Top of the World: photos from Nepal
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Hi VF
My employer is discussing the idea of trading the L4 I have as a base machine for a 350BA. Dont laugh.
80% of my work is less than 10000' and the 20% that is can be done with less than gross weights and any emergencies that require higher loads to higher altitudes can be covered with either a c20R equipped 206 or a 350B3.
My question is how useful were the Bs and BAs before the last one was rolled up? Did the 206 outshine them as far as useful loads to say 10-12000?
Looking at the books and previous experience I would say the BA is gasping above 6000.
This is just at the discussion stage now and my preference is to keep the L4 as its a great all rounder that I know stays here in this location.
I am dubious of calling in a B3 from other work during an emergency situation.
My customer base cannot yet support the cost of the B3 as a permanent base machine but that is certainly the goal one day.
Any input appreciated.
My employer is discussing the idea of trading the L4 I have as a base machine for a 350BA. Dont laugh.
80% of my work is less than 10000' and the 20% that is can be done with less than gross weights and any emergencies that require higher loads to higher altitudes can be covered with either a c20R equipped 206 or a 350B3.
My question is how useful were the Bs and BAs before the last one was rolled up? Did the 206 outshine them as far as useful loads to say 10-12000?
Looking at the books and previous experience I would say the BA is gasping above 6000.
This is just at the discussion stage now and my preference is to keep the L4 as its a great all rounder that I know stays here in this location.
I am dubious of calling in a B3 from other work during an emergency situation.
My customer base cannot yet support the cost of the B3 as a permanent base machine but that is certainly the goal one day.
Any input appreciated.
Last edited by nuthin; 21st Oct 2013 at 04:20.
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Thread Starter
Jetbangers are GO - Top of the World
Kote 12,884' @ 19oC Rescue - 3 x PAX + 45kg Cargo + 18usgal GoJuice 
Last edited by Vertical Freedom; 21st Oct 2013 at 16:27.
Thread Starter
Top of the World - details
G'day nuthin
Brother the BA is a gret machine which will carry more than a 206B always below 10,000', But at a higher $$$price. Nearing the usefull breathing ability of the B & BA the 206 will lift the same at 16,000'ish so up there is the same working load. the 206B with C20R will outperform the B & BA. Working usefully up to probably 18-19,000'
Stick to the L4 & bolt on the HA tail rotor blades (same as the 407) & You'd have almost a 407 doing the same work at higher altitudes, so its the cheaper option.
The B3 is the dream machine, more power than You can use, responsive, forgiving, the ultimate sporty beast
Happy Landings
VF
Hi VF
My employer is discussing the idea of trading the L4 I have as a base machine for a 350BA. Dont laugh.
80% of my work is less than 10000' and the 20% that is can be done with less than gross weights and any emergencies that require higher loads to higher altitudes can be covered with either a c20R equipped 206 or a 350B3.
My question is how useful were the Bs and BAs before the last one was rolled up? Did the 206 outshine them as far as useful loads to say 10-12000?
Looking at the books and previous experience I would say the BA is gasping above 6000.
This is just at the discussion stage now and my preference is to keep the L4 as its a great all rounder that I know stays here in this location.
I am dubious of calling in a B3 from other work during an emergency situation.
My customer base cannot yet support the cost of the B3 as a permanent base machine but that is certainly the goal one day.
Any input appreciated.
My employer is discussing the idea of trading the L4 I have as a base machine for a 350BA. Dont laugh.
80% of my work is less than 10000' and the 20% that is can be done with less than gross weights and any emergencies that require higher loads to higher altitudes can be covered with either a c20R equipped 206 or a 350B3.
My question is how useful were the Bs and BAs before the last one was rolled up? Did the 206 outshine them as far as useful loads to say 10-12000?
Looking at the books and previous experience I would say the BA is gasping above 6000.
This is just at the discussion stage now and my preference is to keep the L4 as its a great all rounder that I know stays here in this location.
I am dubious of calling in a B3 from other work during an emergency situation.
My customer base cannot yet support the cost of the B3 as a permanent base machine but that is certainly the goal one day.
Any input appreciated.
Stick to the L4 & bolt on the HA tail rotor blades (same as the 407) & You'd have almost a 407 doing the same work at higher altitudes, so its the cheaper option.
The B3 is the dream machine, more power than You can use, responsive, forgiving, the ultimate sporty beast
Happy Landings
VF
Namaste VF,
There are helicopters and there are helicopters but your last series of pictures of the Jet Ranger really emphasis that this type is surely at the top of the list as far as successful designs are concerned. When one considers that it first entered service some sixty years ago and apart from the power plant upgrades the basic configuration is still there. It seems to work well in any role (although the original C18 powered machine had some limitations).
I wonder if the new Bell SLS will do as well.
I really look forward to hearing that you are going to get a C20R, you above anyone should have one in the back if not for the extra performance then just to allow cooler running.
Here's to you VF , the best thread on PPRUNE!
There are helicopters and there are helicopters but your last series of pictures of the Jet Ranger really emphasis that this type is surely at the top of the list as far as successful designs are concerned. When one considers that it first entered service some sixty years ago and apart from the power plant upgrades the basic configuration is still there. It seems to work well in any role (although the original C18 powered machine had some limitations
). I wonder if the new Bell SLS will do as well.
I really look forward to hearing that you are going to get a C20R, you above anyone should have one in the back if not for the extra performance then just to allow cooler running.
Here's to you VF , the best thread on PPRUNE!
Join Date: Apr 2006
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This picture says it all
Here is a man happy in his job with no 'Look at me I'm a helicopter captain' nonsense.
No flying suit and bone dome visor Top Gun arrogance. I've seen so many 206 guys doing the helicopter hero attitude so the picture below sums up why I like VF and his approach to what I imagine is one of the toughest flying jobs on the planet.
