MD500 Series Specific Photo Thread

[Ned-Air2Air]

Since I am a great fan of the MD500 series I thought it would be cool to have a dedicated thread of images just of these helos. If you have pics to add them please add them. Doesnt matter where they are or what they are doing.

Ned :ok:

http://i54.photobucket.com/albums/g100/KiwiNed/MD%20500%20Images/two.jpg

http://i54.photobucket.com/albums/g100/KiwiNed/MD%20500%20Images/1L1A4678.jpg

http://i54.photobucket.com/albums/g100/KiwiNed/MD%20500%20Images/1L1A4764.jpg

http://i54.photobucket.com/albums/g100/KiwiNed/MD%20500%20Images/1L1A4908.jpg

http://i54.photobucket.com/albums/g100/KiwiNed/MD%20500%20Images/1L1A4919.jpg

[Ned-Air2Air]

http://i54.photobucket.com/albums/g100/KiwiNed/MD%20500%20Images/1L1A6282.jpg

http://i54.photobucket.com/albums/g100/KiwiNed/MD%20500%20Images/1L1A6385.jpg

http://i54.photobucket.com/albums/g100/KiwiNed/MD%20500%20Images/1L1A6358.jpg

http://i54.photobucket.com/albums/g100/KiwiNed/MD%20500%20Images/1L1A6355.jpg

http://i54.photobucket.com/albums/g100/KiwiNed/MD%20500%20Images/1L1A6352.jpg

[Ned-Air2Air]

http://i54.photobucket.com/albums/g100/KiwiNed/MD%20500%20Images/1L1A4956.jpg

http://i54.photobucket.com/albums/g100/KiwiNed/MD%20500%20Images/1L1A4994.jpg

http://i54.photobucket.com/albums/g100/KiwiNed/MD%20500%20Images/1L1A3959.jpg

http://i54.photobucket.com/albums/g100/KiwiNed/MD%20500%20Images/1L1A3978.jpg

http://i54.photobucket.com/albums/g100/KiwiNed/MD%20500%20Images/1L1A4061.jpg

[Ned-Air2Air]

http://i54.photobucket.com/albums/g100/KiwiNed/1L1A3374.jpg

http://i54.photobucket.com/albums/g100/KiwiNed/1L1A3369.jpg

http://i54.photobucket.com/albums/g100/KiwiNed/hunt1.jpg

http://i54.photobucket.com/albums/g100/KiwiNed/hot5.jpg

http://i54.photobucket.com/albums/g100/KiwiNed/hot2.jpg

http://i54.photobucket.com/albums/g100/KiwiNed/a3-2.jpg

[Ned-Air2Air]

If you see any 500s on your travels make sure you take some pics and add them to the thread :ok::ok:

[ToTall]

Ned
Thank you.
What superb machine and really good photos.

[Ned-Air2Air]

http://i54.photobucket.com/albums/g100/KiwiNed/MD%20500%20Images/1L1A4762.jpg

http://i54.photobucket.com/albums/g100/KiwiNed/MD%20500%20Images/1L1A5003.jpg

http://i54.photobucket.com/albums/g100/KiwiNed/MD%20500%20Images/1L1A5125.jpg

http://i54.photobucket.com/albums/g100/KiwiNed/MD%20500%20Images/1L1A5263.jpg

http://i54.photobucket.com/albums/g100/KiwiNed/MD%20500%20Images/1L1A5332.jpg

http://i54.photobucket.com/albums/g100/KiwiNed/MD%20500%20Images/1L1A7050.jpg

[Ned-Air2Air]

http://i54.photobucket.com/albums/g100/KiwiNed/MD%20500%20Images/1L1A7084.jpg

http://i54.photobucket.com/albums/g100/KiwiNed/MD%20500%20Images/1L1A7292.jpg

http://i54.photobucket.com/albums/g100/KiwiNed/MD%20500%20Images/1L1A7302.jpg

http://i54.photobucket.com/albums/g100/KiwiNed/MD%20500%20Images/1L1A7312.jpg

http://i54.photobucket.com/albums/g100/KiwiNed/MD%20500%20Images/1L1A7326.jpg

http://i54.photobucket.com/albums/g100/KiwiNed/MD%20500%20Images/1L1A7329.jpg

[Ned-Air2Air]

http://i54.photobucket.com/albums/g100/KiwiNed/MD%20500%20Images/1L1A7344.jpg

http://i54.photobucket.com/albums/g100/KiwiNed/MD%20500%20Images/1L1A6511.jpg

http://i54.photobucket.com/albums/g100/KiwiNed/MD%20500%20Images/1L1A6529.jpg

http://i54.photobucket.com/albums/g100/KiwiNed/MD%20500%20Images/1L1A6536.jpg

http://i54.photobucket.com/albums/g100/KiwiNed/MD%20500%20Images/1L1A6543.jpg

http://i54.photobucket.com/albums/g100/KiwiNed/MD%20500%20Images/1L1A6562.jpg

[Ned-Air2Air]

http://i54.photobucket.com/albums/g100/KiwiNed/MD%20500%20Images/1L1A6570.jpg

http://i54.photobucket.com/albums/g100/KiwiNed/MD%20500%20Images/1L1A6598.jpg

http://i54.photobucket.com/albums/g100/KiwiNed/MD%20500%20Images/1L1A6599.jpg

http://i54.photobucket.com/albums/g100/KiwiNed/MD%20500%20Images/1L1A6626.jpg

http://i54.photobucket.com/albums/g100/KiwiNed/MD%20500%20Images/1L1A6653.jpg

http://i54.photobucket.com/albums/g100/KiwiNed/MD%20500%20Images/1L1A6675.jpg

[Ned-Air2Air]

http://i54.photobucket.com/albums/g100/KiwiNed/MD%20500%20Images/1L1A6709.jpg

http://i54.photobucket.com/albums/g100/KiwiNed/MD%20500%20Images/1L1A6722.jpg

http://i54.photobucket.com/albums/g100/KiwiNed/MD%20500%20Images/1L1A6756.jpg

http://i54.photobucket.com/albums/g100/KiwiNed/MD%20500%20Images/1L1A6783.jpg

http://i54.photobucket.com/albums/g100/KiwiNed/MD%20500%20Images/1L1A6796.jpg

[Ned-Air2Air]

http://i54.photobucket.com/albums/g100/KiwiNed/MD%20500%20Images/1L1A6822.jpg

http://i54.photobucket.com/albums/g100/KiwiNed/MD%20500%20Images/1L1A6834.jpg

http://i54.photobucket.com/albums/g100/KiwiNed/MD%20500%20Images/1L1A6838.jpg

http://i54.photobucket.com/albums/g100/KiwiNed/MD%20500%20Images/1L1A6850.jpg

http://i54.photobucket.com/albums/g100/KiwiNed/MD%20500%20Images/1L1A6854.jpg

http://i54.photobucket.com/albums/g100/KiwiNed/MD%20500%20Images/1L1A6857.jpg

[Ned-Air2Air]

http://i54.photobucket.com/albums/g100/KiwiNed/MD%20500%20Images/1L1A6860.jpg

http://i54.photobucket.com/albums/g100/KiwiNed/MD%20500%20Images/1L1A6873.jpg

http://i54.photobucket.com/albums/g100/KiwiNed/MD%20500%20Images/1L1A6886.jpg

http://i54.photobucket.com/albums/g100/KiwiNed/MD%20500%20Images/1L1A6888.jpg

http://i54.photobucket.com/albums/g100/KiwiNed/MD%20500%20Images/1L1A6329.jpg

[md 600 driver]

Heres one in a bit cooler weather in the north of england

http://i166.photobucket.com/albums/u104/HELICOPTER_album/md%20600%20in%20snow/n699pvsnow.jpg

[fly2pb]

http://i161.photobucket.com/albums/t233/500drvr/baja.jpg?t=1267879189

http://i161.photobucket.com/albums/t233/500drvr/temporary006.jpg?t=1267879492

http://i161.photobucket.com/albums/t233/500drvr/IMG_0561.jpg?t=1267879563

http://i161.photobucket.com/albums/t233/500drvr/DSC01355-1.jpg?t=1267879632

http://i161.photobucket.com/albums/t233/500drvr/N500MU006.jpg?t=1267879689

http://i161.photobucket.com/albums/t233/500drvr/N500MU012.jpg?t=1267879769

http://i161.photobucket.com/albums/t233/500drvr/Pinnacle/pinnacle/Spire.jpg?t=1267880261

[birrddog]

Birrddog, SA Hunting Trip ZS-HXB - 500E
http://files.me.com/birrddog/8abxughttp://files.me.com/birrddog/czk71q

[Eldon]

A few from my MD500 flying days

http://i45.photobucket.com/albums/f84/dsieburg/Me32V.jpg

http://i45.photobucket.com/albums/f84/dsieburg/BigSandyLR-1.jpg

http://i45.photobucket.com/albums/f84/dsieburg/002.jpg

http://i45.photobucket.com/albums/f84/dsieburg/DonSieburgHelicopter.jpg

http://i45.photobucket.com/albums/f84/dsieburg/RockLZ2HR.jpg

[tonyosborne]

One from Heli-Expo...

http://i525.photobucket.com/albums/cc338/tonyosborne_aviation/News/N5280FMD530FAJOsborne.jpg

[GeorgeMandes]

http://i250.photobucket.com/albums/gg251/GJMandes/ScottD_081214_9822e-3.jpg

[500e]

http://http://i98.photobucket.com/albums/l259/500d_2006/DSCF0325.jpg[IMG]http://i98.photobucket.com/albums/l259/500d_2006/nsmail-1.jpghttp://http://i98.photobucket.com/albums/l259/500d_2006/nsmail-1.jpg

[500e]

http://i98.photobucket.com/albums/l259/500d_2006/DSCF0328.jpghttp://http://i98.photobucket.com/albums/l259/500d_2006/nsmail-1.jpghttp://http://i98.photobucket.com/albums/l259/500d_2006/nsmail-1.jpghttp://http://i98.photobucket.com/albums/l259/500d_2006/nsmail-1.jpg

[22clipper]

Looking at HOT featured in your pics Ned, it occurred to me that you could confuse the callsign for a label, let's face H500s are hot! Or maybe they should have painted it on the fuselage at the back neat the exhaust?
Reminds me of the H500 I saw at Gladstone one year. It had the word 'pilot' painted above the left hand door. I thought 'surely the guy knows which side to fly it from'? Then I realised the aircraft was for ferrying ships pilots out to the bulk carriers in the channel. Der!
My all time favorite bit of lettering though is the label on a French registered chopper F-HEAD it says.

[kflexer]

how the heck do you post pictures?:ugh:

[VH-XXX]

Only got a couple in my collection.

http://members.iinet.net.au/~bc_j400/500.jpg

[spinwing]

Mmmm ....

From my early days .......


http://img2.pict.com/ec/5a/cf/3057485/0/800/hu5001977.jpg



Probably ... Cape Donnington Light .... South Australia .... 1977 (?)

