R44 Astros worth less!
Thread Starter
Joined: Mar 2009
Posts: 7
Likes: 0
From: Christchurch, NZ
R44 Astros worth less!
RHC has now admitted that from end of first quarter of 2012, they will no longer produce main rotor blades and cyclic stick assemblies for non-hydraulic R44's.
Guess many owners will not be too impressed! Make sure you don't damage your blades from now on.
Guess many owners will not be too impressed! Make sure you don't damage your blades from now on.
Joined: Dec 2008
Posts: 2,191
Likes: 26
From: Top of the World
Make sure you don't damage your blades from now on.
??????????????????????????????????
Unless they come off,
or delaminate on their own, 
as they a prone to do.
Live dangerously, fly a robo
Good Luck & Happy Landings.
VF
??????????????????????????????????
Unless they come off,
or delaminate on their own, as they a prone to do. Live dangerously, fly a robo
Good Luck & Happy Landings.
VF
Thread Starter
Joined: Mar 2009
Posts: 7
Likes: 0
From: Christchurch, NZ
Well, they are not saying that they will not support the Astro, just that you have to send them back to the factory and have hydraulics fitted for US$40,000 plus a set of new blades!
Joined: Aug 2008
Posts: 48
Likes: 0
From: Devon
The Robinson product.
If this information is true then it confirms my thoughts about the Robinson products. Cheap throw away items that devalue like a used Durex.
I still cannot understand why so many people are hooked by the product as being cheap but good helicopters. Worse still there are those that rate these on par if not better than the good ole Jetranger. Never.
If I want new blades for a 1978 B206 for example then Bell will sell me a set no problem! A 1978 B206 B3 is still worth £220 - £260k more than 30 years on. A 1998 Astro is no more than a gate guard!
I still cannot understand why so many people are hooked by the product as being cheap but good helicopters. Worse still there are those that rate these on par if not better than the good ole Jetranger. Never.
If I want new blades for a 1978 B206 for example then Bell will sell me a set no problem! A 1978 B206 B3 is still worth £220 - £260k more than 30 years on. A 1998 Astro is no more than a gate guard!
Joined: Jan 2003
Posts: 365
Likes: 15
From: CYPG
All it means is that there will be a mandatory upgrade to Raven I standards...
Has been that way for a few years if you sent your Astro to Robinson for the overhaul, you'd get back a Raven I, and obviously have to pay for the add ons as well..
Cheers
H.
Has been that way for a few years if you sent your Astro to Robinson for the overhaul, you'd get back a Raven I, and obviously have to pay for the add ons as well..
Cheers
H.
Joined: Aug 2008
Posts: 48
Likes: 0
From: Devon
Un rebuildable Astro's
Winnie,
I appreciate that point but I cannot think of another helicopter manufacturer that forces you to upgrade your helicopter at extra cost after only 12 years.
12 years in aircraft terms is nothing. For many a 12 year old helicopter is not far off new.
To be told that your Astro is un rebuildable unless upgraded to latest spec is crazy. A great money earner for Robinson granted but not good for the owner.
When you look at these Robinson cons it does make you wonder whether it was Frank Robinson's ploy all along to capture the inexperienced owner with a sales pitch about how cheap it is to run then kick them in the b***ocks after they bought one.
I appreciate that point but I cannot think of another helicopter manufacturer that forces you to upgrade your helicopter at extra cost after only 12 years.
12 years in aircraft terms is nothing. For many a 12 year old helicopter is not far off new.
To be told that your Astro is un rebuildable unless upgraded to latest spec is crazy. A great money earner for Robinson granted but not good for the owner.
When you look at these Robinson cons it does make you wonder whether it was Frank Robinson's ploy all along to capture the inexperienced owner with a sales pitch about how cheap it is to run then kick them in the b***ocks after they bought one.
Joined: Mar 2002
Posts: 489
Likes: 2
From: UK
Robinson Rotor Upgrade
Given the high prices and the lack of customer satisfaction do people think there is a market for long life, high inertia, improved aerodynamic performance blades from an aftermarket supplier?
I'm thinking along the lines of what Carson did for the commercial Sikorsky S-61's.
Comments appriciated?
Cran
I'm thinking along the lines of what Carson did for the commercial Sikorsky S-61's.
Comments appriciated?
Cran
Joined: Sep 2006
Posts: 1,631
Likes: 0
From: Los Angeles, USA
Why doesn't anyone come up with an STC for the TT straps and sell them for far less? It can't be that hard to get that done - external companies have STC's for blades and rotors and god knows what else..
Joined: Feb 2008
Posts: 392
Likes: 0
From: UK