Enstrom 480B
 

Hey Guys!

I would be thrilled to get some info bout the Enstrom 480b from people who have flown it, worked on it, owned it..

All thoughts about the machine are most welcome:ok:

Some info on the slingload capabilities would make my day:}

Have a great day/night/evening, or morning!!

WKR///Erik

Excellent helicopters


For:
- Safe handling, easy to fly
- Very good safety record - nothing to catch you out
- Well built, robust construction
- Proper sophisticated, fully articulated rotorhead
- Very effective tail rotor
- Big energy absorbing undercarriage and cabin protection
- Very stable and comfortable, especially in windy/turbulent conditions
- Spacious, versatile cabin - but best as 3-seater, bit cramped with 5
- Normal cruise 100-110 kts
- Fuel consumption c.160 lbs/ph (3hrs+)
- Developed as a Trainer for the US Army - in use with several other military around the world
- One of the best entry level Turbines for private owners
- Enstrom has a long history and now owned by Chinese parentage so receiving big investment
- Good value, esp used (and earlier 480 even cheaper)
- Excellent Factory support


Against
- Limited number of Enstrom engineers and instructors/examiners in some places
- Not the fastest turbine (but safe)
- Er, that's about it.


Quite a lot of Enstrom pilots I know have trained on the S300, and it's a logical step up from piston to Turbine - you have a similar rotorhead, electric trim on the cyclic, oleos on the undercarriage, pic in the l/h seat - all fairly familiar.

Not had much to do with Enstrom's, what are the piston engine one's like compared to the H-300 or R-22,44's:confused:

Thank's FLY 7 for exellent info!
I like what I'm reading..

Keep em' coming guys :)
Please try to keep the thread focused on the 480:)

Dennis Kenyon would be one of the best people to answer your questions


https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1Im_kN2r5-s

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yGn-0xtM8Jg

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UbgWIOi1nKE

Enstrom 480 handling
 

For Schweizer 300 guy ... Its good to be recommended here on PP, and IF I can help with any items on Enstrom handling, naturally as a long-time flyer and supporter of the type, I'm always delighted to do so.

I see someone has posted the 480 display I completed at the SA Air Force Base at Waterkloof, and while I kept the my standard display routine as 'Ladylike' as I felt proper for the nature of the occasion, I cannot say enough how very much I enjoyed handling the type. I've said to so many people, "that week of display flying, was probably as good a flying week it has ever been my privilege to enjoy."

The many 'merits' of the type have been listed already and all are true in spades. Sure the 480 doesn't have the outright speed of the MD or similar types, but for ease and reliability of secure handling, my view is the 480 is up there with the very best.

And I note, no mention was made of the easy engine-off handling ... as good as anything I have ever flown. She is a good looking ship, has an unrivalled safety record, is an absolute joy to handle and won't totally empty your pockets with operating costs. I sometimes wonder why anybody buys anything else! (well almost!) Enjoy your ownership. Dennis Kenyon.

Thank you for the information Mr. Kenyon! I'm very greatful :) The 480b sure seems like a great and safe machine!

Just bought a 480 and thought I would try and revitalise this thread to see if anyone els has anything worthwhile to contribute?
I'd love to hear your stories (Good or Bad)

I've only got a dozen hours in a 480 but plenty of time in a B206, EC120, MD500 and I must say the 480 is a dream to fly. I'd compare it to the 500 like comparing a Ferrari to a Bentley. In the 500 you fly fast and feel every bit of wind and turbulence where in the 480 its so smooth even in 30 Knt + winds. You don't feel a thing, like a Bentley coasting down a smooth motorway at 100mph. Obviously not as exciting but hey ho.

I've put a 500 and a 206 into a few tight places and "nearly" got it wrong in a 206 so am hoping the 480 will get me in and more importantly get me out without issue? Time will tell, one things for sure there is plenty of tail rotor authority in the 480.

Has anyone got any "do's and don't" with the 480 that I should be aware of as a low time 480 driver? Every Day is a school day so am looking for knowledge and information. Most of my fling is point to point with a bit of recreational and mountain flying for fun when I can.

I'm all ears hope you can contribute?

Congratulations on the purchase. I can only reiterate what I've said before. We've had one for 8 years/800 hrs and it's hard to fault.
I run one without blade tape - requires some extra maintenance (wiping with ACF-50 regularly), but I'm convinced it flies, better, smoother, faster. Changed the Landing, Nav and strobe lights to LED and much improved.
My son learned to fly a 480B when he was 16 and has made a few videos. This one gives a nice impression of the helicopter and the spacious cabin (although best as a 2+2)

Nice video, shows how smooth it is flying.:ok:

https://cimg0.ibsrv.net/gimg/pprune....b086e861d7.jpg

few years ago

Owz
Make double sure the tail rotor gearbox oil site glass does not have "sticky old oil" in it showing a false level. Lift the boom up and down and check the level moves accordingly! Also if it has lamiflexes park the collective lever at mid travel. You probably know this already. Have fun I'm sure you will.

Look after your Enstrom and she will look after you.
(Don't over torque her, main rotor gearbox does not take kindly too it, it will start making metal)
Personally although blade tape is a bind it does stop a lot of blade damage and is worth fitting in my experience.
Engine cool down is a must if you want it too last, plus don't let her sit in a damp place can cause a lot of problems.
Other wise just enjoy your flying.
Best Wishes
Tim:D

The one above has a striking new colour scheme
https://cimg4.ibsrv.net/gimg/pprune....79539d531c.jpg

Does Enstrom still have a maintenance presence in Australia? I checked the web site and Fox Air is listed but they don't come up on Google search.

Nightmare to work on, engine is upside down and and faces backwards. Everything is hard to get to, manuals are ****, cowls and panels held together by self tapping screws.

Alignment of belts, pulleys and shafts are "fun" (especially oil cooler blower shaft as when the boot is loaded it changes alignment). The drive belt clearance sdb is wonderful especially when the plenum is manufactured with next to no clearance.

Topping up oil in the pulley is a job filled with lots of swear words and banging your head on sharp things, then to lock them up again with no room for any tools. Damper rod ends are a good spot for corrosion you cant see.

A well track/balanced machine flies great though and plenty of room in cockpit for 2 people.

Personally would have gone for darker colour under tail boom, but different:eek:

Recently certified in NZ: Enstrom receives New Zealand type certificate for F-28F, 280FX, and 480B « Enstrom Helicopter Corporation

Air conditioning
 

Does anybody have experience with the OEM air conditioning for the 480B.Does it work? Effectively, reliably, comfortably?
Is the compressor electrically driven? Does retrofitting it require upgrading the electric system too?