[moscovite]

This is how we prefer to view helicopter in Russia and fromer USSR:

http://www.airplane-pictures.net/images/uploaded-images/2007-8/8/6189.jpg

[500e]

kflexer
Try this I find it a conveluted process as well, nearly as bad as the help on this site

http://www.pprune.org/rotorheads/287207-bristow-photos-post3480718.html?highlight=posting+photos#post3480718

[Pilot DAR]

A few photos we took while ferrying two MD500D's down from the north...

http://i381.photobucket.com/albums/oo252/PilotDAR/Aircraft/IMG_0324.jpg

http://i381.photobucket.com/albums/oo252/PilotDAR/Aircraft/IMG_0322.jpg

http://i381.photobucket.com/albums/oo252/PilotDAR/Aircraft/DSC_4710.jpg

http://i381.photobucket.com/albums/oo252/PilotDAR/Aircraft/DSC_4733.jpg

[cab driver]

For those really long ferry flights.

http://i692.photobucket.com/albums/vv289/hughesdriver/500AuxTank.jpg?t=1268016648

[lelebebbel]

http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2733/4175928980_3b23ef7022_o.jpg

[cab driver]

View from the bottom.

http://i692.photobucket.com/albums/vv289/hughesdriver/DSC_0029.jpg?t=1268104886

View from the top.

http://i692.photobucket.com/albums/vv289/hughesdriver/DSCN0957.jpg?t=1268104968

[flybull]

Awesome machines. Great Pics. Keep 'em coming...

[Thridle Op Des]

Photo taken through a thick window in LCLK, allegedly the victim of an argument with a HT power line it was inspecting. The remains were gathered together and left in the corner of the ramp.

http://i197.photobucket.com/albums/aa266/thridleopdes/_MRC1729.jpg

[500e]

lost it wont post

[Alex N Crawford]

Here's are a couple of Pics from the Port of Hay Point just south of Mackay, Queensland, OZ. This is before they downgraded the Contract / Aircraft to an EC135 which now conducts the Marine Pilot Tranfers at Hay Point. (And yes it has PILOT on it so we always new which Heli to go to!!!!!)

http://i290.photobucket.com/albums/ll262/Alex_Crawfo/AlongsideDB3.jpg

http://i290.photobucket.com/albums/ll262/Alex_Crawfo/Mandakini004.jpg
On the Indian Crane Ship Mandakini.

http://i290.photobucket.com/albums/ll262/Alex_Crawfo/Mandakini005.jpg

Don't forget to wave to the locals

http://i290.photobucket.com/albums/ll262/Alex_Crawfo/AlongsideDB31.jpg

Landing with the ship alongside Dal Bay 3
http://i290.photobucket.com/albums/ll262/Alex_Crawfo/VRPPCQNewlandsMine007.jpg
and lastly what is wrong with this photo, anyone, anyone!:ok::ok:
Loved flying the 500

[IFMU]

What's wrong? Pilot is in the left seat. That's crazy.

-- IFMU

[Alex N Crawford]

http://i290.photobucket.com/albums/ll262/Alex_Crawfo/HeliPicsLastday47.jpg
http://i290.photobucket.com/albums/ll262/Alex_Crawfo/HeliPicsLastday48.jpg
http://i290.photobucket.com/albums/ll262/Alex_Crawfo/HeliPicsLastday49.jpg
http://i290.photobucket.com/albums/ll262/Alex_Crawfo/HeliPicsLastday50.jpg
http://i290.photobucket.com/albums/ll262/Alex_Crawfo/HeliPicsLastday51.jpg
http://i290.photobucket.com/albums/ll262/Alex_Crawfo/HeliPicsLastday52.jpg
http://i290.photobucket.com/albums/ll262/Alex_Crawfo/HeliPicsLastday53.jpg

[Evil Twin]

Engine running, no blades attached!

[Ned-Air2Air]

Nice pics Alex and nice E model I see its one of the older versions.

Ned

[jim63]

Awsome pictures!!:ok:

Got a question though,why is the helicopter in the pic above running without blades?:confused: Is there a reason for doing that?

[lelebebbel]

i assume it is to save weight and fuel burn. Greatly reduces lifting capability though.

[jim63]

Save Weighthttp://www.best-of-web.com/_images/070731-210357.jpg

Burn Fuelhttp://www.best-of-web.com/_images/070731-210357.jpg

Reduced Lifting Capabilitieshttp://www.best-of-web.com/_images/070731-210357.jpg

Well,I guess it's good to go then.

[Ned-Air2Air]

Yeah but it autos like crap :eek:

[Ag-Rotor]

Maybe the engineer did some work on the machine whilst the pilot was filling up his coffee mug after he did his daily !!:)

[jim63]

This one here looks like it might be tricky to land
http://i38.photobucket.com/albums/e143/redneckjeeper94/500e002.jpg
http://i38.photobucket.com/albums/e143/redneckjeeper94/500e012.jpg
http://i38.photobucket.com/albums/e143/redneckjeeper94/500e009.jpg

[Alex N Crawford]

Believe it or not but when you get a brand new rotor head is has to be Balanced. I only ever did it once, it was a very uncomfortable feeling, you had to be very careful with throttle movements as it was very sensitive due to the lack of inertia. Also once in the governing range it hunted like a Bast@#$.;)

AC

[Peter3127]

What a fantastic thread. I feel like donning an Hawaiian shirt, growing a moustache, narrating everything I do, driving a Ferrari and getting a couple of Dobermans. :)

Seriously though .... Beautiful photographs folks!!!

[Ag-Rotor]

I've enjoyed this thread as well, go the 500's :ok: As a driver, they're the best.

[Capt.Gonzo]

Beautiful Helicopter, great thread, great pics :D

my moustache is also about to growing :)

[Pekka]

http://i50.photobucket.com/albums/f322/pekka75/PICT0615.jpg

http://i50.photobucket.com/albums/f322/pekka75/PC100021.jpg

http://i50.photobucket.com/albums/f322/pekka75/PC100024.jpg

http://i50.photobucket.com/albums/f322/pekka75/P5140011.jpg

http://i50.photobucket.com/albums/f322/pekka75/P5140008.jpg

http://i50.photobucket.com/albums/f322/pekka75/IMG_0048.jpg

http://i50.photobucket.com/albums/f322/pekka75/IMG_0028.jpg

http://i50.photobucket.com/albums/f322/pekka75/IMG_0050.jpg

http://i50.photobucket.com/albums/f322/pekka75/DSC00146.jpg

http://i50.photobucket.com/albums/f322/pekka75/IMG_0034.jpg

http://i50.photobucket.com/albums/f322/pekka75/IMG_0051.jpg

[RVDT]

What's the STC Modification number that lets you fly without gear fairings fitted?

[Ag-Rotor]

STC-NSF-01 ( no skid fairings ) :}

[500e]

:{:{:{http://i98.photobucket.com/albums/l259/500d_2006/500.jpg

[500e]

http://i98.photobucket.com/albums/l259/500d_2006/military-500.jpg

[500e]

http://i98.photobucket.com/albums/l259/500d_2006/CIMG0620.jpg
http://i98.photobucket.com/albums/l259/500d_2006/DSCF0325.jpg

[s1lverback]

Island Hoppers, Airwolf and Howling Mad Murdoch (A-Team) inspired me as a kid. 500s are serious machines and bags of fun....if only my piggy bank would stretch to one:ok:

[BigMike]

A couple from the late Rex Forrester's books, "The Chopper Boys" and "The Helicopter Hunters" Both books about Deer recovery in New Zealand.

http://i8.photobucket.com/albums/a3/Micksphotos/JK.jpg
The late Joe Keely hovers and shoots an Armalite at the same time...

http://i8.photobucket.com/albums/a3/Micksphotos/BR.jpg
Bill Reid with a couple of "passengers" on the skids near Nelson, NZ

[BigMike]

A couple more oldies ...

http://i8.photobucket.com/albums/a3/Micksphotos/LLCatdawn.jpg
VH-LLC at Coober Pedy at dawn, outback South Australia

http://i8.photobucket.com/albums/a3/Micksphotos/sejmout0004.jpg
VH-KFZ "The Colonel" on top of Kings Canyon, Central Australia

[Ned-Air2Air]

Mike,

That top sunset one of your is superb :ok::ok:

[jim63]

http://fatfrogproaudio.com/storage/cool_paint.jpg

[CGWRA]

Nice to see a nice photo of NMG before she was burnt up :(

My dad trained alot of pilots to fly 500's in the Northern Mountain days in NMG and I almost got to fly it myself which would have been cool.

[Ned-Air2Air]

http://i54.photobucket.com/albums/g100/KiwiNed/MD%20500%20Images/1L1A5033.jpg

http://i54.photobucket.com/albums/g100/KiwiNed/MD%20500%20Images/1L1A5222.jpg

http://i54.photobucket.com/albums/g100/KiwiNed/MD%20500%20Images/1L1A6351.jpg

http://i54.photobucket.com/albums/g100/KiwiNed/MD%20500%20Images/1L1A6358.jpg

[Ned-Air2Air]

http://i54.photobucket.com/albums/g100/KiwiNed/MD%20500%20Images/1L1A4253.jpg

http://i54.photobucket.com/albums/g100/KiwiNed/MD%20500%20Images/1L1A4243.jpg

http://i54.photobucket.com/albums/g100/KiwiNed/MD%20500%20Images/1L1A4382.jpg

http://i54.photobucket.com/albums/g100/KiwiNed/MD%20500%20Images/1L1A7105.jpg

[jim63]

http://rc.runryder.com/helicopter/gallery/6013/PICT0074.jpg

[jim63]

http://i97.photobucket.com/albums/l218/wren1702/2925440170028503639tjKppS_fs.jpg

[jim63]

http://rc.runryder.com/fastphoto/306/450.jpg

[500 Fan]

Here is a Series 3 Hughes OH-6A, N239MY.

http://i306.photobucket.com/albums/nn274/Bolkow1/IMG_0526.jpg

500 Fan.

[chopjock]

Here's a couple from me
http://i884.photobucket.com/albums/ac46/chopperjockey/Photo0038.jpg?t=1268607076

http://i884.photobucket.com/albums/ac46/chopperjockey/22052008004.jpg?t=1268607491


http://http://i884.photobucket.com/albums/ac46/chopperjockey/24072009154.jpg

[Ned-Air2Air]

Great to see the old C models still looked after. Is it a C18 or C20 in that one.

