Enstrom Corner
Join Date: Mar 2002
Location: Kings Caple, Ross-on-Wye.orPiccots End. Hertfordshire
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Enstrom flying
Ref the current crop of Enstrom queries ... if it helps anyone, it was circa 1974/1975 that I undertook a comprehensive series of test flights to obtain the original CAA/UK public transport certification for the first non-turbo 280 Shark series (G-BDIB) to be imported by my company as the UK/European distributor covering 27 countries. This was followed by the Rayjay turbo 280C 'Shark' (G-BENO) and F28C- 'dash two' in 1976. Then of course the later 225 bhp FX models. So with around six thousand type hours, I'll be happy to help ppruners in any areas where I can.
Yes, as has been said, the early rpm cam correlation is of some help, but it is mostly back to basic manual for general handling. On sales demonstratioin flights, I used the factory PFM quoted method for initial lift-off, ie set circa 2,200 to 2,400 ERPM, (depending of course on lift-off weight, density and W/V) then a straightforward collective lift usually places the rpm in the middle of the green arc (2,875) at a 4 feet skid height hover. This method will invariably require some additional pilot input tho'. Sadly the CAA would not approve the method and the PFM has an additional page requiring ERPM to be set at 2900 which then requires some reverse throttle handling to avoid an overspeed.
And yes too ... the trim system does need to be learned but in training, I used a series of 'trim blips' to achieve the 'hands & feet off' configuration. In that mode, I used to demonstrate turns using weight shift only!!
Enjoy your Enstrom, even the normally aspirated 'C' series Lycoming. The type is especially good looking, is quiet with a cruise speed at 80% power of a whisker over 100 mph, giving 85lbs of fuel burn per hour ... a three hour 'loiter' endurance plus 7 cu ft of dedicated luggage locker space (60lbs weight for the C and 100lbs for the FX) ... has excellent autorotation handling with a HV curve at max auw of 300 feet and 30 mph for the A model. The Enstrom also has a proud record of never having had a fatality in the UK in over forty years of operations ... docile handling with a near aerobatic performance capablity which has twice won the world 'freestyle' championships. In fact when a 1970/1980s Enstrom Shark can be bought for anywhere between £50k and 360k you might ask yourself why anybody buys anything else!
Having said that, MD's latest 500 is still my all time favourite. Dennis K.
Yes, as has been said, the early rpm cam correlation is of some help, but it is mostly back to basic manual for general handling. On sales demonstratioin flights, I used the factory PFM quoted method for initial lift-off, ie set circa 2,200 to 2,400 ERPM, (depending of course on lift-off weight, density and W/V) then a straightforward collective lift usually places the rpm in the middle of the green arc (2,875) at a 4 feet skid height hover. This method will invariably require some additional pilot input tho'. Sadly the CAA would not approve the method and the PFM has an additional page requiring ERPM to be set at 2900 which then requires some reverse throttle handling to avoid an overspeed.
And yes too ... the trim system does need to be learned but in training, I used a series of 'trim blips' to achieve the 'hands & feet off' configuration. In that mode, I used to demonstrate turns using weight shift only!!
Enjoy your Enstrom, even the normally aspirated 'C' series Lycoming. The type is especially good looking, is quiet with a cruise speed at 80% power of a whisker over 100 mph, giving 85lbs of fuel burn per hour ... a three hour 'loiter' endurance plus 7 cu ft of dedicated luggage locker space (60lbs weight for the C and 100lbs for the FX) ... has excellent autorotation handling with a HV curve at max auw of 300 feet and 30 mph for the A model. The Enstrom also has a proud record of never having had a fatality in the UK in over forty years of operations ... docile handling with a near aerobatic performance capablity which has twice won the world 'freestyle' championships. In fact when a 1970/1980s Enstrom Shark can be bought for anywhere between £50k and 360k you might ask yourself why anybody buys anything else!
Having said that, MD's latest 500 is still my all time favourite. Dennis K.
Join Date: Mar 2001
Location: Caribbean
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FSXP thanks for the response.
I was wondering what the specific mods were which made the machine a "-UK".
I notice that when a machine leaves the UK the "-UK" designation gets dropped regardless of whether any mods are reversed. Therefore I ask is an ex "-UK" machine superior to a straight US machine??
