Bell 505 Jet Ranger X
the 15 hours inspection on the MR hub of the EC120 which can be a real pain
What’s the story with TT straps on the 505?
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Nonsense. Every 120 operator/owner I know has been authorised to do this themselves, after a short training session. It takes 2 minutes and arguably formalises a normal check in the thinking man’s list of responsibilities!
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It is LR running gear so you will be stuck with straps every 3 years, until they drag it out to 4 years. That would be the biggest maint expense for the first few years for a private owner, not so much of a problem for reasonable usage in a commercial situation.
I believe you also only pay for the hours used so it would not be a big sum for a private owner . Maybe the life will be extended...I know I would be quite happy to fly with 5 year old TT straps !!
1.G.1. Qualification 1 Mechanic or 1 pilot with appropriate training and certification, in accordance with the local regulation in force.
wouldn't that be great... a calendar life'd item that you only pay for the hours you used. such a novel concept. I'm sure every manufacture cringes at that accounting boondoggle.
ASB 05A012
The initial inspection of the main rotor hub per the requirements in this AD must be accomplished by a maintenance engineer. The repetitive inspections per paragraph 2.B.2.a and figure 1 in ASB 05A012 may be accomplished by adding the inspection requirement to the tech log. The repetitive visual inspection may be performed and certified under the provision in Part 43 Appendix A.1 (7) by the holder of a current pilot licence, if that person is rated on the aircraft, appropriately trained and authorised (Part 43, Subpart B refers), and the maintenance is recorded and certified as required by Part 43.
The initial inspection of the main rotor hub per the requirements in this AD must be accomplished by a maintenance engineer. The repetitive inspections per paragraph 2.B.2.a and figure 1 in ASB 05A012 may be accomplished by adding the inspection requirement to the tech log. The repetitive visual inspection may be performed and certified under the provision in Part 43 Appendix A.1 (7) by the holder of a current pilot licence, if that person is rated on the aircraft, appropriately trained and authorised (Part 43, Subpart B refers), and the maintenance is recorded and certified as required by Part 43.
I do think we are rather overstating the importance of how many people like the looks . The fact is there is no real alternative for anything near the money ......apart from Robinson , which I wouldn't even contemplate .
you are then left with old underpowered 120,s or 350 or 407 at vastly more money .
you are then left with old underpowered 120,s or 350 or 407 at vastly more money .
I don't think I will ever be able to find the 505 pretty but it really is unimportant. If I was in the market for one, it certainly wouldn't matter to me.
The way it looks is certainly polarising. And who knows, maybe in the end this will prevent new and used market values from reaching unreasonable levels.
Btw, I really liked the roomy and uncluttered utility-style interior. Anyone who has ever removed and installed the interior lining in a 206 will certainly appreciate that. Very clean cockpit that I immediately felt at home in. All in all it appears to be a very nice helicopter and it this point I would be very suprised if it would flop.
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SuperF and Nigel. Bell took 40years to extend the strap life one year ie from 2 to 3 years.
They were always going to extend it "next year" but never happened until recently.
At that rate we will see 4 year life in 2058 and 5 years in 2098.!!
But a very minor issue in what appears to be a great machine.
They were always going to extend it "next year" but never happened until recently.
At that rate we will see 4 year life in 2058 and 5 years in 2098.!!
But a very minor issue in what appears to be a great machine.
Last edited by claudia; 1st May 2018 at 14:25.
Rotorcraft
Bell Textron - Canada, 206B
Cracked Tension Torsion Strap Urethane Coating
SDR #: 20170808010
Subject:
During a routine 3 year calendar tension/torsion strap change, cracks were found in the urethane casing of the strap. This exposes the stainless steel wires to the elements.