Ned

[chopjock]

mine is C18 :ok: as in 18 GPH :)

[nouseforaname]

Nice D model
http://i242.photobucket.com/albums/ff112/nole9126/photo-1.jpg

http://i242.photobucket.com/albums/ff112/nole9126/DSC00101.jpg

[Ned-Air2Air]

http://i54.photobucket.com/albums/g100/KiwiNed/New%20Uploads/1L1A8177.jpg

http://i54.photobucket.com/albums/g100/KiwiNed/New%20Uploads/1L1A8222.jpg

http://i54.photobucket.com/albums/g100/KiwiNed/New%20Uploads/1L1A8236.jpg

http://i54.photobucket.com/albums/g100/KiwiNed/New%20Uploads/1L1A8267.jpg

http://i54.photobucket.com/albums/g100/KiwiNed/New%20Uploads/1L1A8270.jpg

http://i54.photobucket.com/albums/g100/KiwiNed/New%20Uploads/1L1A8271.jpg

[Ned-Air2Air]

http://i54.photobucket.com/albums/g100/KiwiNed/New%20Uploads/1L1A8272.jpg

http://i54.photobucket.com/albums/g100/KiwiNed/New%20Uploads/1L1A8277.jpg

http://i54.photobucket.com/albums/g100/KiwiNed/New%20Uploads/1L1A8280.jpg

http://i54.photobucket.com/albums/g100/KiwiNed/New%20Uploads/1L1A8282.jpg

http://i54.photobucket.com/albums/g100/KiwiNed/New%20Uploads/1L1A8285.jpg

http://i54.photobucket.com/albums/g100/KiwiNed/New%20Uploads/1L1A8286.jpg

[Ned-Air2Air]

http://i54.photobucket.com/albums/g100/KiwiNed/New%20Uploads/1L1A8287.jpg

http://i54.photobucket.com/albums/g100/KiwiNed/New%20Uploads/1L1A8289.jpg

http://i54.photobucket.com/albums/g100/KiwiNed/New%20Uploads/1L1A8292.jpg

http://i54.photobucket.com/albums/g100/KiwiNed/New%20Uploads/1L1A8294.jpg

http://i54.photobucket.com/albums/g100/KiwiNed/New%20Uploads/1L1A8295.jpg

http://i54.photobucket.com/albums/g100/KiwiNed/New%20Uploads/1L1A8317.jpg

[Ned-Air2Air]

http://i54.photobucket.com/albums/g100/KiwiNed/New%20Uploads/1L1A8321.jpg

http://i54.photobucket.com/albums/g100/KiwiNed/New%20Uploads/1L1A8324.jpg

http://i54.photobucket.com/albums/g100/KiwiNed/New%20Uploads/1L1A8330.jpg

http://i54.photobucket.com/albums/g100/KiwiNed/New%20Uploads/1L1A8338.jpg

http://i54.photobucket.com/albums/g100/KiwiNed/New%20Uploads/1L1A8342.jpg

http://i54.photobucket.com/albums/g100/KiwiNed/New%20Uploads/1L1A8345.jpg

[Ned-Air2Air]

http://i54.photobucket.com/albums/g100/KiwiNed/New%20Uploads/1L1A8346.jpg

http://i54.photobucket.com/albums/g100/KiwiNed/New%20Uploads/1L1A8358.jpg

http://i54.photobucket.com/albums/g100/KiwiNed/New%20Uploads/1L1A8361.jpg

http://i54.photobucket.com/albums/g100/KiwiNed/New%20Uploads/1L1A8362.jpg

http://i54.photobucket.com/albums/g100/KiwiNed/New%20Uploads/1L1A8366.jpg

http://i54.photobucket.com/albums/g100/KiwiNed/New%20Uploads/1L1A8368.jpg

[Hughes500]

helicopter :: Flying falcon picture by AHarvey020963 - Photobucket (http://s788.photobucket.com/albums/yy166/AHarvey020963/helicopter/?action=view&current=101M5231.jpg)

[Hughes500]

http://i788.photobucket.com/albums/yy166/AHarvey020963/helicopter/101M5231.jpg

[Hughes500]

http://i788.photobucket.com/albums/yy166/AHarvey020963/101M5241.jpg

[jim63]

http://www.policehelicopterpilot.com/picture/nightmd500dmegnaxl.jpg?pictureId=3188126&asGalleryImage=true

[chopper2004]

My visit to the MD Helicopters stand at Heli Expo last month for delivery of new MD500E to Houston PD

http://i57.photobucket.com/albums/g209/longranger/DSC07985.jpg

http://i57.photobucket.com/albums/g209/longranger/DSC07986.jpg

http://i57.photobucket.com/albums/g209/longranger/DSC07981.jpg

http://i57.photobucket.com/albums/g209/longranger/DSC07979.jpg

http://i57.photobucket.com/albums/g209/longranger/DSC07973.jpg

http://i57.photobucket.com/albums/g209/longranger/DSC07975.jpg

:ok:

[jim63]

http://rc.runryder.com/fastphoto/3509/night-1.jpg

[R44-pilot]

Jim63 I don't know if its just me mate but I can't see any of the pictures you've posted on this thread....:confused:

[jim63]

Hmmmmmm,not showing up huh? I will read through the image posting section again I suppose and try something different.
http://rc.runryder.com/fastphoto/3509/night-1.jpg

[cab driver]

http://i692.photobucket.com/albums/vv289/hughesdriver/DSCN0217.jpg?t=1269490743

http://i692.photobucket.com/albums/vv289/hughesdriver/P1020121.jpg?t=1269490833

http://i692.photobucket.com/albums/vv289/hughesdriver/DSCN0209-2.jpg?t=1269490882

[jim63]

Do these show up?
http://i986.photobucket.com/albums/ae345/jim63_photo/0820638-2.jpg?t=1269557523

http://i986.photobucket.com/albums/ae345/jim63_photo/night.jpg?t=1269558513

http://i986.photobucket.com/albums/ae345/jim63_photo/civilian20md500e20helicopter20gille.jpg?t=1269558723

[Ned-Air2Air]

Jim - Is that top pic Marshal Parkers 500E.

Ned

[jim63]

http://i986.photobucket.com/albums/ae345/jim63_photo/md500blk5.jpg?t=1269607624

http://i986.photobucket.com/albums/ae345/jim63_photo/md500blk4.jpg?t=1269607967

http://i986.photobucket.com/albums/ae345/jim63_photo/md500blk3.jpg?t=1269608396

http://i986.photobucket.com/albums/ae345/jim63_photo/md500blk2.jpg?t=1269608925

http://i986.photobucket.com/albums/ae345/jim63_photo/cool_paint.jpg?t=1269612721

[jim63]

http://i986.photobucket.com/albums/ae345/jim63_photo/2925440170028503639tjKppS_fs.jpg?t=1269635391

http://i986.photobucket.com/albums/ae345/jim63_photo/500takeoff-1.jpg?t=1269635592

Where is the pilot?
http://i986.photobucket.com/albums/ae345/jim63_photo/littlebird.jpg?t=1269649414

[fling-wing_1]

http://img190.imageshack.us/img190/7141/cameradisk125.jpg

http://img404.imageshack.us/img404/6203/cameradisk112.jpg

http://img638.imageshack.us/img638/9363/img0518f.jpg

http://img232.imageshack.us/img232/6829/firelighting2.jpg

http://img405.imageshack.us/img405/5480/huntington.jpg

http://img521.imageshack.us/img521/8440/03lg.gif

http://img411.imageshack.us/img411/79/img0545lj.jpg

[HeliNZee]

I've got a question for the 369E nuts, what was the deal with the small windows in front of the front doors? And also the horizontal fin on top of the doghouse? Was more curious about it than anything, don't often see it.
thanks

[500 Fan]

The prototype 500E had the sides of the nose glazing filled-in so maybe the small windows just forward of the doors were added to give a little extra forward vision.

The horizontal surface on top of the doghouse was a modification Hughes engineers came up with for the various military versions of the 500 fitted with mast-mounted sights. The mast-mounted sight was found to be creating turbulence over the tail area. The flat surface helped to reduce the tail buffeting. The OH-6D and 500 MD TOW/MMS helicopters were the first machines to get this modification. It appears the designers at Hughes decided to add it to the 500E because it looked good! There was no aerodynamic requirement for it. It isn't fitted to current production 500Es and 530FFs,

500 Fan.

[stringfellow]

g jive is definately NOT marshall parkers.

[Ned-Air2Air]

Stringfellow,

If that isnt MPs then that paint scheme must be very very similar to his as I thought it was identical to that which he had on the 902 he used to own in San Diego.

Ned

[yafun]

Just a first post image test...

http://teanautourist.zenfolio.com/img/v4/p102714583-5.jpg

[yafun]

http://teanautourist.zenfolio.com/img/v10/p625747037-5.jpg

http://teanautourist.zenfolio.com/img/v2/p549416658-5.jpg

http://teanautourist.zenfolio.com/img/v12/p735028690-5.jpg

http://teanautourist.zenfolio.com/img/v10/p539604462-5.jpg

http://teanautourist.zenfolio.com/img/v11/p767837857-5.jpg

[stringfellow]

hello ned!!!!

both g jive and mps machine have identical paint schemes a source of potential confusion!! as a 500 nut i can confirm i have seen both in the flesh and are indeed different aircraft.

[500 Fan]

It is interesting to see the number of MD520N Notars growing in New Zealand. It seems the Kiwis still love the 500.

How is the Notar liked by veteran 500 pilots when compared with the 500D and E models?

What kind of work is it used on, beside spraying? Is it doing everything the older 500s did or is the Notar system limiting it in any way?

I guess you might be able to get a little closer to the deer with the 520N!

Thanks.
500 Fan.

[yafun]

http://teanautourist.zenfolio.com/img/v9/p688209792-4.jpg

http://teanautourist.zenfolio.com/img/v10/p975724118-5.jpg

http://teanautourist.zenfolio.com/img/v11/p578605009-4.jpg

[mick e]

http://sphotos.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ak-snc3/hs042.snc3/12956_1286166839128_1378884215_794260_3319180_n.jpg (http://www.facebook.com/photo.php?pid=795020&id=1378884215)

[chopper2004]

From my visit to Heli Expo Anaheim, 2009::ok:

http://i57.photobucket.com/albums/g209/longranger/DSC05228.jpg

http://i57.photobucket.com/albums/g209/longranger/DSC05231.jpg

http://i57.photobucket.com/albums/g209/longranger/DSC05229.jpg

http://i57.photobucket.com/albums/g209/longranger/DSC05234.jpg

and this year to Heli Expo 2010, Houston

http://i57.photobucket.com/albums/g209/longranger/DSC07975.jpg

http://i57.photobucket.com/albums/g209/longranger/DSC07979.jpg

http://i57.photobucket.com/albums/g209/longranger/DSC07981.jpg

http://i57.photobucket.com/albums/g209/longranger/DSC07973.jpg

http://i57.photobucket.com/albums/g209/longranger/DSC07986.jpg

[skidbiter2]

Testing...ok I think its going to work for me?

