MD500 Series Specific Photo Thread
Join Date: Jul 2001
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Mmmmm ...
My original type conversion to the '500' was done (1976) on an "A" model that is 369A and it was NOT an OH6 (OH6 was flown from the RH seat).
It had the 'fibre glass' blades a C18 engine and IIRC 2500 lb (?) MTOW.
We soon upgraded the company fleet to C20 engines to eliminate the high TOT problems associated with distorting compressor scroll back plates which caused no end of aggravation with our bush operations in outback Australia in the mid '70's.
We also went with the metal (and Bungee assisted) Tail rotor blades as soon as they became available to overcome the "full left pedal & nothing is happening" effect ... this I think also allowed the MTOW to increase (??).
Also flew all sorts of versions in PNG ... 369 C, D, E & F (big engine, extended tail boom etc).
Mmmm .... had a lot of fun in the 500 .... those were the days .....
My original type conversion to the '500' was done (1976) on an "A" model that is 369A and it was NOT an OH6 (OH6 was flown from the RH seat).
It had the 'fibre glass' blades a C18 engine and IIRC 2500 lb (?) MTOW.
We soon upgraded the company fleet to C20 engines to eliminate the high TOT problems associated with distorting compressor scroll back plates which caused no end of aggravation with our bush operations in outback Australia in the mid '70's.
We also went with the metal (and Bungee assisted) Tail rotor blades as soon as they became available to overcome the "full left pedal & nothing is happening" effect ... this I think also allowed the MTOW to increase (??).
Also flew all sorts of versions in PNG ... 369 C, D, E & F (big engine, extended tail boom etc).
Mmmm .... had a lot of fun in the 500 .... those were the days .....
500 fan, you are joking, D or E model tail rotor way better than an R44. Will happily do spot turns in a 500 in 30 + kts of wind much easier than an R44 !
You will have to use more pedal granted, as she has a powerful tail rotor on a short tailboom, than an R44
You will have to use more pedal granted, as she has a powerful tail rotor on a short tailboom, than an R44
"500 Fan, you are joking"
No, I'm afraid not. My experience is limited to a privately-owned OH-6A with metal TR blades. Probably part of the problem is the less powerful engine (and the shorter tail-boom than the R44). Never had the pleasure to get any time on a D or E, unfortunately. It's interesting to read about all the small differences between each version. Thanks.
500 Fan.
No, I'm afraid not. My experience is limited to a privately-owned OH-6A with metal TR blades. Probably part of the problem is the less powerful engine (and the shorter tail-boom than the R44). Never had the pleasure to get any time on a D or E, unfortunately. It's interesting to read about all the small differences between each version. Thanks.
500 Fan.
500 fan
There is no way an R44 tail totor is better than a 500 one. Have flown all models of the family other than an OH6 which is the same for all intense purposes as a 369HS. Have only 50 ish hours on an R44 and about 2000 on 500's I know which I would prefer to spot turn in a strong wind
There is no way an R44 tail totor is better than a 500 one. Have flown all models of the family other than an OH6 which is the same for all intense purposes as a 369HS. Have only 50 ish hours on an R44 and about 2000 on 500's I know which I would prefer to spot turn in a strong wind
My lack of experience on the H500 is accounting for my assessment of R44 versus H500 TR performance. There is only one way to find out how good the H500 TR really is: Lots of 500 time! 
Here's hoping.
500 Fan.
Here's hoping. 500 Fan.
You guys really need to stop with this thread, already... the doctor tells me that if this newfound condition of mine lasts for more than four hours, I'm to seek immediate medical attention - and I can't afford it.
Please, stop.
Please, stop.
Viking Helicopters; Photo Update.
This set of photos has been updated with additional photos of CF-TUP and its water sampling system as well as new photos of C-GOEE, with an externally-mounted hand-operated winch. I think it might have those pesky metal tail rotor blades as well!
Cape Dorset, Baffin Island, 1975 - a set on Flickr
500 Fan.
Cape Dorset, Baffin Island, 1975 - a set on Flickr
500 Fan.
Join Date: Apr 2010
Location: NZ
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heres a few from my collection, they are also scanned from old photos so excuse the quality
Jeff Sayer, Palliser Bay 1982
Faram Helicopters operated from Masterton, Joes bivvy Tararuas
Les Maas, Branch River Marlborough
Amalgamated Helicopters, Totara Flats I believe -Tararua Forest Park
Jeff Sayer, Putangirua Pinnacles
My uncles 500, based out of Teharoto, Hawkes Bay
Jeff Sayer, Rimutaka fire 1982
Joe Keeley, Taupo 1982
Jason Diedrichs, Tararuas
Duncan Sutherland, Kime Hut Tararuas ZK-HOM
Jeff Sayer, Palliser Bay 1982
Faram Helicopters operated from Masterton, Joes bivvy Tararuas
Les Maas, Branch River Marlborough
Amalgamated Helicopters, Totara Flats I believe -Tararua Forest Park
Jeff Sayer, Putangirua Pinnacles
My uncles 500, based out of Teharoto, Hawkes Bay
Jeff Sayer, Rimutaka fire 1982
Joe Keeley, Taupo 1982
Jason Diedrichs, Tararuas
Duncan Sutherland, Kime Hut Tararuas ZK-HOM
Last edited by HeliNZee; 16th May 2010 at 03:11.
Join Date: Jan 2009
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500 fan, I never heard of that ex-Danish Air Force machine sorry, could be out there somewhere though, it's a big ocean...
I will have a scratch around and I may post a few more pics from the wild fishing ground in the next while.
I will have a scratch around and I may post a few more pics from the wild fishing ground in the next while.
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FYI, the original ZK-HJO, as depicted in it's Air Contracts livery, ended up in the Cook Strait in the 1980's after engine failure enroute to Nelson. The second HJO in those pic's must be another machine.
Join Date: Apr 2010
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thanks for the info, I hate to think how many have crashed over the years in NZ. Speaking of which on a hard landing heres what happened when the main rotors hit the tail, before and after... Even the rescue 300 got into strife but thats another story
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Didnt Noel Boyd end up flying HMT out of Kaikoura for a long time, obviously after the merger of Wishart, Alpine and Whirlwide into the Helicopter Line.