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Hiller UH12c buying advice?

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Hiller UH12c buying advice?

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Old 9th Jan 2009, 20:23
  #21 (permalink)  
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A new 500.......think he'd let me borrow it???
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Old 9th Jan 2009, 20:24
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No, the pilot has a JAA PPL(H) infact.
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Old 9th Jan 2009, 21:05
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Mmmm....

Truth is .... the best thing you can do with a Hiller 12 series machine is ......

PUT IT IN A MUSEUM!


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Old 9th Jan 2009, 21:30
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Buying a Hiller???

This is simple... there is no Hiller Support. We had a fleet of them and sold them due to no part support.


Watch out for the Drag Brace Pin, they crack and your tailboom will be cut by the M/R Blade.
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Old 9th Jan 2009, 21:41
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Thanks chaps......and chapesses,

I think I get the hint!

Looks like its an R22 for him as originally planned!
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Old 9th Jan 2009, 22:40
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Surely, if he's inherited the 'barn find' Bugatti 57C, and it achieves the £5m estimate being bandied in the media, there are better options than an R22?
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Old 9th Jan 2009, 22:43
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Fly 7,

I'm sure he wouldn't want to spend the £5m all at once!

He was even thinking about going to Florida to do his training as it's cheaper..........don't ask!!!!!

Hope he 'looks' after his mates!
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Old 10th Jan 2009, 02:35
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Stay away from a,b and c Hiller models - very problematic machines. The company isn't much fun to deal with either!
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Old 10th Jan 2009, 04:28
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I wouldn't be too quick to write off the Hiller 12. They are to be built brand new in China in 2009.

Hiller (China) Aircraft Manufacturing Company was founded in 2007 with a total investment of US $80 million, 60% of which was financed by the Chinese. The joint venture will introduce the UH-12 series helicopter manufacturing project from the US-based Hiller.

The project is designed to manufacture 200 helicopters yearly with an annual output value of 2.6 billion yuan, and realized profits and taxes of 1 billion yuan.

China's first civilian helicopters to roll off production line next year - People's Daily Online

Some of the old timers swear by the Hiller 12. We all know the low cost of Chinese production so it will be interesting to see the prices.

If China mass produces them and considering they do not have our manufacturers liability costs , it could be a real bargain . I'm sure there would be a market if the price is right.

Arnie
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Old 10th Jan 2009, 07:08
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Mmmmmm ....

Refer back to post #23


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Old 10th Jan 2009, 08:31
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They're going to build the E-Model in China.
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Old 10th Jan 2009, 08:45
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I recall the 12b's & 12c's we had as the most vibratory, slow and unpleasant handling of all the light helicopters I've flown, and also required enormous amounts of unscheduled servicing. It was a great day when we turned them in for 47's.
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Old 10th Jan 2009, 11:24
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Early Hillers were built with mag alloy keel beams in the fuse and tailboom.

Can turn to Swiss cheese and requires a jig rebuild to replace.
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Old 17th Aug 2009, 21:32
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.02 cents worth

the UH12E is a very reliable machine, and there are more PMA parts coming available on the market. There are several operators of the type that are committed to see the future stay alive for old machines, as there is currently no viable replacement available for the type of work in which they are typically employed. As for the Hiller China based efforts, time will tell if they can pull off building a craft that will pass muster with the FAA. There are some issues with the Hiller, but when compared to other craft, for utility work, none can come close except maybe the Bell 47.
UH12E
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Old 18th Aug 2009, 04:33
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I don't think your friend's 5 million will cover the cost of putting a 'new' type of 12E on the British register, it won't automatically get a G reg.

Did my first 65 hours of rotary wing on the b and c at Middle Wallop, the best day was the last!
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Old 18th Aug 2009, 06:53
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Hiller maintenance.

Vanguard helicopters at Henstridge maintain Hiller's although I think they are 12c orientated.
The 12c is a lovely machine but finding a maintenance facility could be hard. These guy's are in Somerset/Dorset and could be worth a shout for questions.
I think they also do Robinson stuff as well.
Thanks,

J
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Old 18th Aug 2009, 18:50
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In the same group as Skeeters and Brantlys to me. Museum pieces

If you want an old classic helicopter buy a 47.
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Old 18th Aug 2009, 18:58
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Ok, confession time !!!

www.007helicopter.com is mine for the last few years

To answer a few points made above:

1) Vanguard Helicopters do not actually do any maintenance, In fact I do not believe they are active as a company, ask Hillerbee.

2) I use to fly N780ND on a JAA with a type rating but now have a clean
FAA license as it was hassle to keep getting an annual revalidation.

3) Touch wood (exscuse the pun) It has been very relaible and inexpensive to maintain, The high costs referred to and lack of parts relate to the E model I think, I have had no problem getting parts from Fort Wolters in the US and there are many other sources.

4) I Agree it is not fast but that is not really the point, My Cirrus SR22 satisfies my need for speed and getting places quickly, the view from the Hiller is fantastic.

5) For a Hiller mine is relatively smooth, Or should I say less of a bone shaker than some I have flown.

6) I do not recall offering it for the price as above but am now keeping for ther time being as I have my FAA license.

7) Personal opinion I think it would make a great primary trainer, it has an excellent safety record. In the UK I guess as it is on the N reg you would need an FAA Instructor like Tim Price and you need permission from the Department of Transport which is a formality as long as you are the owner.

8) Needs to be hangared


In summary not a serious form of transport but a lot of pleasure for the sake of flying or going on local's

Duncan
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Old 18th Aug 2009, 19:15
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Sounds like a nice old classic with an important history Duncan. I guess a serious buyer would be aware of the cost of keeping it flying. How does it compare to a B47?
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Old 18th Aug 2009, 19:27
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Phil I recently did a week at Dutch Country Helicopters in Lancaster PA who operate some B47's and from what they told me it sounds like parts are really becoming scarse and very expensive to now operate.

This is my 2nd UH12C ( A glutton for punsihment) and I have had no real issues. I have only done about 100 hours in N780ND and so far only routine maintenance.
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