Sorry about the quality, some are scans out of my old albums, and some newer pics.

http://lh5.ggpht.com/__huH_MIlWlU/S9hW8IJQBHI/AAAAAAAAAEI/UEYOOs8Mysw/s640/Tikahika%2C%20First%20trip.jpg
The good old days!

http://lh4.ggpht.com/__huH_MIlWlU/S9hR4Yliy4I/AAAAAAAAADI/_xn3ddiFu-o/s640/White%20Island.jpg
Volcanic ash anyone?

http://lh4.ggpht.com/__huH_MIlWlU/S9hRge0KOcI/AAAAAAAAADE/PqSrxveoOkU/s720/Mike%20Butcher%20dropping%20us%20off%20at%20%3F.jpg
Dam dogs!


http://lh4.ggpht.com/__huH_MIlWlU/S9hObE8PpkI/AAAAAAAAACI/bHRMqU8rZ1I/s512/Scan%20130.jpeg

http://lh4.ggpht.com/__huH_MIlWlU/S9hLv9kcNtI/AAAAAAAAABk/C_Kh3FwFFVI/s512/Scan%20120.jpeg

http://lh4.ggpht.com/__huH_MIlWlU/S9hOZfNuk1I/AAAAAAAAACE/rt7WwEKjE9M/s720/Scan%20142.jpeg

http://lh6.ggpht.com/__huH_MIlWlU/S9hSXMEJWcI/AAAAAAAAADQ/RLBAAIFrC58/s720/Scan%206.jpg

http://lh6.ggpht.com/__huH_MIlWlU/S9hUU6T-bLI/AAAAAAAAAEA/1xJWXp5gRag/s640/IMG_0695.JPG

http://lh5.ggpht.com/__huH_MIlWlU/S9hUMXkzSjI/AAAAAAAAAD4/zed9Wxc5upU/s640/IMG_0357.JPG

http://lh4.ggpht.com/__huH_MIlWlU/S9hTWyiMrNI/AAAAAAAAADw/OpbtVV_81PQ/s720/NelsonHeli11.jpg

http://lh4.ggpht.com/__huH_MIlWlU/S9hTNkZx_rI/AAAAAAAAADo/op5s7fh3ayg/s720/Waikarimoana.JPG

http://lh6.ggpht.com/__huH_MIlWlU/S9hTIoXj40I/AAAAAAAAADg/f5zTRT3red0/s512/IMG_1553.JPG

http://lh6.ggpht.com/__huH_MIlWlU/S9hS9FVVdlI/AAAAAAAAADc/KiIYaRDM1Ug/s720/img0014.JPG
I miss the fishing!

[skidbiter2]

http://lh3.ggpht.com/__huH_MIlWlU/S9hfZV5dCgI/AAAAAAAAAEk/Isc3VaBzjcc/s640/Fire%20Training%20006.jpg

[Ned-Air2Air]

Skidbiter - Those are some great old pics. The top pic of KM looks like a younger Joe Collins in there. Wasnt KM the one that Rosemary Innes-Jones ended up using in the Murupara area.

And QE I think was Jim Quirkes machine from Taupo.

Was the 4 Bladed E model Nelson Helicopters one.

Keep posting, great to see memories from the past :ok::ok:

[skidbiter2]

Ned.

It was Rosemary I-J's machine in those days I think, but not Joe flying, Think S P!
QE has been around the traps, that pic was only about 8 or so years ago.

And you are correct on the 4 blade E model, well it was theirs then, not now. :ok:

[500 Fan]

Mick E and Skidbiter2, thanks for sharing your photos. Two questions;

1. Mick, is that tuna 500 an OH-6A or a 500C, can't tell if that's a small or regular-sized window in the rear door?

2. Skid, do you know the reg of the orange-and-white 500C, marked "Foxtrot", in your second photo?

Thanks.
500 Fan.

[Ned-Air2Air]

Skidbiter - Thanks and think KM used to also be Doug Maxwells for a while before going to Rosemary.

And the Eagle E model I saw down at Blenheim for the frosts, and think its now operated by company called Windhawk.

500Fan - I think that could be HTB or similar operated out of Rotorua in the old days, maybe by guy called Armstrong, but might be wrong there. Skidbiter would know of course :ok:

I think also the tuna boat 500 is a C model.

[skidbiter2]

The orange & white C model was "HTB", Robert Fleming of Waimana was the owner then. He started doing the flights out to White Island way back when.

Heres a few more old C model scans from the album...... not exciting action at all but they hold great memories for me and they are 500's after all. :ok:

http://lh6.ggpht.com/__huH_MIlWlU/S9iuvsu3fnI/AAAAAAAAAF0/r8iYPL1SCpE/s640/Pig%20getting%20dropped%20off%20from%20Kahanui%20hunt%2C%20M oanui.jpg

http://lh4.ggpht.com/__huH_MIlWlU/S9iuykuhTnI/AAAAAAAAAF4/lrIKUEPi4aI/s640/Getting%20dropped%20off%2C%20Waiengakia.jpg

http://lh5.ggpht.com/__huH_MIlWlU/S9ivAVVvqiI/AAAAAAAAAF8/aMp6rtsYz9s/s720/Getting%20droped%20off%2C%20Tikahika%20Hill%20Top.jpg

http://lh3.ggpht.com/__huH_MIlWlU/S9ivKAs6f_I/AAAAAAAAAGA/oPKwtBPzM5A/s720/Pete%20%26%20I%20getting%20Dropped%20in%20the%20Kohaka.jpg

http://lh6.ggpht.com/__huH_MIlWlU/S9iuqtFzXxI/AAAAAAAAAFw/9SRdcS-bIX0/s640/Steve%20Podjurskys%20Place.jpg

[Ned-Air2Air]

Wasnt LL Simon Greens mount before they changed it to a green and orange scheme or something similar.

[skidbiter2]

I'm not sure about HLL.

[mick e]

500 Fan- Yes it was a C model. Believe it or not there are still alot of OH-6 airframes flying off the tuna boats. At last count there were 51 C or OH-6 models flying off the Pacific purse seiners, depending on how many crashed in the last few days :}

Was ZK-HLY the machine involved with the "Operation Ragwort" affair???

[skidbiter2]

I cant remember what machine was involved in that?

[500 Fan]

Mike, Ned and Skid, thanks for all the info.

Mike, please post any more photos you have of tuna 500s. Do you have a photo of the ex-Danish Air Force 500M being used on tuna work now, still in it's camouflage?

Skid, don't worry about any lack of action in your photos. It is great to see colour photos of many of the helicopters that feature in B&W in Rex Forrseter's book. If you have more photos from the peak of the venison days, please post them.

Thanks.

[500 Fan]

Here is a link to a small set of five photos of a Viking Helicopters 500C on floats. Each photo has a nice little narrative. The classic Hughes factory paint scheme still looks good.

Gas-hungry helicopter being refuelled at Cape Dorset airstrip on Flickr - Photo Sharing! (http://www.flickr.com/photos/19787482@N04/3856048803/)

500 Fan.

[RVDT]

Fan,

To be precise that is not a C model.

Fibreglass TR blades like a 300 means C-18 engine.

The "C" has metal cambered TR blades (Frank Robinson?) and normally a C-20 engine although early ones had C-18's. The "C" frame had a 3 cluster instrument panel as the engine oil pressure gauge was changed to a separate instrument. Older aircraft could be upgraded by fitting the cambered TR blades, and using the "C" flight manual with appropriate data for the engine installed.

[CGWRA]

those tr blades look metal to me

[500 Fan]

I was sure that CF-TUP was a 500C. That begs the question; how many different versions are there in the civilian four-blade, Y-Tail series? Leaving out the 500M military version, I reckon there are 3 versions of the pre-D Model 500.

1. The very first was converted from the OH-6A and had the larger window over the rear door, resulting in a smaller rear door than later models (the same size door fitted to the OH-6A but with a larger window). The instrument panel was modified from the T-shape into the vertical-column style panel. Was fitted with the C-18 engine with engine-starting from the left collective. I could be wrong, but I believe this was certified as the Hughes 369A and marketed as the Hughes 500. The first of these was registered N9000F. These were possibly the airframes built for civilian customers from 1968 until sometime in 1970 (at a guess).

2. The next version, which is the one featured in the Canadian photos above, was certified as the Hughes 369HE and was still marketed as the Hughes 500. This version still had the C-18 engine but received the taller rear door with the smaller over-head window. As RVDT states, with a few mid-life upgrades, could then become the Hughes 500C.

3. The last version that I reckon they came up with was certified as the Hughes 369HS and was marketed as the Hughes 500C. C-20 engine and metal tail rotor blades. The ultimate Y-Tail version.

I reckon the difference between the HE and the HS is down to different engines (C-18 versus C-20), but I don't know this for sure. Is this stated or confirmed in the Pilot's Operating Handbook for the type and what else, if anything, differentiated the two?

Just to muddy the waters further, there is (or was) a 500C for sale in Canada with a C-20B engine fitted!

500 Fan.

[RVDT]

Fan,

A 369A is an OH6.

A 369HE is an "Executive" version of the 369HS, the only difference being the interior trim panels, and the 369HM is a military version with a different wiring harness etc. All these aircraft have a civilian FAA type certificate.

C20B engines can be installed in place of a C20 as long as C20 limitations are observed. Try finding C20 parts these days!

CGWRA

The spar of the blades is steel but the skin is fibreglass very similar to a 300. I doubt you can find them any more.

Fibreglass blades (http://www.flickr.com/photos/19787482@N04/3856851496/sizes/l/in/set-72157621981709935/)

[chopjock]

3. The last version that I reckon they came up with was certified as the Hughes 369HS and was marketed as the Hughes 500C. C-20 engine and metal tail rotor blades. The ultimate Y-Tail version.

Well my 369HS has a C18 in it. :}:)

[500 Fan]

"Well my 369HS has a C18 in it."

I am more confused than ever. :ugh: My guess on which version is which was way off!

Has anyone here flown the 500 with the original fibreglass tail-rotor? Did it have even less authority than the current metal blades?

I have been lucky enough to get a few hours on a 500 and the right pedal spot turns have to be watched carefully. At least when you compare them with the same manoeuvre in the R44. The tail rotor on the R44 has so much authority that we are spoiled. Moving on to the 206 or 500 requires careful attention when it comes to the tail-rotor.

500 Fan.

[spinwing]

Mmmmm ...

My original type conversion to the '500' was done (1976) on an "A" model that is 369A and it was NOT an OH6 (OH6 was flown from the RH seat).

It had the 'fibre glass' blades a C18 engine and IIRC 2500 lb (?) MTOW.

We soon upgraded the company fleet to C20 engines to eliminate the high TOT problems associated with distorting compressor scroll back plates which caused no end of aggravation with our bush operations in outback Australia in the mid '70's.

We also went with the metal (and Bungee assisted) Tail rotor blades as soon as they became available to overcome the "full left pedal & nothing is happening" effect ... this I think also allowed the MTOW to increase (??).

Also flew all sorts of versions in PNG ... 369 C, D, E & F (big engine, extended tail boom etc).

Mmmm .... had a lot of fun in the 500 .... those were the days ..... :D

:}

[Hughes500]

500 fan, you are joking, D or E model tail rotor way better than an R44. Will happily do spot turns in a 500 in 30 + kts of wind much easier than an R44 !
You will have to use more pedal granted, as she has a powerful tail rotor on a short tailboom, than an R44

[500 Fan]

"500 Fan, you are joking"

No, I'm afraid not. My experience is limited to a privately-owned OH-6A with metal TR blades. Probably part of the problem is the less powerful engine (and the shorter tail-boom than the R44). Never had the pleasure to get any time on a D or E, unfortunately. It's interesting to read about all the small differences between each version. Thanks.

500 Fan.

[Hughes500]

500 fan

There is no way an R44 tail totor is better than a 500 one. Have flown all models of the family other than an OH6 which is the same for all intense purposes as a 369HS. Have only 50 ish hours on an R44 and about 2000 on 500's I know which I would prefer to spot turn in a strong wind

[500 Fan]

My lack of experience on the H500 is accounting for my assessment of R44 versus H500 TR performance. There is only one way to find out how good the H500 TR really is: Lots of 500 time! :ok: Here's hoping.

