Should I buy an Enstrom 480 instead of a 280FX?
 

Just completing my PPL(H) here in the UK on an Enstrom 280.
Am lucky enough to be able to afford a helicopter for private use.
For the kind of money I'm thinking of (max £200k), I can buy a 10 year old Enstrom 280FX. However, I've seen a couple of Enstrom 480's advertised at around the £180k mark.
Apart from the higher operating costs, what are the reasons I shouldn't buy a 480?
Isn't there an AD out there about some expensive turbine shafts?

This is a question about Enstroms. Please don't try to persuade me to buy another make.

which Enstrom to buy
 

Interested to see you are considering either a 280 or 480 Enstrom.
If you would like to PM me I can give you some very detailed information .
I operate from Gloucester EGBJ, There are currently 11 various Enstroms based in and near the airport (i.e. 7 of 480/480B turbine and 4 pistons types).This must be a record in the UK!!! I have trained all of the current owners and their pilots on the 11 machines above. Happy to talk

Not sure about turbine shafts, but I presume that the C20 engine fitted to the 480 will require the explosion containment ring AD complying with, due for the next few months in Bell 206's at least.

I have heard that the kits to comply are in short supply, such that prices for the ring is now inflating.

Engineers may know more.

The 280 is not that fast and you are limited in seating capacity, and the fuel type is very expensive.

The 480 is more expensive, uses more fuel but it costs less.

You can calculate the 5 yr cost (say) based on published data taking into account this balance of fixed and variable costs.

It really depends if you want to carry more than 2 people and never more than a small amount of baggage.

A 280 at around £65K - 70K with good component times is probably quite a good deal if you dont want to go far or fast.

h-r

If you can justify/afford the operating costs thenbgo for the 480, withoutvquestion.

Joel :ok:

You might want to keep in mind that the engine on all the F models, including the FX are a bit tender. They are pulling 225 horsepower out of a 180 to 200 horsepower engine.

Not trying to change your mind about Enstrom, in fact I think they are wonderful.

I just want to point out that if you want to leave in the duals, the pistons become two seaters and the turbines 3 seaters.

I have had an FX and own a share in a 480 at the moment. happy to let you have costs.

Although I have never owned or flown a piston Enstrom, this is the impression I have formed after talking with those who have. I did own a 480B for a few years and this was a 150% positive experience in every respect. Among many virtues, a superb safety record. I can recommend the 480 without hesitation! :ok:

The engine in the 480 is loafing as power is limited to about 300 hp by the transmission (vs engine power rating of 420 hp). My only experience with piston helos is with the R22 & R44, but I think you will find turbine power transformational - relatively smooth, quiet, and reliable. And best of all, the smell of Jet A in the morning!

A good 480, bought wisely with expert advice, for under £200k, could be one of the best helicopter bargains.

It feels like a real helicopter with proper controls, rotor head, undercarriage, RR turbine engine, tough build quality, safe predictable handling, spacious, versatile cabin, good performance and very secure and easy to handle, especially in windy conditions.

Running costs are sensible, and the only annoyance is the TT straps every 2 years (c.£6k).

So, why are 480s such a bargain? Hard to say, but partly down to preception, I suppose. R44s, 206s, 500s are more numerous and popular. Enstrom are seen as a smaller volume producer, so maybe buyers think factory support and maintenance are an issue (not true). Apparently Enstrom production is sold out until 2013, and they have always had a first class safety record.

The later 480'B' did incorporate quite a few useful improvements, but they start at £300k++, and are fundamentally the same.

Nice report from Dennis K, here LoopTV.Aero

And you should take up TOT's offer - I think there are 3 280s and 6 480s based at Gloucester.

Having owned and flown two 480"s and one 280 i can highly recommend the 480. It will cost no more to run than the piston especially when you factor in expensive avgas. regarding the containment ring AD on the turbine i believe all c20w engines have compliance from new. Go for the 480 the 280 is not comparable - it will be like moving from a Ford Fiesta to a Rolls Royce.

posts above by EN48 and FLY7 very good, I add my 100% agreement.

I have looked at the 480 and 480B. Each has its own advantages. The 480B has a higher gross weight. But the 480 has some better component times. It has been awhile so I don't remember them right off the top of my head right now. I do believe that the upgrade kit for the 480 to make it a B model is not that expensive.

480 Share
 

Hi Clitheroe Kid

see you have a share in a 480 based oop north...

I'm thinking of starting a share at BJ in a 480 and would appreciate any direction you could give me on operating costs please...

Many thanks

480 480b
 

piano player have sent you PM

I reckon if you buy an enstrom 280 within 3 months you would have wished you had a 480. Great machine by all accounts, go for it. Tot has a world of experience examining in them, clitheroe kid will tell you about ownership. Go for it!

Enstrom 480 (to buy ... or not to)
 

Hi Guys ... can I add my pennorth having just spent a truly wonderful week at the SA AF Base at Waterkloof flying & displaying the 480B version twice a day for the period of the air show.

I know, I know, I'm a fairly dedicated Enstrom man, but for smooth co-relation of controls, ease of handling, C20W turbine power and its spacious cabin, the type takes some beating. The MD 500 has more oomph, the JR has more air miles under its belt and the EC perhaps a smidgeon quieter, but for me and for showing off the type's beautiful handling and ladylike performance, I'm always completely sold and couldn't agree more with Fly, TOT and CK ... the type's an under rated cracker. (Interested parties can view the Waterkloof display via a cockpit and skid mounted 'go pro' camera on either Youtube or FB ... I'm not sure which but locate Brian Spurr's superb video photography. Best wishes to all. Dennis K.

PS. I celebrated my 82nd birthday there alongside the 1500th display.

Hope you had a great Birthday Dennis, really at the moment a 480B is the way to go, but with the new piston coming I hear in about 18 months, perhaps then we will have something to match the R44 and Cabri G2 or perhaps it will even be better.
Here's hoping.:ok:

Share in 480
 

I would be interested in the possibility of buying a share in an Enstrom 480 based at Gloucester. Does anybody know of any owners who might have a share or shares, or even hour purchasing available. Thank you.

Contact details
 

Hi
What are your contact details Re: helicopter flying lessons?