A complete lack of corporate uniform/white shirt with epaulettes,hi viz jacket etc.
What we have here is a pilot who takes on a challenge day out and loves it.
I hope you have his picture on your wall VF...they don't come much better.
(Who did you muster with?? I reckon you probably pushed the R22 to the edge)
No flying suit and bone dome visor Top Gun arrogance. I've seen so many 206 guys doing the helicopter hero attitude so the picture below sums up why I like VF and his approach to what I imagine is one of the toughest flying jobs on the planet.
A complete lack of corporate uniform/white shirt with epaulettes,hi viz jacket etc.
What we have here is a pilot who takes on a challenge day out and loves it.
I hope you have his picture on your wall VF...they don't come much better.
(Who did you muster with?? I reckon you probably pushed the R22 to the edge)
Last edited by Ye Olde Pilot; 22nd Oct 2013 at 19:21.
Thread Starter
B47 & H269C
Hey nuthin
G'day Gemini Twin - Mate the 206 capability truly is underrated. Ow please Lord deliver me a C20R so I may land at Base Camp (~19,000')
Thanks for the positive words As for the SLS????? hmmmm next question 
bring the 206 back into production
Namaste Ye Olde Pilot hehehehe Brother I mustered in 47's & 269's - REAL (& safe) Helicopters
The Kapitain Klown suite complete with gold tosser bars ain't gonna help the Pilot fly any better, just massage his/her ego & maybe pull some Chicks (maybe)? Here in this environment I; fuel/defuel, load/unload PAX, load/unload cargo, clean the machine, the windows, vomit & blood, do a DI, turnaround inspections, top up the oils, fuel filter change, put her to bed, oh & fly some too
the Helicopter Pilot's job is a dirty job where an Airline Pilot's attire is never appropriate, nor called for 
Happy Landings
The L4 has the HA tail rotor and it is very nice. Same authority you get use to with the 350 but still likes to point into wind like any Bell.
G'day Gemini Twin - Mate the 206 capability truly is underrated. Ow please Lord deliver me a C20R so I may land at Base Camp (~19,000')
Thanks for the positive words
As for the SLS????? hmmmm next question bring the 206 back into production Namaste Ye Olde Pilot hehehehe Brother I mustered in 47's & 269's - REAL (& safe) Helicopters
Here is a man happy in his job with no 'Look at me I'm a helicopter captain' nonsense.
No flying suit and bone dome visor Top Gun arrogance. I've seen so many 206 guys doing the helicopter hero attitude so the picture below sums up why I like VF and his approach to what I imagine is one of the toughest flying jobs on the planet.
A complete lack of corporate uniform/white shirt with epaulettes,hi viz jacket etc.
What we have here is a pilot who takes on a challenge day out and loves it.
No flying suit and bone dome visor Top Gun arrogance. I've seen so many 206 guys doing the helicopter hero attitude so the picture below sums up why I like VF and his approach to what I imagine is one of the toughest flying jobs on the planet.
A complete lack of corporate uniform/white shirt with epaulettes,hi viz jacket etc.
What we have here is a pilot who takes on a challenge day out and loves it.
The Kapitain Klown suite complete with gold tosser bars ain't gonna help the Pilot fly any better, just massage his/her ego & maybe pull some Chicks (maybe)? Here in this environment I; fuel/defuel, load/unload PAX, load/unload cargo, clean the machine, the windows, vomit & blood, do a DI, turnaround inspections, top up the oils, fuel filter change, put her to bed, oh & fly some too
the Helicopter Pilot's job is a dirty job where an Airline Pilot's attire is never appropriate, nor called for Happy Landings
Last edited by Vertical Freedom; 23rd Oct 2013 at 08:50.
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Namaste VF
Already been posted by others , and also in my view yours is the most interesting , live and totally honest thread on Pprune, your posts give people ambitions that no other posts and picture can do, what a totally delicate balance you play out daily in your astronomical flights.
Total regards to you,
Peter R-B
Lancashire oh at 750ft amsl.....
Already been posted by others , and also in my view yours is the most interesting , live and totally honest thread on Pprune, your posts give people ambitions that no other posts and picture can do, what a totally delicate balance you play out daily in your astronomical flights.
Total regards to you,
Peter R-B
Lancashire oh at 750ft amsl.....
Thread Starter
Top of the World - coffee lots of coffee
Namaste Peter-RB
Thanks Brother for those humbling words. 750' YIKES Mate that's nose bleed material down on the 'Teray' (low plains) it goes as low as 350'amsl 
Hey albatross
portable canola up the shnoz
but I don't use it (as am acclimatised) except when landing above 20,000' 
my Christmas wish is a C20R thrown in the back of my JetBanger (please can anyone help, know anyone at Bell or Soloy?) 
Happy Landings
VF
Thanks Brother for those humbling words. 750' YIKES Mate that's nose bleed material
down on the 'Teray' (low plains) it goes as low as 350'amsl Hey albatross
portable canola up the shnoz
but I don't use it (as am acclimatised) except when landing above 20,000' my Christmas wish is a C20R thrown in the back of my JetBanger (please can anyone help, know anyone at Bell or Soloy?) Happy Landings
VF
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A bit of perspective
To add some perspective to comments made by Ye Olde Pilot et al, 1. Some pilots don't have any choice regarding what they can wear as this choice has made for them by the company they work for. 2. I would guess that over 50% of small to mid-size heli ops around the world are operated by crews who do not wear uniform so its not such a rare thing. In the US the majority of small operators wear regular clothing. 3. In certain situations/locations wearing a uniform can be helpful.
VF, you might like to read these comments about the C20R conversion for the 206.
VF, you might like to read these comments about the C20R conversion for the 206.