500 Fan.

[Hedge36]

You guys really need to stop with this thread, already... the doctor tells me that if this newfound condition of mine lasts for more than four hours, I'm to seek immediate medical attention - and I can't afford it.

Please, stop.

[Ned-Air2Air]

Lets get back to posting pics of 500s :ok:

http://i54.photobucket.com/albums/g100/KiwiNed/a3-2.jpg

http://i54.photobucket.com/albums/g100/KiwiNed/Kuwait03.jpg

http://i54.photobucket.com/albums/g100/KiwiNed/Misc/gg397.jpg

http://i54.photobucket.com/albums/g100/KiwiNed/Misc/gg384.jpg

http://i54.photobucket.com/albums/g100/KiwiNed/HeliTorque/air2air_72.jpg

http://i54.photobucket.com/albums/g100/KiwiNed/HeliTorque/air2air_570.jpg

http://i54.photobucket.com/albums/g100/KiwiNed/HeliTorque/air2air_658.jpg

[500 Fan]

This set of photos has been updated with additional photos of CF-TUP and its water sampling system as well as new photos of C-GOEE, with an externally-mounted hand-operated winch. I think it might have those pesky metal tail rotor blades as well!:ok:

Cape Dorset, Baffin Island, 1975 - a set on Flickr (http://www.flickr.com/photos/19787482@N04/sets/72157621981709935/)


500 Fan.

[HeliNZee]

heres a few from my collection, they are also scanned from old photos so excuse the quality
Jeff Sayer, Palliser Bay 1982
http://img62.imageshack.us/img62/84/heli12001.jpg (http://img62.imageshack.us/i/heli12001.jpg/)

Faram Helicopters operated from Masterton, Joes bivvy Tararuas
http://img535.imageshack.us/img535/2299/heli2001.jpg (http://img535.imageshack.us/i/heli2001.jpg/)

Les Maas, Branch River Marlborough
http://img442.imageshack.us/img442/8882/heli9001.jpg (http://img442.imageshack.us/i/heli9001.jpg/)

Amalgamated Helicopters, Totara Flats I believe -Tararua Forest Park
http://img709.imageshack.us/img709/9639/heli4001.jpg (http://img709.imageshack.us/i/heli4001.jpg/)

Jeff Sayer, Putangirua Pinnacles
http://img232.imageshack.us/img232/5599/heli15001.jpg (http://img232.imageshack.us/i/heli15001.jpg/)

My uncles 500, based out of Teharoto, Hawkes Bay
http://img42.imageshack.us/img42/7700/heli13001.jpg (http://img42.imageshack.us/i/heli13001.jpg/)

http://img94.imageshack.us/img94/2916/heli10001.jpg (http://img94.imageshack.us/i/heli10001.jpg/)
Jeff Sayer, Rimutaka fire 1982
http://img62.imageshack.us/img62/1458/heli8001.jpg (http://img62.imageshack.us/i/heli8001.jpg/)

Joe Keeley, Taupo 1982
http://img46.imageshack.us/img46/370/heli7001.jpg (http://img46.imageshack.us/i/heli7001.jpg/)

Jason Diedrichs, Tararuas
http://img402.imageshack.us/img402/9393/heli3001.jpg (http://img402.imageshack.us/i/heli3001.jpg/)
Duncan Sutherland, Kime Hut Tararuas ZK-HOM
http://img12.imageshack.us/img12/8153/001lsh.jpg (http://img12.imageshack.us/i/001lsh.jpg/)

[Scissorlink]

Great pics....any chance of some info with each one? who, what, where :)

[HeliNZee]

Done :)All photos were taken by Joe Hansen

[500 Fan]

Heli, thanks for that great set of Venison machines. The V on HPG is interesting! Is HMR an ex-Alpine Helicopters Ltd machine? Thanks for posting these photos.

500 Fan.

[HeliNZee]

I'm not to sure on the origins of HMR, it could well be though. Heres an interesting photo, its either the same machine or a co-incidence...

http://img14.imageshack.us/img14/4974/hughes500d001.jpg (http://img14.imageshack.us/i/hughes500d001.jpg/)

http://img710.imageshack.us/img710/3653/p5396044625.jpg (http://img710.imageshack.us/i/p5396044625.jpg/)

[Scissorlink]

Thanks for that, great to have some info with them:ok:

The last pic of Hollows machine is a sweet paint job

[mick e]

500 fan, I never heard of that ex-Danish Air Force machine sorry, could be out there somewhere though, it's a big ocean...

I will have a scratch around and I may post a few more pics from the wild fishing ground in the next while.

[EBCAU]

FYI, the original ZK-HJO, as depicted in it's Air Contracts livery, ended up in the Cook Strait in the 1980's after engine failure enroute to Nelson. The second HJO in those pic's must be another machine.

[HeliNZee]

thanks for the info, I hate to think how many have crashed over the years in NZ. Speaking of which on a hard landing heres what happened when the main rotors hit the tail, before and after... Even the rescue 300 got into strife but thats another story

http://img59.imageshack.us/img59/2773/heli17001.jpg (http://img59.imageshack.us/i/heli17001.jpg/)

http://img232.imageshack.us/img232/8190/heli18001.jpg (http://img232.imageshack.us/i/heli18001.jpg/)

[Ned-Air2Air]

Didnt Noel Boyd end up flying HMT out of Kaikoura for a long time, obviously after the merger of Wishart, Alpine and Whirlwide into the Helicopter Line.

[EMS R22]

HeliNZee, loving the old pics mate keep em coming!!:ok:

[Scissorlink]

Even the rescue 300 got into strife but thats another story

Start typing :)

[HeliNZee]

well have a look at the tip of the right hand skid, it didn't make contact with HMT but it did get caught under something on take off ;)
not much of a story but got caught up in some tussock when lifting off and dramatically flipped so the story goes.
found a few more pics, will scan them tomorrow

[500 Fan]

Mick E, the only reference I have of the ex-Danish H500 is from a long-range photo of the tuna boat, Sea Quest, from Issue 64 of Heliops International magazine.

HeliNZee, thanks for those new venison 500 shots, please keep them coming.

500 Fan.

[HeliNZee]

Alpine hunting, west coast, Brian McBride

http://img31.imageshack.us/img31/3589/img1258ag.jpg (http://img31.imageshack.us/i/img1258ag.jpg/)

current amalgamated helicopters machine, Jason Diedrichs
http://img684.imageshack.us/img684/8373/img3229r.jpg (http://img684.imageshack.us/i/img3229r.jpg/)

http://img232.imageshack.us/img232/1246/img1031h.jpg (http://img232.imageshack.us/i/img1031h.jpg/)


more to come

[tbtstt]

Top thread! Big fan of the 500 series, great to see so many excellent images of them in one place.

These aren't my pictures, but it just isn't a 500 thread without some "Little Birds" in there...

http://www.twicerobin.com/images/AH-6J2small.jpg

Photo 1 (http://img338.imageshack.us/img338/1710/297380242c05629cf49er3.jpg)

Photo 2 (http://img.blog.yahoo.co.kr/ybi/1/24/56/shinecommerce/folder/82/img_82_8983_0?1191901058.jpg)

[HeliNZee]

Tora coast, wairarapa. Me and Mum, 1979
http://img269.imageshack.us/img269/1235/heli28001.jpg (http://img269.imageshack.us/i/heli28001.jpg/)

HMR load of fencing materials, Makara 1982

http://img14.imageshack.us/img14/3079/heli26001.jpg (http://img14.imageshack.us/i/heli26001.jpg/)

Amalgamated helicopter HMG, Mt Dagg, Tararuas
http://img63.imageshack.us/img63/5550/heli23001.jpg (http://img63.imageshack.us/i/heli23001.jpg/)

Faram helicopters, HNR mid Waohine, Tararuas
http://img190.imageshack.us/img190/8310/heli22001.jpg (http://img190.imageshack.us/i/heli22001.jpg/)

Amalgamated, HOM loading from a helidam
http://img202.imageshack.us/img202/9018/heli21001.jpg (http://img202.imageshack.us/i/heli21001.jpg/)

HOM, waohine river, tararuas
http://img293.imageshack.us/img293/9331/heli19001.jpg (http://img293.imageshack.us/i/heli19001.jpg/)

[Scissorlink]

Some of the nicer days in the Tararua's :)

[HeliNZee]

you can't see the wind ;)

[HeliNZee]

can anyone fill in the who, what, where on this one? place your bets now...

http://img100.imageshack.us/img100/3252/heli29001.jpg (http://img100.imageshack.us/i/heli29001.jpg/)

[Ned-Air2Air]

Well its obviously a C model and with the G on the side it must have been HMT and presume it was when Noel Boyd was flying it. Not sure where though.

[Hughes500]

Nice to see the egg is in tact, they are built like the brick out house !:ok:

[Granny]

Ned2Ned
It certainly wasn't Noel Boyd, Your assumption that just because it was a C model and had a G on it! it was Noel is far wide of the mark and a bit insulting to a guy that spent a lifetime on venison and never bent anything. The same letters were issued to operators,remeber there were more than 26 venison operators back then,the background colour of the circle is also a determining factor of the operator.
My guess is it is ZK-HPS in the central north island.

[HeliNZee]

Welldone Granny, a very accurate guess. Won't name names but cause of crash was coming into land too hot and too heavy. 5 POB all walked away.

http://img691.imageshack.us/img691/6919/heli31001.jpg

http://img26.imageshack.us/img26/1667/heli30001.jpg

[Ned-Air2Air]

Granny,

Fair call, I never knew if Noel had pranged anything or not and was just going by the fact I knew that the machines he flew had a G on them. Thats all. No offence to Noel.

I actually did a photo shoot with HPS later on when it was Black and silver and based on the west coast with MM.

Ned

[Scissorlink]

Do you know excactly where that crashed Helinzee? Was it near the Taupo/Napier road??

[HeliNZee]

Yep you've got the where, was south of napier taupo road, stoney creek in the Kawekas

[Biggles78]

Any of you guys around during the "Venison Wars" in the 70's when sand "accidently" got ingested into the oil? That era got me interested in a Rotary licence but then they change a CPL from 50 hours to 150. Made it too expensive for me then.

Mid 80's a friend was flying a PA28R in cruise when he was VERY surprised to have a 500D whizz passed him. :eek: Later worked out the 500 must have seen him and built up some kts in a dive to get passed so easily. :D:D (Cruise on the PA28R was 125kts) Was fairly funny at the time.

