Airbus H120/ Eurocopter EC120 Performance

[avia_ke]

My local airport has an altitude of 5,500ft and there are new imports nearly every year of the H125 and H130. The operational capabilities of these rotor craft are by far the best in it's class - hands down. The Bell 206 and 407 operates quite well, too. Full fuel, pax and/or emergency utilities and they lift without a struggle.

I recently came across an H120 and I honestly adored it. Looks like a little wasp (if I might say). However, many technicians advised me to stay clear of this type and variant when operating in my country. My question is how bad is it with the following operating conditions? Is there a remedy to it? How good/ bad is the supply chain for parts?

Conditions:
Passengers: 4
Payload: 120lbs
Full fuel
Average temp: 25°c
Operating altitude: above 6000ft most of the time.
Flight Hours: 1-1.5Hours

Thx

[CGameProgrammerr]

I think they just mean it's considered underpowered for its weight. It was discontinued for a reason. A Robinson R66 may actually work better for you and it's the cheapest turbine option.

[JimEli]

My local airport has an altitude of 5,500ft and there are new imports nearly every year of the H125 and H130. The operational capabilities of these rotor craft are by far the best in it's class - hands down. The Bell 206 and 407 operates quite well, too. Full fuel, pax and/or emergency utilities and they lift without a struggle.

I recently came across an H120 and I honestly adored it. Looks like a little wasp (if I might say). However, many technicians advised me to stay clear of this type and variant when operating in my country. My question is how bad is it with the following operating conditions? Is there a remedy to it? How good/ bad is the supply chain for parts?

Conditions:
Passengers: 4
Payload: 120lbs
Full fuel
Average temp: 25°c
Operating altitude: above 6000ft most of the time.
Flight Hours: 1-1.5Hours

Thx

I believe those conditions are beyond capability.

[RVDT]

EC120 will do just about anything a Bell 206B will do.

Where it came unstuck is the extra built-in capabilities it had. Large cabin, large baggage area, large fuel tank.

Full fuel and full pax - no way - but full fuel is significantly more than a 206 endurance.

It had a bad rap basically because was operated by dare I say it incompetent operators who couldn't understand the RFM.

It will do what it says on the side of the can. You just need to read what it says.

[heliturbo]

I had one for 4 years, full fuel means over 107 gls, 3,5 hours of endurance, logically if your flight are less than 1,5 hour,
your should put in maybe 2 or 2,5 hours of fuel, thus liberating weight for human, maybe 200 or even 250 pounds.
what is the total weight of the 4 of you? is it 600, 700 pounds? that makes a big difference
in a hot day at high altitude and at GW, it will be difficult to TO, just like in a 206 or even a R66 at GW
under that no sweat
any way its illegal to fly over GW and make the flight insecure
If you manage the parameters carefully it is a very enjoyable ship, good looking
and ultra reliable with the longest available time on component, unlike a 206 or 66
but the inspection at 24 or 144 month will cost you
jp

[avia_ke]

I had one for 4 years, full fuel means over 107 gls, 3,5 hours of endurance, logically if your flight are less than 1,5 hour,
your should put in maybe 2 or 2,5 hours of fuel, thus liberating weight for human, maybe 200 or even 250 pounds.
what is the total weight of the 4 of you? is it 600, 700 pounds? that makes a big difference
in a hot day at high altitude and at GW, it will be difficult to TO, just like in a 206 or even a R66 at GW
under that no sweat
any way its illegal to fly over GW and make the flight insecure
If you manage the parameters carefully it is a very enjoyable ship, good looking
and ultra reliable with the longest available time on component, unlike a 206 or 66
but the inspection at 24 or 144 month will cost you
jp


​​​​We are approximately 800Lbs of 4 heavy lads and lasses. The ops will majorly be between the airport to my small town, no Jet-A or Avgas. Therefore, turn around with tankering. Elevation of the landing site is about 6400ft. Last leg come up heavy with about 20Lbs Each and 50Lbs in extra payload.

How much on average is the inspection cost in the 144th Month?

[avia_ke]

I think they just mean it's considered underpowered for its weight. It was discontinued for a reason. A Robinson R66 may actually work better for you and it's the cheapest turbine option.

How is it's operating margins on high and hot?

[avia_ke]

EC120 will do just about anything a Bell 206B will do.

Where it came unstuck is the extra built-in capabilities it had. Large cabin, large baggage area, large fuel tank.

Full fuel and full pax - no way - but full fuel is significantly more than a 206 endurance.

It had a bad rap basically because was operated by dare I say it incompetent operators who couldn't understand the RFM.

It will do what it says on the side of the can. You just need to read what it says.

IF it's Bell, better to just angle towards the 407.

[avia_ke]

I had one for 4 years, full fuel means over 107 gls, 3,5 hours of endurance, logically if your flight are less than 1,5 hour,
your should put in maybe 2 or 2,5 hours of fuel, thus liberating weight for human, maybe 200 or even 250 pounds.
what is the total weight of the 4 of you? is it 600, 700 pounds? that makes a big difference
in a hot day at high altitude and at GW, it will be difficult to TO, just like in a 206 or even a R66 at GW
under that no sweat
any way its illegal to fly over GW and make the flight insecure
If you manage the parameters carefully it is a very enjoyable ship, good looking
and ultra reliable with the longest available time on component, unlike a 206 or 66
but the inspection at 24 or 144 month will cost you
jp

How high, is high when it comes to annual maintenance? $20.0k?

[ApolloHeli]

https://cimg3.ibsrv.net/gimg/pprune.org-vbulletin/874x1240/ec120_b_perf_2229aa64a884e071621523a57e7f2d1912c3b420.png
https://cimg3.ibsrv.net/gimg/pprune.org-vbulletin/874x1240/ec120_b_perf_f1e0cfe26dc22d85bc3cb4ce4ca54657f871cdb7.png

[aa777888]

FWIW, the R66 will do this mission no sweat.

- OGE hover at max. gross and 25°C is 6800ft.

- Max. gross is 2700lb. A well equipped ship (air conditioning, etc.) empty might be, say, 1340lb empty. Full fuel is 493lb, cargo as specified is 120lb, that leaves 747lb for people. Leave just a little bit of fuel on the ground and you'll have 800lb available in cabin and still have 300NM range.

Obviously cabin comfort can't match the EC120, but it won't be struggling. Glass cockpit, autopilot, AC all available. Needs a lot less hangar space, too. I wouldn't spec. floats, too heavy for your mission requirements. A super high-spec machine might reach 1360lbs empty, but you can spec the Lithium battery and that'll remove 35lbs.

[as350nut]

RVDT your comment is spot on I have had 2 ec120 and they are great aircraft set up to do many things, best interior, best luggage,best endurance, smooth flight, but you can't have all of those things at the same time.
If it didn't have a VEMD to tell on you it would be still around. It certainly is not an aircarft for the novice, and needs a thoughtfull pilot skills, almost a bit like flying a R22 ; the wind is your friend. Read the aircraft limits for weight and adhere to them and you will be ok.