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Fly a Sikorsky S-76?!?

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Old 16th Dec 2012, 17:50
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Fly a Sikorsky S-76?!?

Ok, so I am posting this on behalf of my husband. I have been searching online to find somewhere in the UK where he could fly a Sikorsky S-76 (something to do with Airwolf?!) He is a military helicopter pilot and I guess its a childhood memory. Anyway I thought I could surprise him with a trial/pleasure flight for Christmas and I can't find anywhere with this particular helicopter. Any ideas or suggestions would really be appreciated.
Many thanks
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Old 16th Dec 2012, 20:12
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This is going to be an interesting one. I'm in.
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Old 16th Dec 2012, 20:17
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Hi

I think you'll struggle to actually get him in the pilot/co-pilot's seat, and in any case, I'm certain that the Airrwolf machine was based on a Bell 222. However, if you contact Cardinal based at City Heliport Manchester you will find that they operate their own Sikorsky S76 and parked next to it is a Bell 430 which looks very similar to the Airwolf machine.

You are however looking at a rental of at least £2k - £3k per hour for these machines although you will be able to take 6 - 8 passengers.

Joel
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Old 16th Dec 2012, 22:14
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The original Airwolf was, as mentioned, a Bell 222. There was 3 of them used in the filming of the series of which two are now written of (as in scrapped). The one left was used by Air Greenland for some time untill it was sold to a company in Norway ScanAviation as LN-ODW. I think the company went bankrupt.
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Old 17th Dec 2012, 02:32
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Just buy him this one:

BELL 222A HELICOPTERS VIP fresh annual, sorry second helicopter sold in Aircraft | eBay Motors

:-D
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Old 17th Dec 2012, 11:37
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Thanks!

Hmmm, ok, ignorance was bliss. Not sure RAF wages will stretch!! Looks like it might be a Red Letter Day Thank you
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Old 17th Dec 2012, 12:44
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Carls, don't give up just yet!

There may yet be a way forward (although Christmas is fast approaching .. so perhaps for his birthday instead?).

There is a member of our community who flies a UK-based Bell 222 (the type of helicopter used in the TV series 'Airwolf') and there was even some talk a while back that the helicopter in question might be painted in the Airwolf colours. Moreover I am confident you could arrange a charter which would come in at less than the 2-3k mentioned above.

You may try and send him a private message here.
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Old 17th Dec 2012, 14:28
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Well there certainly was an S-76 in airwolf!

Fans of the show may remember HX-1, which was destroyed by Airwolf in an episode with some of the best helicopter dogfight footage in memory.





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Old 17th Dec 2012, 14:37
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Heli-Jet at Leeds Heliport used to have one for charter - not sure if they still do.
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Old 17th Dec 2012, 16:43
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There are now no Bell 222's left on the 'G' register, so in theory, you shouldn't be able to charter one in the UK...but that leads back to the whole lease/AOC issue which has been covered in depth elsewhere on this forum over many years...!

I think the aircraft Savoia is referring to is N22ZW...see Heli-Charter Operations (The Airwolf Experience). Don't think it involves flying in the 222 though, but alongside it in a JetRanger or similar.

As far as I know, the Leeds-based 222 was on the 'N' register, so would not have been available on an AOC. Not sure if it's still based in Leeds or not - no harm making enquiries I guess!

I think Executive Helicopters in Ireland had a 222 on their AOC at one point (EI-registered) if you would consider a trip to Ireland, although not sure if they still do?

Last edited by heli14; 17th Dec 2012 at 16:47.
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Old 17th Dec 2012, 17:40
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He'll be wasting his time. The 222s nowadays don't have a turbo or a whisper mode anymore.
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Old 17th Dec 2012, 18:37
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Wasn't Blue Thunder equipped with whisper mode?
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Old 17th Dec 2012, 19:13
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Joel Tobias looks a bit like Stringfellow Hawk. with a helmet on. He might be able to dress up for you.

Alternately, how about one of these and some lessons?
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Old 17th Dec 2012, 19:39
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Executive in Ireland still have their B222!
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