I saw it mentioned earlier but The Chopper Boys is a MUST read for anyone interested in rotating wings. An absolutely brilliant book and I am annoyed I donated my copy to the Canterbury Aero Club when they were creating an aviation library. :ugh:

And I see post #89 is proof that the Black Helicopters do exist!! :ooh:

[HeliNZee]

Wild bull capture, big red wouldn't move. Ramond Humphries, Pahaoa
http://img245.imageshack.us/img245/8554/heli36001.jpg (http://img245.imageshack.us/i/heli36001.jpg/)


live capture, western lake Wairarapa. Note the fishing reel with the wire used for shooting the deer and stunning them with a nasty electric shock
http://img35.imageshack.us/img35/16/heli35001.jpg (http://img35.imageshack.us/i/heli35001.jpg/)


HVE Palliser Bay 1985
http://img442.imageshack.us/img442/7136/heli34001.jpg (http://img442.imageshack.us/i/heli34001.jpg/)


Washpool stream, Aorangis
http://img156.imageshack.us/img156/3052/heli33001.jpg (http://img156.imageshack.us/i/heli33001.jpg/)


HOM Palliser Bay 1994
http://img227.imageshack.us/img227/2241/heli32001.jpg (http://img227.imageshack.us/i/heli32001.jpg/)

[Scissorlink]

Nice Pics, those blades from HPS are still there

[Ned-Air2Air]

Great seeing pics from the old days. Doug Maxwell looks young there :}

[HeliNZee]

yeah I had heard there were some remains still there, amazing they rebuilt that machine!
Haven't got many more pics of different choppers, alot more of the same ones doing various things if anyone's interested?

[ChopperFAN]

These specific model range threads are great... Always great pics and discussion

If you have the time to post then we appreciate that

Thanks Simon :ok:

[5Blades]

alot more of the same ones doing various things if anyone's interested?

Go Nuts :ok:

[HeliNZee]

parking at a premium, TeAwaite- Wairarapa
http://img52.imageshack.us/img52/1904/heli37001.jpg (http://img52.imageshack.us/i/heli37001.jpg/)

Pararaki Hut, Aorangis
http://img4.imageshack.us/img4/9882/heli24001.jpg (http://img4.imageshack.us/i/heli24001.jpg/)

Jeff Sayer, Pararaki Hut riverbed, 1983
http://img232.imageshack.us/img232/7177/heli11001.jpg (http://img232.imageshack.us/i/heli11001.jpg/)

Jason Diedrichs, Tararuas

http://img696.imageshack.us/img696/1862/heli5001.jpg (http://img696.imageshack.us/i/heli5001.jpg/)

[HeliNZee]

Amalgamated HQ
http://img18.imageshack.us/img18/157/heli20001.jpg (http://img18.imageshack.us/i/heli20001.jpg/)

ZK-INZ leaving a trail of blood
http://img100.imageshack.us/img100/1828/amal2.jpg (http://img100.imageshack.us/i/amal2.jpg/)

Jason Diedrichs, Tararuas
http://img17.imageshack.us/img17/4718/amal1.jpg (http://img17.imageshack.us/i/amal1.jpg/)

[500 Fan]

HeliNZee, thanks for all the great photos. Do you know if Doug Maxwell is still flying?

500 Fan.

[Ned-Air2Air]

I think Doug still is, living around Alexandra. Last time I heard of him he had an R22 and was over doing some mustering around Minaret Station, but that was a while ago.

Obviously the guys down south will know more.

[Senior Pilot]

Ned (or any other Kiwi),

Can you explain to us the significance of the letter within a red circle that is apparent on so many of the NZ 500's?

Thanks

[500 Fan]

Thanks Ned. He featured in South Coast Production's DVD on the R22 from a few years back so I guess he is still flying those. One of NZ's legendary pilots! Was that him flying HMB in the opening scene for "The Race for The Yankee Zephyr"?

z8zmMauv3nA

He fairly let that 500 know who was boss!

500 Fan.

[mick e]

Doug lives somewhere near Roxburgh, Central Otago. As far as I know he owns an R22 and does work like cherry drying, frost protection, mustering and alot of pest control work, esp rabbits. They are EVERYWHERE in that area and farmers around there think that the only good rabbit is a dead one.

The New Zealand Forest Service (now Department of Conservation) made all operators involved in deer recovery plaster those letters on the side, when poaching was rife in the industry. I think it was required from the very early 80's until the mid 90's. Of course alot of the dodgy operators just covered it over when they were breaking the law, one operator even stashed a spare set of 'clam shell doors' in the bush near his base. They would land shortly after take off and just swap them before poaching deer on farms and other places they were not meant to be.

[Ned-Air2Air]

Joe Keehley was a great one with the clamshells, he used to have the letter V allocated to him and I saw it as the Fingers (giving you the bird) one time and then it was the ears of the Playboy bunny another. I know of another operator who used to stick a cardboard letter over his letter so if anyone saw him they reported the wrong letter :ok:

I know who u are talking about with the clamshell door spares sitting in the bush, even was in the back of the machine when he did that ;)

500Fan - Not sure if thats Doug flying HMB. Judging by the paint scheme its one of the old Alpine machines and could have been him or Dick Deaker or Hannibal Hayes. Some of the other kiwis on here might know for sure.

Ned

[Granny]

It was Doug Maxwell flying and Kevin Hallet was the shooter.

[HeliNZee]

here's one of them here Ned
http://img46.imageshack.us/img46/370/heli7001.jpg

[HeliNZee]

here's one that popped in yesterday, privately own by a wellington guy. I wonder how many C models there are left in NZ? And check out the rear doors??? Must be a fairly old machine to still have nav lights on the steps, or which model had them there? I seen a few with and without.

http://img203.imageshack.us/img203/7817/p5150190.jpg

[Ned-Air2Air]

I wonder if its a 369HS model.

[RVDT]

Well the data plate is evidently. Maybe the early KHI machines were built in the US with a Hughes number and later a KHI number.

JA9047

Hughes 369HS 119-0214S 11/69 build date.
Kawasaki-Hughes 369HS 6609

Nice old picture of PG Tips!

I wonder how many C models there are left in NZ?

About 32!

[HeliNZee]

Didn't realise there would be 32 left?? thats alot!
Yeah saw it was a 369HS, have never seen the doors before, it did a few years in Guam so maybe its a mod they did?
heres some more anyway...

http://img526.imageshack.us/img526/3663/heli42001.jpg (http://img526.imageshack.us/i/heli42001.jpg/)

Tarn Ridge Hut, Tararuas
http://img294.imageshack.us/img294/5862/heli41001.jpg (http://img294.imageshack.us/i/heli41001.jpg/)

HOM in its AMP rescue scheme, Alec Forysth
http://img9.imageshack.us/img9/5792/heli40001.jpg (http://img9.imageshack.us/i/heli40001.jpg/)

HYO, Tony Nightingale 1991. Anyone know where this is these days?
http://img704.imageshack.us/img704/9246/heli39001.jpg (http://img704.imageshack.us/i/heli39001.jpg/)

[Ned-Air2Air]

I think the machine went north and the rego ended up on an AS350 that Tony got.

[RVDT]

HYO->IDP->ILO->HCD?

I'll get my coat!

[HeliNZee]

well well well, there it is, down in Christchurch. Wonder how many of the old ones in my photos are still intact?

[perfrej]

The 500 was my second turbine type rating and has always been one of my favorite machines to fly.

SE-JBV was sold to, I beleive, The Philipines. Here parked close to my home:

http://dl.frejvall.se/se-jbv5.jpg

SE-JDI ended up in the US. Here on Christmas Eve 2000...

http://dl.frejvall.se/se-jdi2.jpg

SE-JBF was only in Sweden for a short while before being sold to Finland. Brand new at the time (1995):

http://dl.frejvall.se/sc17.jpg

An then one from the US, N268ST from Chin in Carlsbad, CA. Extremely well maintained and super quiet with the four--bladed tail. I've heard it is no more...

http://dl.frejvall.se/n268st2.jpg

Finally, one from the factory in Mesa. I visited in the summer of '99 (yikes, time flies!)

http://dl.frejvall.se/md1.jpg

[Yellow & Blue Baron]

For 500 Fan and other fans of the 500 series.

http://cdn-www.airliners.net/aviation-photos/middle/2/2/2/1788222.jpg (http://www.pprune.org/photo/Finland---Army/MD-Helicopters-MD-500E/1788222/L/&sid=0243297d8005a687f63d1dabd284c461)

Finish Army MD500E (369E) of the Utti Jaeger Helicopter Battalion.

YBB
http://www.icelandexpress.is/is/upload/images/iceland_express/destinations/swedish-flag-67x.jpg

[Yellow & Blue Baron]

http://www.ifa.hawaii.edu/images/aerial-tour/helicopter-68.jpg

Aerial photographer Richard Wainscoat next to the Hu500D he used for photographic assignment in America

http://cdn-www.airliners.net/aviation-photos/middle/7/7/2/1282277.jpg (http://www.pprune.org/photo/HT-Helikoptertransport-AB/Hughes-500D-(369D)/1282277/L/&sid=80756df3eb62745acc51fb955defc523)

HU500D Se-HUU of HT Helikopertransport AB seen here at Västerås in Hamre, Sweden

http://cdn-www.airliners.net/aviation-photos/middle/5/4/7/1786745.jpg (http://www.pprune.org/photo/Stockholms-Helikoptertjanst-AB/MD-Helicopters-MD-500E/1786745/L/&sid=4c96fbc46ff6dc6770bfeec577e78158)

MD500E SE-JNB in Västerås - Sept 2010

[500e]

Like the steps :confused:

[Yellow & Blue Baron]

I tried asking a friend what was attached to JNB but we could not find the answer!

If you like 500's with things stuck to them then how about this:

http://content4.thomsonaviation.thewebshowroom.com.au/media/pics/site/imagecache/C91696DAAFD150A6DD6F04B8862D47F8.JPG

[meloni]

What the hell is that thing!! :eek::eek:

[mfriskel]

How do you think 300s are made?

[Earl of Rochester]

How do you think 300s are made?

My thoughts exactly!

What the hell is that thing!!

It is a radiometric survey antenna. Radiometric surveys detect and map natural radioactive emanations, called gamma rays, from rocks and soils. All detectable gamma radiation from earth materials come from the natural decay products of only three elements, i.e. uranium, thorium, and potassium. In parallel with the magnetic method, that is capable of detecting and mapping only magnetite (and occasionally pyrrhotite) in soils and rocks, so the radiometric method is capable of detecting only the presence of U, Th, and K at the surface of the ground.

The basic purpose of radiometric surveys is to determine either the absolute or relative amounts of U, Th., and K in the surface rocks and soils and which data is useful for geological interpretation.

In a sentance; radiometrics are used for airborne mineral surveys!

Earl

[vaqueroaero]

To The Earl, with regards to 268ST - indeed she is no more.

LAX06LA015 (http://www.ntsb.gov/ntsb/brief2.asp?ev_id=20051028X01753&ntsbno=LAX06LA015&akey=1)

She's in my logbook also.

[Hughes500]

I have heard of fast cars being a substitute for a penis extension but this is taking th episs !!

[Hell Man]

To the Earl!

I think you may find that the protrusion is in fact a magnatometer (which is pretty much the same thing just responsive to magnetie as you mentioned).

Here's a photo of a D model on a mag survey trying to locate underground water reserves in New Mexico

Photo tooo large for PPruNe so view here: http://blogidaho.biz/helisunset.jpg

http://home.flash.net/~afernand/hughes_500c.jpg

http://cdn-www.airliners.net/aviation-photos/photos/3/9/1/0960193.jpg

HM

[Yellow & Blue Baron]

Earl;

I like this post :ok: and say well done for many of your other posts which I like reading. :D

I had hoped that as you had 500s for Finland, Danmark and Iceland that there would also be one for Sweden!

