ex mil machines for State agencies law enforcement, fire fighting etc) a couple of years ago - the producers were not charmed. When they get a sniff of this you can be sure there will be some serious behind the scenes action."
I happened to have had a hand in that operation in the states while in Law Enforcement. I eventually got six OH-58 A+ for my agency, plus a huge amount of spare engines, rotor hubs etc.
It was a wonderful program, well intentioned and a great saving to the taxpayer. Military aircraft that would have been destroyed are now flying and serving the public who originally paid for them.
Go to the Law Enforcement website and look at some of the pictures. (www.alea.org)
The biggest problem came from Bell Helicopters. It appears they didnt want those aircraft to fly as it would hurt sales. When in fact their actions to stop the use of the aircraft ended up making Eurocopter one of the U.S. Law Enforcement greatest tools. Many Law Enforcement agencies in the states got their foot in the door with Aviation Support with the use of these "Surplus Aircraft". Bell really missed the boat in their lack of support.
Most of those airframes hit the street with an average of 2000hours TT and were in excellent shape, well instrumented. Four of mine even came with Radar Altimeters.
I firmly believe Bell put political pressure on the Defense Logistics Agency to destroy as many aircraft and parts as they possibly could. You dont want to know how many machines went to the crusher. It was sickening to see the waste.
Im sure those at Bell are well aware of this thread and in some way will be attempting to bring pressure to bear somewhere in SA to end any support from any "Bell Franchisee"
Having flown Bell products for over thirty years, Im disappointed in their view. I believe that had they supported the Surplus Program here in the states, their sales would have skyrocketed from those agencies that had the opportunity to start Aviation Support and now want new Machines.
Those agencies that have Governmental Permission to sell their Machines and parts seem to have been wooed by the likes of Eurocopter. The machines being sold are then put into Restricted Category and have been very popular in the Ag Industry. Again NO PAX in the States.
"Yes there are wonderful opportunities for SA Aviation so lets do it right. If its such a goer why not invest in a Bell 205 instead of a UH1? Remember there must be thousands of Kiowa`s (mil 206), mil 500`s etc in the desert.
The USA helo industry went through this exercise (ex mil machines for State agencies law enforcement, fire fighting etc) a couple of years ago - the producers were not charmed. When they get a sniff of this you can be sure there will be some serious behind the scenes action."
I happened to have had a hand in that operation in the states while in Law Enforcement. I eventually got six OH-58 A+ for my agency, plus a huge amount of spare engines, rotor hubs etc.
It was a wonderful program, well intentioned and a great saving to the taxpayer. Military aircraft that would have been destroyed are now flying and serving the public who originally paid for them.
Go to the Law Enforcement website and look at some of the pictures. (www.alea.org)
The biggest problem came from Bell Helicopters. It appears they didnt want those aircraft to fly as it would hurt sales. When in fact their actions to stop the use of the aircraft ended up making Eurocopter one of the U.S. Law Enforcement greatest tools. Many Law Enforcement agencies in the states got their foot in the door with Aviation Support with the use of these "Surplus Aircraft". Bell really missed the boat in their lack of support.
Most of those airframes hit the street with an average of 2000hours TT and were in excellent shape, well instrumented. Four of mine even came with Radar Altimeters.
I firmly believe Bell put political pressure on the Defense Logistics Agency to destroy as many aircraft and parts as they possibly could. You dont want to know how many machines went to the crusher. It was sickening to see the waste.
Im sure those at Bell are well aware of this thread and in some way will be attempting to bring pressure to bear somewhere in SA to end any support from any "Bell Franchisee"
Having flown Bell products for over thirty years, Im disappointed in their view. I believe that had they supported the Surplus Program here in the states, their sales would have skyrocketed from those agencies that had the opportunity to start Aviation Support and now want new Machines.
Those agencies that have Governmental Permission to sell their Machines and parts seem to have been wooed by the likes of Eurocopter. The machines being sold are then put into Restricted Category and have been very popular in the Ag Industry. Again NO PAX in the States.