What to buy?

[diethelm]

Assume someone has a budget of 400-500 thousand (US) to purchase a used helicopter. It will be used for business mainly viewing property and going back and forth to Vegas from Phoenix, used for volunteer work for Game and Fish and others, and used for pleasure.

The skill level of the operator is ok and he is 40. Commercial and instrument ratings. Has attended Bell, Eurocopter factory schools and will go to MD (assuming no bankruptcy) in December. Father 65, will also use for finishing private certificate but will most likely never fly without an additional rated pilot.

Operator has experice with repair/overhaul of Rolls Royce/Allison products but no experience with Turbomeca. Assume approximately 200 hours per year use.

Insurance has been quoted and is available and the necessary individuals to provide the required dual time for the insurance are available locally.

R44 is out. The logical choices are 206B3, 500 or if a little money was added an EC120. Excellent maintenance skill is availble for a 500, less so for 206B3 and non-existent for EC120.

What to buy and why. Your opinions are valuable.

[RDRickster]

There are a zillion companies/websites out there that can provide you consulting and acquisition services. Many are very reputable... many are not customer oriented. Buyer beware.

As an investment banker, I'm sure you are able to research options and understand costs involved with maintenance and operation. I've read a few articles about Austin Jet, and they seem to be a customer-focused company. I don't have any first-hand experience, but Austin Jet is one of the most successful in the business and represents the BUYER (this extracted from independant news articles). He seems to have good success with fitting the right aircraft to the right person at the right price...

http://www.austinjet.com/

I've talked to the folks below, but never went as far as an actual purchase...

http://www.northernhelicopterconsultants.com/

I've also heard decent things about Mike Green & Associates. However, they are based out of Tyler, Texas (the most racist city in America - as reported many times in various newspaper and TV specials). Hopefully, his location isn't a reflection of his ethics...

http://www.greenheli.com/index.html

Finally, the following two sites (there are many others) can give you valuable comparative data. I probably wouldn't use either as a primary means of acquisition, but you might find a good deal from time to time...

http://listings.ebaymotors.com/aw/plistings/list/category26428/index.html

http://www.rotorworld.com/heli/

[Dynamic Component]

Mr S:cool: ,

you state that the EC 120 is slightly slower.
Do you mean slower than the R44:confused:

Does the R44 do 130kts indicated with one onboard:hmm:
Because the 120 we use most certainly does.:ok: :E

[Vfrpilotpb]

You may get 130+ with a tailwind and downhill in the new R44Injection, but sadly the R44 really is no match for anything with a Turb, only thing in its favour is the initial low cost of capital outlay, in my humble opinion:ok:

[Dynamic Component]

MrS:cool: ,

Would have to agree with you on the 350.Possibly the most comfortable aircraft I have ever flown.Good workhorse too.
:ok:
I have to admit, when I was doing 130 indicated I was pulling about 9.2 FLI:E

[belly tank]

Try talking to Ekharts www.eckhel.com we purchased a machine through them and they were very good

[Head Turner]

In my opinion the AS350B2 is the best buy for any owner and very resellable if you upgrade.
What would your response be to a Twin Squirrel (N) in the price range you mentioned?
R44 Raven is the best of that stable. At the end of the day you have to be sure you know exactly what you will do with the helicopter, then, get the one which does the best job. Don't decide on the model until you have made a decisive list of what it is that you want the helicopter for. THEN look to see what is available