YBB
http://www.icelandexpress.is/is/upload/images/iceland_express/destinations/swedish-flag-67x.jpg

[Dip-dop]

Earl - love those last photos. As a kid I lived in Sywell through the '70s and spent much of my school holidays playing round the airfield industrial estate (it was the '70s..) and motel. I remember watching the 500s in awe and on one occasion having one of the Sloane engineers explain to me about its 'jet' engine - it was always my favourite helicopter after that!

Sorry for the nostalgia

DipDop

(btw I wonder what happened to the crop spraying Hillers that used to be parked there?)

[Dip-dop]

Just been waiting for the right moment, and being a mere frustrated wannabe pplh that was probably it!

One day, when my ship comes in (or the kids move out maybe...)

In the meantime I shall lurk on.

Cheers

Dip-dop
(2 posts now)

[Savoia]

http://cdn-www.airliners.net/aviation-photos/middle/0/1/6/1803610.jpg

Breda Nardi NH500MC MM81053 di Guardia di Finanza a Cristoforo Colombo Genoa (GOA) 2010

[spinwing]

Mmmm ...

Nice to see a pic of VH-BAG ..... I've got quite a few hours in her and her stable mate VH-BAD .... though in this pic I can't quite make out out who is flying her (it could be Leigh Hornsby ... in his skinnier days).

Those machine did heaps of work in their day ... they also went to the Antarctic after Vowell won the contract from Jayrow in '76 ...

Ahhhh .... those were the days :D

[Earl of Rochester]

http://www.ucosm.com/helicopter/md500_m.jpg

[Zishelix]

One of few MD500 in Croatia during turbulent '90s...

http://img809.imageshack.us/img809/5616/md500d.jpg

[KiwiBoyZac]

What an incredible range of photos! It is wonderful to see so many different 500s, and some of them at various points in their life! The photo of ZK-HLL is its yellow scheme is especially exciting, HLL is a recurring memory in my childhood and was the first 500 I came into contact with as a child.

This may be a bit out of left-field, but does anyone have images of any of these machines? - N4EE, N9103F, C-GXJB, N3961H, N6295P?

Keep the photos coming guys, odd to see so few OH-6As though...I would have thought there would be more, sheriff's machines etc.

http://i15.photobucket.com/albums/a388/ZacYates/Wanaka%202010/satDSC_0162.jpg




http://i15.photobucket.com/albums/a388/ZacYates/Wanaka%202010/satDSC_0143.jpg




http://i15.photobucket.com/albums/a388/ZacYates/Wanaka%202010/friDSC_0095.jpg




http://i15.photobucket.com/albums/a388/ZacYates/Wanaka%202010/satDSC_0022.jpg


The above photos taken by me, Warbirds Over Wanaka Easter 2010.

[HeliNZee]

N4EE, N9103F, C-GXJB, N3961H, N6295P
have any of them been registered in NZ in their life?

[Earl of Rochester]

.. odd to see so few OH-6As though...I would have thought there would be more, sheriff's machines etc.



http://cdn-www.airliners.net/aviation-photos/middle/1/3/8/1256831.jpg (http://www.pprune.org/photo/Snohomish-County-Sheriff/Hughes-OH-6A-Cayuse/1256831/L/&sid=4ef9476ef8f851ab1e9f2540a5717b88)

Snohomish County Sheriff's Department OH-6A Cayuse N13SD

http://cdn-www.airliners.net/aviation-photos/middle/9/5/5/0700559.jpg (http://www.pprune.org/photo/Gainesville-Police-Department/Hughes-OH-6A-Cayuse/0700559/L/&sid=4ef9476ef8f851ab1e9f2540a5717b88)

Gainesville Police Department OH-6A Cayuse N911GP

http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/en/2/28/N53HC.png

Hernando County Sheriff's Department OH-6A Cayuse N53HC

[KiwiBoyZac]

They haven't....as far as I'm aware! All except for N4EE were/are one machine, that which featured in the TV move "Birds Of Prey". N4EE played a similar role in a very similar subsequent production, "Deadly Encounter". So that I can fulfil my wish to document the various machines' lives and make models, I would very much like to see photos of them....if available!

[RVDT]

4 blade T/R on an OH6?

[Earl of Rochester]

You may recall back in the day when the HAI initiated its 'Fly Neighbourly' (or 'neighborly' as they spell it in the US) campaign.

In an effort to try and reduce noise the Snohomish (really, where do they get these names) County Sheriff's Department 'stuck' on the asymmetrical 500 t/r assembly.

How much noise reduction it actually provides I honestly don't know!

Earl

[Hell Man]

http://helpingsoar.com/images/AH6.jpg

MD500 Defender givin it some heat!

http://www.airguitar.com.au/Devil%20Skull_small2.jpg

[Hedge36]

Earl: The names of many local counties and districts come from the native tribes who once owned all the property :ok: Snohomish is an easy one - there are a bunch.
(http://www.accessgenealogy.com/native/washington/)

[Earl of Rochester]

Hedge thanks. Intriguing!

In an earlier post I was grumbling about the name of Florida's airport 'Opa Locka' .. until I discovered it was a contraction of .. "Opa Tishwa Woka Locka" :eek:

[Hedge36]

I often press members of various Florida communities to show me the historical basis for the names of their towns... most can't, so I tend to chalk it up to a big joke on someone's part :p

Then again, I'm from a small town in Alaska, the name of which is loosely based on a native term for "moose's a**".

[diethelm]

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v202/diethelm/IMG_0525.jpg

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v202/diethelm/IMG_0530.jpg

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v202/diethelm/IMG_0147.jpg

[mfriskel]

Take another look at the OH-6. Looks like both a 5 blade MR and a 4 blade TR on an OH-6 airframe. Look up "the quiet one" project from Viet Nam days and you will find that configuration, as well as sound deadoning for the engine area. I wonder if that serial number was one of those machines bailed to Air America during that project. The actual mission for that design was to execute a wire-tap with no-one knowing about it. Interesting reading.
Air America's Black Helicopter | Military Aviation | Air & Space Magazine (http://www.airspacemag.com/military-aviation/the_quiet_one.html)
http://www.pprune.org/rotorheads/233075-quiet-one-used-cia-mission-vietnam.html

[Earl of Rochester]

http://www.warbirdregistry.org/heloregistry/images/oh6-6617825-main.jpg

Snohomish County Sheriff Department's OH6A N13SD does seem to be fitted with non-standard blades (for a Cayuse or even 'C' model) .. the main rotors are clealy devoid of the weights normally seen on the underside inboard section and the above image does appear to suggest that she may be fitted with a five blade main rotor assembly but .. no beanie .. which is also unusual!

[Hell Man]

http://lh4.ggpht.com/__dRpfF8qlVM/TPHWXf6hkTI/AAAAAAAAAFo/OgGEIwDC2J4/s720/GSHT%20Yellowknife%20a.jpg

http://lh5.ggpht.com/__dRpfF8qlVM/TPHWiyaUGoI/AAAAAAAAAFs/vbiIC0kaFFw/s720/GSHT%20Yellowknife%20b.jpg

GSH's polar-bear-painted 'D' model

Shame that PPRuNe doesn't take larger images as this looks great in 12 x 8

HM

[Hedge36]

Didn't I just see that bird for sale in the past couple of weeks? Time to dig up some browser history...

[cab driver]

GSHT again
http://i692.photobucket.com/albums/vv289/hughesdriver/DSCN1171.jpg

and her sister ship, GMTB
http://i692.photobucket.com/albums/vv289/hughesdriver/DSCN0195.jpg

[Hell Man]

Hey Cab Driver, great photos. :ok: I like how the Joe parked HT on the outcrop.

I've added another image to my original photo - both were taken at Yellowknife while HT was shootin autos.

Next time I speak with Jeff I gotta ask him why these birds were painted up like that.

Hedge36, yes HT and her sister ship TB are both up for sale with Trans Global out of Ontario, infact TG currently have 9 Canadian registered 500's for sale. Better days ahead!

HM

[HeliNZee]

Speaking of Yellowknife choppers, do you recognise this one hellman?

http://img709.imageshack.us/img709/5621/iieascghelimaint131010c.jpg (http://img709.imageshack.us/i/iieascghelimaint131010c.jpg/)

was formerly C-GVSW and now in New Zealand

[Hell Man]

Hey there HeliNZee!

Yup, pretty sure this was one of Slave's first E models but she's not in my log so I can't tell you more I'm afraid. I would only venture north of the border for the odd contract and even then, only when the money was right!

These days its to see old buddies and on that score I'll be back in YK early next year.

HM

[KiwiBoyZac]

Does anyone have further shots they would like to add? One can never have too many 500s - I would love to see more 500C and 369HS myself ;-)

[ctimrun]

http://inlinethumb06.webshots.com/42181/2696414030084149825S600x600Q85.jpg (http://good-times.webshots.com/photo/2696414030084149825lXfDlP)

[500 Fan]

Here is a rare photo of a US Border Patrol Hughes 500C.

http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4056/4590498762_2b6a30b21b_o.jpg


Most of the USBP 500 Series fleet is/was made up of ex-US Army OH-6As but it seems they have had possibly two C models over the years as well as the 500E. I think they still run a few OH-6As. I guess they will have to hold onto them for another while with the MD600N fleet mothballed. This 500C, N8388F, is still flying today, as far as I can tell, though I don't know if it's still on border duty.

Does anyone know why so many N-Reg C and D model 500s from the early eighties had F as the last letter in the registration? Thanks.

500 Fan.

[500 Fan]

Here is a colourful 500C:

http://cdn-www.airliners.net/aviation-photos/photos/8/8/8/1935888.jpg


500 Fan.

[catseye]

The mighty egg saves crew again.

http://static.lifeislocal.com.au/multimedia/images/full/1289922.jpg

http://static.lifeislocal.com.au/multimedia/images/large/1289924.jpg

story
Angel from above - Local News - News - General - The Canberra Times (http://www.canberratimes.com.au/news/local/news/general/angel-from-above/2199742.aspx)

LOOKING at the photos it's hard to believe anybody left this helicopter wreck alive.
But Major Lukas Wild and Lieutenant-Colonel Matt Grills did and this week the Canberrans got the chance to thanks one of their rescuers, Michael Natale.

The two officers skirted death when they walked away from a violent helicopter crash soaked in aircraft fuel a fortnight ago.

An investigation into the crash is continuing as photographs supplied by the pilots and published for the first time today show the aircraft was torn to pieces on impact.

A four-wheel-drive has dragged the wreck out of the mountains but the chopper is unsalvageable.

Major Lukas Wild, a father of three, and Lieutenant-Colonel Matt Grills, a father of four, crash-landed near MtCoree, between the Brindabella Ranges and Wee Jasper.

The army officers treated each other's injuries and trekked 4.5km from the crash site to where the Snowy Hydro Southcare helicopter rescued them within 90 minutes of an emergency beacon being set off.

Major Wild said he never wanted to go through it again.

''We were very, very lucky,'' the 36-year-old said.

''I was surprised how quickly the rescue chopper came. If it didn't come for us we would have had to take our chances walking out.''

He considered himself lucky he crawled out of the wreckage in rugged terrain near the Brindabella Ranges and not Afghanistan or Iraq.

