Any life left in the Bell 222

[as350nut]

Just wondering if Bell 212 would make a reasonable private corporate machine say in comparison to a Augusta 109 c maybe? I assume there low acquisition cost is due to support issues with blades etc. Anyone have any thoughts as to how good they are. They have a great engine in the P&W, but are they just too hard and expensive to service?

[as350nut]

:eek: sorry not P&W brain fart, I mean the LTS 101-750

[PhlyingGuy]

Love the 222... would rather get a 429 if possible. Probably way out of your budget though.

[Ascend Charlie]

THEY ARE VERY LOUD WOP WOP WOP:sad:

[outta track]

In short, yes i believe there is life left in the ol girl.

As for your mission/requirements there are some things you need to consider. It does now have a very low acquisition cost. You get a lot of helicopter for the money. The LTS 101-750 is now a very good, reliable and low cost engine, provided you get engines with the latest mod status. The smokeless liners are great and really reduce the fuel burn.

If you are serious, make sure you look at a good late model UT (skids). The B (wheels) looks sexy, but have less payload and more maintenance headaches/$$$.

Very nice stable ship to fly, quite smooth at 120kts and really just a big twin engine Longranger.

As for support, yes Bell are still supporting them, but it is now cheaper to buy 2 airframes and you have a spare everything, than go to Bell for a new part!!
Having said all that, its not a ship you want to consider doing any more than 200 hours a year. Above that the economics don't work unless you have deep pockets or a huge hourly rate on the revenue.

Good Luck.

[HiHoHeli]

Well perhaps there is life in the old girl yet, check this out - Fly with Airwolf | Fly with Airwolf © (http://b222wolf.com/fly-with-airwolf/)

[rotorrookie]

222's are one of the best helicopters ever made and dream to fly, and the best thing is that everybody knows when u are airborne:ok:
as350nut, I sent you a pm

[as350nut]

Got your message, I'll keep it in mind Thanks

[Jarvy]

Try and p.m. Longbox, its he who has the above mentioned 222. (Airwolf)

[Turkeyslapper]

How about a B230....slightly heavier MTOW?, EFIS, SPIFR, WX RADAR, High Skid Gear? Know one thats might be available ;)