I was wondering what the specific mods were which made the machine a "-UK".
I notice that when a machine leaves the UK the "-UK" designation gets dropped regardless of whether any mods are reversed. Therefore I ask is an ex "-UK" machine superior to a straight US machine??
Join Date: Jul 2010
Location: Wrong Town
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Superior? Only if you're a twonk from the CAA with a love of stupid extra rules. The mods were minor and related to things like the mixture cable being different and also having a red light for the low voltage instead of an amber light and this remains the case for G reg aircraft to this day.
Join Date: May 2011
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11,100 ft on 205 hp!
Over the weekend I landed my Enstrom 280C at 11,100ft and a density altitude of 13,500! My highest landings previous were all below 7000 ft. I took this photo with my cell phone, my father is in the Super Cub. Cool shot I thought.
Join Date: May 2011
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Join Date: Feb 2008
Location: UK
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Anyone going from piston to turbine will love the simplicity of the start up procedure and the wonderful sound track.
The panel in the video looks like a 480, the later 480B has a better ergonomic layout, IMO.
Many owners also put markings on the throttle twist grip to designate 'closed', 'idle' and 'fully open'. Does help, and avoids expensive mistakes.
Fantastic entry level turbine.
The panel in the video looks like a 480, the later 480B has a better ergonomic layout, IMO.
Many owners also put markings on the throttle twist grip to designate 'closed', 'idle' and 'fully open'. Does help, and avoids expensive mistakes.
Fantastic entry level turbine.
Join Date: Jul 2012
Location: doncaster
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buying my first helicopter
hi there i am serious about buying my first helicopter i have seen a enstron f28 is in my price range and i really do require lots of information and advice like how much it is for insurance for a novice pilot to learn to train in how much for maintanance and how often you got to service them is there a lifetime hours like the robinson have i am from doncaster and willing to travel to see anyone thanks stephen
Join Date: Jul 2000
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Since you are located in the UK the requirements may be a little different. Go to the US FAA website (FAA: Home) and open the Type certificate data sheets (TCDS) for the Enstrom. There are very few life limit items on this helicopter. Some have hour requirements so high, they might as well be on condition. Like main rotor blades are 95,000 hours. Yes that is the actual number. The only mandatory normal inspection is the 100 hour/annual inspection.
Stephen, search this forum for Dennis Kenyon and PM him. He is a master of Enstroms and if you are very lucky you might even be able to get him to teach you how to fly one.
Join Date: Nov 2002
Location: Ross-on-Wye
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Enstrom 28A
Hallo Stephen ... it was good of JK to recommend me to you so if you do have any specific questions on the non-turbo 'A' models, just e-mail me on [email protected] or use our pprune service. I was the original importer of the Enstrom range for Europe and can probably answer 95% of your questions. Best wishes. Dennis K
Join Date: Mar 2004
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Hi Stephen
If you would like to learn to fly an Enstrom 480 we do PPL (H) training at Shoreham on the south coast.
Just look for shoreham helicopters Ltd.
Regards
Tim
If you would like to learn to fly an Enstrom 480 we do PPL (H) training at Shoreham on the south coast.
Just look for shoreham helicopters Ltd.
Regards
Tim
Join Date: Aug 2007
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enstroms
steve you could not do better than train with dk or tp down at shoreham , or were ever you chose to train, no one has more experience than dk on enstroms, i did my time with zz another legend,
also mike mcdougal /[ now with the feds] + j johnson who used to smoke marlboro throughout the lessons good luck the enstom is a lovelly docile helicopter, very easy to fly. helispeediii
also mike mcdougal /[ now with the feds] + j johnson who used to smoke marlboro throughout the lessons good luck the enstom is a lovelly docile helicopter, very easy to fly. helispeediii
Join Date: Jan 2001
Location: UK
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Stephen,
If you do not have experience of helicopters and owning them, then I strongly recommend that you look very carefully at the REAL costs of ownership. It can be a wonderful thing to own your own and fly it for pleasure;it can also be a financial nightmare.
You need to get close to someone who has owned (preferably a similar type to the one you want to buy) and who is prepared to open their books. You need to generate (or borrow) spreadsheets of costs. They split into fixed (i.e. annual) and flying (per hour flown) costs. You will need to estimate the number of hours you will fly per year, which may not be easy. You also need to get an appreciation of the possible scale of non-scheduled maintenance. If you are unlucky, these can dwarf the other costs.
