R22 or R44 self fly hire in Cornwall or Devon??

[slim40]

Hi all,

Going to Cornwall (St Austell) for a week starting 28th July and would like to hire an R22 for a day to fly around the coast. As yet, I haven't found anything apart from Helmagic at Truro who have an R44- which would mean doing a conversion first. I'm saving my pennies to do a Hughes 500 conversion!
Any information as to whether or not an R22 for SFH is available would be greatly appreciated!

Thanks in advance
Si

[ppheli]

There used to be R22s at Bodmin, but the current school there seem to operate S300s - see http://www.moorgoodshelicopters.co.uk - they may have some other ideas for R22s, possibly

[pilotmike]

As far as I know, there are no R22s for hire in Cornwall.

Graham Barral has an R44 at Truro airfield for tuition, but probably not for hire.

I believe there is a consultant who flies himself to Treliske hospital in his own R22.

I have flown an R22 to Bodmin airfield, John Bray's pad at Rock and various other Cornish sites in recent times, but it was from elsewhere.

PM

[scooter boy]

"I believe there is a consultant who flies himself to Treliske hospital in his own R22."

That would be me. ;)

I sold the R22 and upgraded to an R44 3 years ago, Treliske were unhappy about me using their pad so I land at the Duchy Hospital instead (which is adjacent).

Sorry but I don't know of any R22s available in the area.

SB

[nigelh]

you WANT to fly an R22 around the coast ....are you MAD :ugh: I presume you are going to overtake around blind corners on the way there just to add a bit more excitement into the trip !!!???............................i have heard of people who HAVE to fly them but WANT to ......a new one on me !!!!

[slim40]

Thanks SB, looks like it's a no go for flying when we're down there this time. I could do an R44 conversion (a bit excessive for a one week trip), but would rather continue with the R22 and do a turbine rating on the mighty Hughes 500. I could hire an R22 from near home and fly it down, but it'd be one hell of a trip and my wife would have to take the car with all her luggage in ;-)

NigelH- and why not? Not R22 bashing, are we? Even though it's a bit small for me (I'm 6'2"), I've grown to quite like it! My instructors machine (the one I hire) has some funky doors on too that bulge outwards to give more elbow room, and they have sash windows big enough to let a decent amount of air in, and useful for photography etc. Still a compact cabin, but those doors do make a big difference!

Si

[Twiddle]

On a serious note, why not fly the 22 down there, DHL your stuff for £15 and it'll all be at the hotel waiting for you, DHL it back when you're finished?

[slim40]

That's not a bad idea at all. It's a long way though, and I have to consider the weather at both ends of the week and of course whether or not my instructor will let me have his machine for 7 days too...
It'd certainly rack up my hours!

cheers
Si

[Twiddle]

one of the guys from Southend took a 22 to cornwall with his girlfriend and thoroughly enjoyed it.

[nigelh]

Yes but did he enjoy the flight as well ?

[slim40]

I'm sure he did! I'm going to do my Hughes 500 type rating on the way (and back), so I'm a happy bunny too!
Would still like to fly around the coast- it's a missed opportunity...

[bolkow]

LOL Nigel, great minds think alike.

[Danny Wickens]

Good evening all,
I hope everyone is well.

I am hoping someone on here can help me find an R22 or R44 that is possible to self fly hire in Cornwall (preferably) or Devon.
I have done all of my flying at Gloucester and surrounding areas so far, however, I was hoping to be able to fly closer to home for more of my hour building.

If anyone knows of anyone who has one or any ideas I would be massively appreciative!

Many thanks,
Dan

[[email protected]]

Try Air Cornwall and talk to Gary - they don't have helicopters themselves but Gary is also a helicopter man and will know what is available in the South West

[Hughes500]

You wont find one down here I am afraid, can do you Schweizer 300's Hughes 500's or As 350's