Enstrom Corner
Join Date: Jul 2011
Location: Secret hide-out in the Rocky Mtns
Age: 73
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Gaseous-Thanks for the "heads up".
The good news is that this issue is finally going to be officially resolved and we'll all know what the costs are. I talked with Eric at Airwolf a couple months ago and (IIRC) he said the cost of the TT strap STC conversion was $14,800 USD. That's a one-time outlay vs. an on-going expense for 500 hr inspections which an owner can use to decide which route to go.
I predict that 90% of Enstroms (including all new production henceforth) will have TT straps in the next couple years. Additional good news is that according to other owners I've talked to, the TT straps are operationally much superior to the Lamiflex bearings which frequently failed before their service life limit. Further, the spindle mod for the Airwolf STC removes the area where the cracking occurs, so the spindles don't have to be scrapped due to cracks if they're sent in to be converted.
It's a real shame to have this blot on the Enstrom's otherwise excellent safety record, and a tragedy for the souls that were lost in the precipitating accident, but I believe that in the long run it will be a positive outcome for the type, which I'm extremely fond of.
The good news is that this issue is finally going to be officially resolved and we'll all know what the costs are. I talked with Eric at Airwolf a couple months ago and (IIRC) he said the cost of the TT strap STC conversion was $14,800 USD. That's a one-time outlay vs. an on-going expense for 500 hr inspections which an owner can use to decide which route to go.
I predict that 90% of Enstroms (including all new production henceforth) will have TT straps in the next couple years. Additional good news is that according to other owners I've talked to, the TT straps are operationally much superior to the Lamiflex bearings which frequently failed before their service life limit. Further, the spindle mod for the Airwolf STC removes the area where the cracking occurs, so the spindles don't have to be scrapped due to cracks if they're sent in to be converted.
It's a real shame to have this blot on the Enstrom's otherwise excellent safety record, and a tragedy for the souls that were lost in the precipitating accident, but I believe that in the long run it will be a positive outcome for the type, which I'm extremely fond of.
Join Date: Jan 2018
Location: Staffordshire
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A question
Am in the process of purchasing an older 28A in need of some TLC (which has been factored in) but based on new AD am looking at same spindle issue (or possible TT Straps) within next 12 Months, on that basis I am potentially looking to syndicate (at a sensible % cost/share) or sell Hrs - has anyone got any ideas/interest?
P.
P.
The cost of the TT straps was raised by Airwolf to $15,900 USD. They still have a 5 year calendar life, and require inspections at 1200 hours.
Join Date: Jul 2011
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flylow-
Thanks for the update on the STC cost. I haven't been closely following the pricing since the ship I'm buying has already been converted.
True about the 5 year life and 1200 hr inspections, but the Lamiflex bearings also have a 5 year life and I've heard from other Enstrom owners that they seldom survive the full 5, so overall it sounds like an improvement to me. I've also heard (from owners) the TT straps give a smoother ride and don't get out of track, but I don't (yet) have any experience with that.
Thanks for the update on the STC cost. I haven't been closely following the pricing since the ship I'm buying has already been converted.
True about the 5 year life and 1200 hr inspections, but the Lamiflex bearings also have a 5 year life and I've heard from other Enstrom owners that they seldom survive the full 5, so overall it sounds like an improvement to me. I've also heard (from owners) the TT straps give a smoother ride and don't get out of track, but I don't (yet) have any experience with that.
Join Date: Mar 2004
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TT Straps
My experience is on 480 TT straps are no better than lamiflex, first 480 we had was on lamiflex no real issues, if set up correctly both equally as good it just comes down to cost.