Transport Canada Comments:
Cracks in the urethane protective coating of any tension/torsion strap could lead to internal corrosion of the straps. Visual inspection of the straps should be conducted whenever the opportunity is available to do so. The Australian Civil Aviation Authority has issued Airworthiness Bulletin 63-009 recommending inspection of the straps for cracks in the coating. Similarly, Bell Helicopter has issued Alert Service Bulletin 206-13-130 introducing a reduction to the life limit and removal of some part numbered straps. If cracks are found in the urethane coating of any manufactures tension/torsion straps please submit a Service Difficulty Report for each occurrence.
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Cautious
I’ve been watching this thread with some interest. No secret that I’m an R66 owner, and standard Robbo bashing aside, I’m genuinely interested to see how this ship performs.
Maybe questions best directed to Nigel, but interested in any views:
Heard that tail boom has been lifed at 500hrs. Is that true? What would replacement cost and how long would that take?
What basis is a 10% appreciation in value centred on?
I can’t fault your enthusiasm and excitement about a new machine, but from the sidelines I do worry that the early smugness may prove to be a little premature. I sincerely hope the aircraft is everything you hope it will be.
We are looking to replace our R66 in due course, but mast bumping aside, I personally feel the 505 would not constitute a significant upgrade - on paper if anything it is more power and endurance limited.
I’m not trying to take the piss, genuinely keen to hear your thoughts. We will most likely go for a Bell product next so be eager to hear how you go on.
FF
Maybe questions best directed to Nigel, but interested in any views:
Heard that tail boom has been lifed at 500hrs. Is that true? What would replacement cost and how long would that take?
What basis is a 10% appreciation in value centred on?
I can’t fault your enthusiasm and excitement about a new machine, but from the sidelines I do worry that the early smugness may prove to be a little premature. I sincerely hope the aircraft is everything you hope it will be.
We are looking to replace our R66 in due course, but mast bumping aside, I personally feel the 505 would not constitute a significant upgrade - on paper if anything it is more power and endurance limited.
I’m not trying to take the piss, genuinely keen to hear your thoughts. We will most likely go for a Bell product next so be eager to hear how you go on.
FF
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FlimsyFan
The 505 will blow the 66 away. It is a Long Ranger with a different body, so it will lift far more than a 66 could ever dream of, therefore at any set load it will out perform it. Having sat in one over Easter this year, there is far more room in the back than the 66.
Personally if i was looking at a machine about that size and price range i would get a good second hand Long Ranger, pretty it up with new paint/ Interior etc and still have a couple hundred change...
The 505 will blow the 66 away. It is a Long Ranger with a different body, so it will lift far more than a 66 could ever dream of, therefore at any set load it will out perform it. Having sat in one over Easter this year, there is far more room in the back than the 66.
Personally if i was looking at a machine about that size and price range i would get a good second hand Long Ranger, pretty it up with new paint/ Interior etc and still have a couple hundred change...
I tend to agree with Super F . The 505 is , I believe , in a different league to the 66 .... but I would think that as I really don’t like Robinson’s at all !!!
I flew the 505 again last w/e from London to Yorkshire and was once again really impressed with it . Comfortable, smooth at 120 knots . I would still prefer another AS350 but you are talking double ( yes I really think an old 350 would cost that ) the running costs and flimsy cabin and crap seats . Just on the money side the 505 is compelling but is it a great helicopter ?
Not while it has 2 blades and TT straps !
I flew the 505 again last w/e from London to Yorkshire and was once again really impressed with it . Comfortable, smooth at 120 knots . I would still prefer another AS350 but you are talking double ( yes I really think an old 350 would cost that ) the running costs and flimsy cabin and crap seats . Just on the money side the 505 is compelling but is it a great helicopter ?
Not while it has 2 blades and TT straps !
How does manual reversion work in the 505X if both FADEC channels fail? Straight forward in twins because the good engine still looks after rotor speed control, but in a single?
My guess would be that such a failure would result in the loss of engine power and an autorotation. My other guess would be that a dual FADEC failure would *never* happen.
If that 3rd backup fails. The fuel flow freezes at previous setting... so very challenging to fly around without droop or OS. They said you would want to cruise for a bit, but quickly find a landing spot and turn engine off and execute autorotation landing.