Major Wild has flown choppers during two tours of the Middle East for the Australian Army and now awaits knee surgery because of the only chopper crash he has been involved in.

Both men had cuts and bruises after the crash and considered themselves relatively unharmed.

The men have desk jobs in the Army and were clocking up their flying time on the morning of June 3. They said they were about to land the privately-owned Hughes 500 chopper but could not pull it out of a right-hand turn.

The chopper ''broke up'' after it spiralled downward and struck a log on the ground. The helicopter cabin and the men inside were flung sideways into a creek bed.

The tail boom and tail rotor snapped off and came to rest 30m away.

The main rotor disintegrated and was strewn throughout the crash site after it thrashed the ground.

Southcare Rescue helicopter spokeswoman Kate van Haalen said the fast rescue was a testament to the organisation, which had now flown more than 4200 missions. PHILLIP THOMSON

lucky boys..:D

[Savoia]

.
Catseye, if you like broken Hughes' then check this out: The Hughes Down Photostream (https://picasaweb.google.com/majestic.rotors/HughesDown#).

[500 Fan]

Does anybody know the story behind this D model, apparently UK-based and photographed here in Newcastle? It appears it was involved in setting a number of world records and might have been involved in a round-the-world trip as well. It was then involved in a fatal accident in late 1999. Not much on Google or on the FAI website. Thanks.

http://farm6.static.flickr.com/5214/5521656657_369bd39604_z.jpg
N1096C


500 Fan.

[nigelh]

The round world one is an E . It is an IFR machine and belongs to Simon Oliphant Hope of Eastern Atlantic Helicopters at Shoreham . he sells 500,s and Explorers but also usually has some v nice 109,s for sale.

[500 Fan]

Thanks, Nigel. I got it confused with Simon's 500E. Comments on Flickr in relation to this photo do mention that it was involved in setting time/distance world records but not a round-the-world attempt. My mistake.

500 Fan.

[OEI-Dave]

http://www.mdhelicopters.com/v2/images/gallery/md500/large/md500_012.jpg

[OEI-Dave]

http://rpmedia.ask.com/ts?u=/wikipedia/commons/thumb/c/c7/MH-6_Little_Bird.jpg/300px-MH-6_Little_Bird.jpg

[ChopperFAN]

Does anyone have photos of 500 series being made or rebuilt? This sort of thing interests me... Thank you, many great photos already :P

[flyinkiwi]

Couldn't go past this thread without posting photo's taken by a good mate of mine at the Tauranga Airshow of Phil Hooker's Loach replica. :ok:

http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2705/5860747922_7cd7928bee_b.jpg

http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2745/5865718775_50e6631fd7_b.jpg

http://farm6.static.flickr.com/5074/5866268876_0f44c746a0_b.jpg

[Hedski]

500 Fan, that looks like the 500 used by Mike Smith (formerly of Heli Air) for a round the world attempt a few years back before SOH's effort. As far as I'm aware the machine was later written off.

While here can anybody help me with a list of 500 operators in NZ as I'll be there in a few months and wouldn't mind grabbing an hour in one. Ta.

H

[500 Fan]

Thanks, Hedski. I've found out a little more since I posted the pic. Mike Smith and Steve Good undertook a round-the-world flight and apparently they beat the existing record but their attempt was not certified by the FAI. They did set a number of speed records in this 500 though. Sadly, Steve Good died in this helicopter in late 1989 in Germany.

500 Fan.

[500e]

ChopperFan
Richard’s World (http://richard.sears.net/)

As close to perfect as you can get !! follow the 500 link or just keep scrolling down

[500 Fan]

Does anyone have a photo of the Hughes 500M-D/ASW demonstrator at the 1979 Paris Air Show? It bore the civil registration N58351 and the show number "21H". The Taiwanese Navy roundel was replaced with a large white badge featuring text and the Hughes badge. Thanks for any help on this one.

500 Fan.

[205jack]

Sorry about the slight thread drift but can any of you 369 nuts tell me what the difference between a 500E and a 500ER is?

[MisterWedze]

Hello,

Sorry about the slight thread drift but can any of you 369 nuts tell me what the difference between a 500E and a 500ER is?

Until your post, I've never heard about the 500 ''ER''. I've tried to get some informations about this on the web, but I was pretty tough...
This is what I guess: Now, at MDHI,you can find two 500E model: One of them with RR 250-C20B, other one with C20R. And the 500D doesn't exist anymore.
According to infos that I get on the web, the model with C20R's calling 500E, and others one, wiht C20B, is 500''ER''... but not sure at all...
Anyone can confirm?

I checked RotorSpot, and I didn't see any 500 under ''ER'' registration...:confused:

[500 Fan]

This helicopter is listed on Rotorspot as a "369ER (500ER)". I have never read about any version of he 500 being designated "ER". That's not to say this version doesn't exist. Maybe the "ER" designation refers to an "Extended Range" version fitted with an auxiliary fuel tank.

JetPhotos.Net Photo » 4X-BDJ (CN: 0315E) Private Hughes 369E by Moti Shvimer (http://web01.jetphotos.net/viewphoto.php?id=7165046&nseq=0)

500 Fan.

[RVDT]

500ER

It is/was the 500E with a C20R engine as an option.

The 500E is not that much different from a D if you read the TCDS, mostly cosmetic. Major difference would be the chopped and lowered bulkhead between the front and rear. Front windows, T-tail endplates...............whatever.

In fact you can fit the "R" engine in a D if you want. The "R" is/was renowned for running "HOT" and to see the difference you would probably need a magnifying glass on the TOT gauge.

The "R" engine has some good improvements from a technical standpoint but possibly not when you consider the economics. There are loads of "B" engines and parts out there.

The "R" has been plagued with niggly little things over the years and are not cheaper to overhaul over a B. Coking, Oil leaks, Fuel burn...................blah blah.

"R" supposedly makes 450 HP and adds 6.8 kgs.

"B" supposedly makes 420 HP (but not if you read the fine print)!

[PITCH LINK]

A few lovely 500's from over the past couple of years

http://i1124.photobucket.com/albums/l576/andy_ben1/MD500/N322MCa.jpg


http://i1124.photobucket.com/albums/l576/andy_ben1/MD500/IMG_9919.jpg



http://i1124.photobucket.com/albums/l576/andy_ben1/MD500/DSCF0002.jpg


http://i1124.photobucket.com/albums/l576/andy_ben1/MD500/G_DIZZ.jpg


http://i1124.photobucket.com/albums/l576/andy_ben1/MD500/G-LIBS1.jpg


http://i1124.photobucket.com/albums/l576/andy_ben1/MD500/IMG_9843.jpg


http://i1124.photobucket.com/albums/l576/andy_ben1/MD500/G-NOTAR.jpg


http://i1124.photobucket.com/albums/l576/andy_ben1/MD500/DSC00391.jpg

http://i1124.photobucket.com/albums/l576/andy_ben1/MD500/IMG_8736.jpg

[500 Fan]

Here is a nice set of photos depicting the OH-6A in USBP service. They retired the helicopter in October this year after first entering service in 1979. Not bad for a bunch of aircraft that were already 10 years old by that stage.

OH-6A Observation Helicopter and Retirement Ceremony - a set on Flickr (http://www.flickr.com/photos/cbpphotos/sets/72157627892811058/with/6243674745/)

500 Fan.

[Hughes500]

Pitch link, where and when did you take the pix of G-LIBS ( the c model black red and silver) as I used to own her many years ago !

[KiwiBoyZac]

:D Great thread still! Always great to see any 500.

[500e]

jim63 (http://www.pprune.org/members/321622-jim63)
"Got a question though,why is the helicopter in the pic above running without blades?http://images.ibsrv.net/ibsrv/res/src:www.pprune.org/get/images/smilies/confused.gif Is there a reason for doing that?"

Suggest Head \ tail balance note wires to transducers out of cab & wrapped around boom.
Sorry for delay:zzz:

[pitot212]

Hughes500

Apologies to Pitch Link for butting in, but that's Bailiffscourt Hotel Climping Street Climping, Arundel, West Sussex BN17 5RW, United Kingdom. Did my commercial flight tests with Capt Steel in the early 90's when GLIBS was in those colours.

[kphwa]

I have been told that the Snohomish County Sheriff's office helicopter pictured above (posts 203 & 213) was in fact one of the ones the CIA used in South East Asia. It had been modified to be quieter for operations behind enemy lines. I was told this by the Sargent in charge of the Aviation division. Its primary use now is for Search and Rescue.Its radio call sign is Sno-Hawk 1.
Sno-Hawk1 was also heavily worked on after an emergency hard landing in
2002, during a training flight. One of the skids collapsed upon impact and the bird rolled over.

They also use a Huey UH-1H (Sno-Hawk 2) with a hoist that was totally rebuilt last year.

[H1HU]

Thought you might like this picture taken a couple of weeks ago for some promo leaflets. It'sof the stable mate of Huey 509. The OH is now up and running and so may well be seen on the air show circuit this year.

H1HU
http://hmvf.co.uk/forumvb/attachment.php?attachmentid=56783&stc=1&thumb=1&d=1328539942

[Pilot DAR]

With respect to the posts 203, 213, and 247, this article explains it all very well...

Air America's Black Helicopter | Military Aviation | Air & Space Magazine (http://www.airspacemag.com/military-aviation/the_quiet_one.html?c=y&page=1)

I did testing of a variant of the door design;

http://i381.photobucket.com/albums/oo252/PilotDAR/Jims%20DAR%20Testing/IMG_1287.jpg

[BigMike]

Interesting photo of a "Stretcher Kit" equipped 500.
Pic by McDonnell Douglas.

http://i8.photobucket.com/albums/a3/Micksphotos/500-LK.jpg

[500 Fan]

I think only a handful of that "Air Ambulance" version were ever built. The Riverside PD in the USA have a D-model with the same modification but seem to fly it in standard configuration. I think the 240-Robert-style bubble rear doors might have been more popular when it came to lifting stretcher cases.

Here is a recent video of "The Quiet One". C-model airframe with a five-blade main head and a four-blade tail rotor. The ultimate Y-tailed 500!

Snohomish County Sheriff Helicopter, Hughes OH-6A/ MD 500C landing at KBFI - YouTube

500 Fan.

[rotorbug]

Does anybody know the story behind this D model, apparently UK-based and photographed here in Newcastle? It appears it was involved in setting a number of world records and might have been involved in a round-the-world trip as well. It was then involved in a fatal accident in late 1999. Not much on Google or on the FAI website. Thanks.

Reply:

I worked for Stephen Good in his F1 exhaust manufacturing company in the UK so was familiar with his helicopter (N1096C) and what happened to it. I subsequently became a commercial helicopter pilot.

It was resprayed in McLaren West F1 colours in late 1998 or early 1999.

It was involved in several speed/distance records on his round the world challenge with Mike Smith.

Stephen Good crashed in Germany on the 7th November 1999 and both himself and his passenger were killed. It was a VFR flight that ended up VFR on top and in the process of trying to break through cloud, entered an unusual attitude and collided with the ground.

[Northernstar]

Ah the classic ‘VFR on top’. Except no such thing exists. COCISS wouldn’t be possible.