MG Aviation - South Carolina...

[RDRickster]

Howdy,

A friend and I are thinking about going down to MG Aviation (http://www.mgaviation.com/courses.php3) for some training (fun) in the MD500. Does anybody have experience with this group? Their rates are $350/hour for this turbine ship, which is cheaper than any R44 I've found.

In the D.C. area (where I live), some of the local places (http://www.heloflights.com) charge $650/hour. Washington is a high cost of living area, and they probably have newer equipment. However, turbine time in a 500 is turbine time in a 500, and it would be worth a short trip to the Carolinas (where MG Aviation is based).

Any thoughts / experience?

R2

[rotorboy]

he had a couple of old rough OH6a's with the c-12 converted to a c-18 ( it hink that s right). I belive they wrecked them both. They may still have one.

The last one was wrecked when one of the cfi's was doing full downs in it and (when he wasnt supposed too ) and dinged the tail boom with a blade on a hard landing. The next go-around in the pattern the tail boom failed and it endo'ed into the trees. Some how both occupants walked away with out a scratch.

Met the owner once, seemed like a pretty good guy. Recently met a guy who works for them and he likes it.

Unless you have a burning desire to spend money, stick to the a/c your traning in at home. but if you have a G to burn , id say have at it.

RB

[RDRickster]

Thanks for the info. I believe the following articles below refer to the incident mentioned above...

http://greenvilleonline.com/news/2003/11/17/2003111719178.htm
http://www.thestate.com/mld/thestate/news/local/7280813.htm
http://www.heraldtribune.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20031117/APN/311170545

[Lu Zuckerman]

NTSB Identification: ATL04LA037
14 CFR Part 91: General Aviation
Accident occurred Saturday, November 15, 2003 in Greenville, SC
Aircraft: Hughes OH-6A, registration: N536
Injuries: 2 Uninjured.

This is preliminary information, subject to change, and may contain errors. Any errors in this report will be corrected when the final report has been completed.

On November 15, 2003, at 1045 eastern standard time, a Hughes OH-6A, N536, registered to MG Aviation and operated by a certified flight instructor, collided with the ground during an instructional flight at Greenville Downtown Airport, Greenville, South Carolina. The instructional flight was operated under the provisions of Title 14 CFR Part 91 with no flight plan filed. Visual meteorological conditions prevailed at the time of the accident. The helicopter sustained substantial damage. The certified flight instructor (CFI) and private pilot did not report any injuries. The flight departed Greenville Downtown Airport Greenville, South Carolina, on November 15, 2003 at 1045.

According to the CFI, after completing a practice autorotation, the helicopter was lifted to a hover, and then climbed to approximately 200 feet for another practice autorotation. While maneuvering for the second autorotation, the tail boom separated from the airframe, and the helicopter collided with a tree.


:confused: :confused: :E :E