Join Date: Jul 2011
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MPI cost
The FAA has estimated costs for compliance with AD 2018-02-01 as follows:
Costs of Compliance
We estimate that this AD affects 323 helicopters of U.S. Registry. We estimate that operators may incur the following costs in order to comply with this AD. Labor costs are estimated at $85 per work-hour. Inspecting the spindles takes about 15 work-hours for an estimated cost of $1,275 per helicopter and $411,825 for the U.S. fleet per inspection cycle. Replacing a cracked spindle costs $8,164 for parts and no additional work-hours. Replacing a set of three spindles that have reached their life limit takes about 14 work-hours and parts will cost $17,500 for a total cost of $18,690 per helicopter.
IF those estimates are accurate, then there's no economic case for NOT doing the TT strap STC when 1500 hrs TIS is reached. Prior to 1500 hrs TIS there's potentially 2 inspection intervals when spindles could be returned to service after the MPI at an hourly DOC increase of $2.55 and then replaced after the 3rd 500 hrs, so at least there's some options.
I feel the pain of an almost $20K expense outlay but I'm trying to look on the bright side...
Costs of Compliance
We estimate that this AD affects 323 helicopters of U.S. Registry. We estimate that operators may incur the following costs in order to comply with this AD. Labor costs are estimated at $85 per work-hour. Inspecting the spindles takes about 15 work-hours for an estimated cost of $1,275 per helicopter and $411,825 for the U.S. fleet per inspection cycle. Replacing a cracked spindle costs $8,164 for parts and no additional work-hours. Replacing a set of three spindles that have reached their life limit takes about 14 work-hours and parts will cost $17,500 for a total cost of $18,690 per helicopter.
IF those estimates are accurate, then there's no economic case for NOT doing the TT strap STC when 1500 hrs TIS is reached. Prior to 1500 hrs TIS there's potentially 2 inspection intervals when spindles could be returned to service after the MPI at an hourly DOC increase of $2.55 and then replaced after the 3rd 500 hrs, so at least there's some options.
I feel the pain of an almost $20K expense outlay but I'm trying to look on the bright side...
Join Date: Jul 2011
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Owning an Enstrom
A few months ago while I was considering various options for a personal helicopter, I ran across this clip on youtube from Kenny Keller who really likes Enstroms:
Join Date: Nov 2017
Location: earth
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Another video from Kenny Keller comparing the Robinson R-44 to the Enstrom F-28/280. You may be surprised- 
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tInMe5Wt36w
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tInMe5Wt36w
The Enstrom holds three like the R66 holds five,...and like my Trans Am's back seat holds anyone with well, legs!
As for myself, a guy recently tried to talk me into switching from an R22 to an Enstrom, and my answer is always the same,...price. The view from the cockpit is the same, so why pay more?
I'll take the proven better safety and build of the Enstrom over an R22 any day.
Join Date: Nov 2001
Location: Alderney or Lancashire UK
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Over the 18 years I've owned Enstroms the cost has been minimal compared with a Robinson - and that includes an engine rebuild and the TT strap conversion I'm about to have done. For me as a private owner it has been a cost effective, fun, safe and generally pleasurable experience.
Ps anyone want 3 Lamiflexes cheap with a year or so left on them?
Ps anyone want 3 Lamiflexes cheap with a year or so left on them?
Join Date: May 2017
Location: Virginia
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SIL 0187 and TT Strap Installation
Just a heads up for those of you who may be installing the TT straps for the first time in your Enstrom. Be sure to check out Service Information Letter 0187 when you install the system. There is potential for interference between the retention pin and the U-Block. I wish this had been mentioned in the STC installation paperwork. We ran into all sorts of problems balancing the blades after the STC until we found this out.
Charlie
Charlie
Join Date: Jul 2020
Location: Boeny
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Enström door side plexi found
Hi All!
We are trying to clean our airfield and find some F28 door pleaxiglass in hidden.
3 pcs R/H and 1 pc L/H.
If some of you are interested about it, contact me and trying to help.
Bests
PHX
We are trying to clean our airfield and find some F28 door pleaxiglass in hidden.
3 pcs R/H and 1 pc L/H.
If some of you are interested about it, contact me and trying to help.
Bests
PHX