This would be my advice for any type of helicopter. Enstroms are often successfully operated by private owners.
If you do not have experience of helicopters and owning them, then I strongly recommend that you look very carefully at the REAL costs of ownership. It can be a wonderful thing to own your own and fly it for pleasure;it can also be a financial nightmare.
You need to get close to someone who has owned (preferably a similar type to the one you want to buy) and who is prepared to open their books. You need to generate (or borrow) spreadsheets of costs. They split into fixed (i.e. annual) and flying (per hour flown) costs. You will need to estimate the number of hours you will fly per year, which may not be easy. You also need to get an appreciation of the possible scale of non-scheduled maintenance. If you are unlucky, these can dwarf the other costs.
This would be my advice for any type of helicopter. Enstroms are often successfully operated by private owners.
Join Date: Jan 2008
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Enstrom Advice
Hi Stephen,
I have also owned a F28 and 480 and live very close to Doncaster. I have flown with Dennis Kenyon and Tim Price, I can be cornered these days at Gamston or Sandtoft if I can help with your decision making. Variouse types on my licence which I have owned, so can comment on pros and cons.
My home helipad situated SW corner of Doncaster/Finningley Robin Hood airspace or what ever its called this week.
I have also owned a F28 and 480 and live very close to Doncaster. I have flown with Dennis Kenyon and Tim Price, I can be cornered these days at Gamston or Sandtoft if I can help with your decision making. Variouse types on my licence which I have owned, so can comment on pros and cons.
My home helipad situated SW corner of Doncaster/Finningley Robin Hood airspace or what ever its called this week.
Join Date: Apr 2007
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E480B/Garmin G1000H
Recently had an opportunity to visit the Enstrom factory and fly the prototype 480B with Garmin G1000H avionics package (as announced at HAI in March). IMHO, transforms the helicopter! They have done a beautiful job of integrating this with the airframe. This project was motivated in part by non-U.S. military/para military organizations who initially train pilots in fixed wing aircraft (C172) with the G1000 system, and want to transition some of these pilots to helicopters. I am guessing that other customers will have a strong interest in this as well. The large forward cabin, ease of flying and superb safety record make this helo a natural for the owner/pilot. Published pricing makes this a great value for a light turbine helo with ultra modern avionics. Enstrom is now one of three helo manufacturers with announced G1000H implementations (including Bell and Augsta).
Enstrom is doing very well. Got a briefing on their expansion plans which include a near doubling of current floor space (an 80,000 sq ft addition) which will break ground on Friday. My sense is that there is more good news to come from Enstrom.
Enstrom is doing very well. Got a briefing on their expansion plans which include a near doubling of current floor space (an 80,000 sq ft addition) which will break ground on Friday. My sense is that there is more good news to come from Enstrom.
Last edited by EN48; 9th May 2013 at 16:17.
Join Date: Feb 2008
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Enstrom Expansion
The new ownership and expansion programme are all great news for Enstrom.
They build excellent, safe helicopters, so it's good to see they are moving forward. I understand there is a two year waiting list for a new 480B.
Be interesting to see what future projects they have planned. Few years ago I heard rumours of a stretched cabin 480 with RR500 and elastomeric dampers.
They build excellent, safe helicopters, so it's good to see they are moving forward. I understand there is a two year waiting list for a new 480B.
Be interesting to see what future projects they have planned. Few years ago I heard rumours of a stretched cabin 480 with RR500 and elastomeric dampers.
Join Date: Sep 2012
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Enstrom 480B
This helicopter on which I have flown about 300 hours in India is good machine. When I was converted in US, I felt it had bags of power but in India that is less than 30 degree latitude where temperature was generally more than 20 degree Centigrade and humidity high with lots of dust, has limitations of power, specially when it was air condition.
In UK, things will be better than what I enumerated above.
Keep the helicopter well withing dead man's curve, it will behave. Further a word of caution, keep an eye on its belt's tension and the trimmer!!
Happy landings!!
In UK, things will be better than what I enumerated above.
Keep the helicopter well withing dead man's curve, it will behave. Further a word of caution, keep an eye on its belt's tension and the trimmer!!
Happy landings!!
