Good-sized heli 5 pax
 

Any recommendations for a 5 pax heli? (duck for incoming!)

Looked at MD520 and on paper it looks great, but you don´t see them. So why?

….other ideas?

Thanks

Pilot + 5 pax?

Need more details. Weight/baggage/range/altitude/temp requirements?

But there's really only AS350 isn't there?

Or if it is pilot + 4 pax then B206/EC120B/MD500.

How important is passenger comfort? If important then forget about MD500 and B206 leaving EC120B but if you want decent range and full people and bags then forget about that too and stick with the AS350.

A 206L is a fair option, but baggage space isn't great if the pax carry more than a day bag.

You can't get 5 pax in a 520

Not really...get an L4 with Tracs and the baggage extender..... I have picked up 950 lbs of of people and baggage, at 9,000' 25C and 90 minutes fuel....

The comparison site I was using defined capacity as "the number of people that can comfortably be seated in the helicopter, including the pilot."

I thought this was a bit misleading, as normally I would exclude pilot from "pax" but I went along with it. I have a family of four, 2 adults and two children…and baggage, to move. As as far as range in concerned, 120 miles does it, so everything seems to manage that(!)

The same site comparison had 520 with 48 cu ft baggage and 204 nm range.

I added the AS350 and see that it is no more expensive to buy, is larger and faster, but (according to them) uses more fuel.

Still a good addition to the list. Thanks guys!

Thanks Gordy. Shows up as slower than average, but seems to be a real carrier.

350 will cost easily double of a 500 to run/ maintain . Also if you don't yet have licence the 500 will be cheaper on insurance too . My advice is stick with C20 engine and don't go ever buy turbomeca unless you have very deep pockets . I know of v nice 500E ( not mine ..!!) coming up ...

Ferry pilot
That comparison site you was looking at does not read correctly
In a 520 you can fit 5 persons if you have a left hand pilot version take out the dual controls and fit a mini seat in the front

It is these guys

Best Helicopter Comparison - Prices, Specs, Photos

Seemed a useful tool, but if the info is not accurate, then it is worse than nothing.

How about a Bell 407 !

407
 

As most of the times I agree with Hughes500: Bell407 would be my choice.
Comfort for your pax' and power for the pilot:ok::ok::ok:

Don't go over board
 

an AS 350 BA or an EC 120
More than enough space and power for a small family and the distance you need it for.

The 520 has no space. It's a great machine for 2 + baggage...

Start off with an old Jetty and see how it goes... They'll be going cheaper soon :}

Rent for the first year and go from there

The EC 120 is a great machine whilst your children are small and the luggage compartment is massive. If your children are 90kg it is another story, as you will run out of fwd balance. You don't have the reserves of power of a 350 but you don't have the fuel consumption either and maintenance is relatively beign 9cost wise) due to the modern design. More comfortable passenger experience than a 206 (any mark) in my opinion. Very much more confortable than the 500.


Best advice is to look around for machines you can go an actually sit in / take a look around. Some owners will share maintenance history with you also.


If you are anywhere near London Gatwick then PM me if you want to look around / chat. (No, I am not selling my machines).

I may well be wrong but i think the Bell 505 will have a huge effect on the price of all current 4/5 place single turbines . Around $1m for a brand new twin fadec , 125knot machine with open plan cockpit , large luggage bay , plenty of power , full glass cockpit , synthetic vision etc etc
Why would you want to spend anywhere near that amount on an old dated machine with steam driven cockpit ??
I may be proved wrong if it doesn't come up to scratch ...but if it does then all those machines will take a big tumble in resale value .

honestly, I still cannot get other the look of the 505,
I know I am supposed to be more rational,
I know there is a lot of value in the box,
just the box is so ugly.

Hi Ferry Pilot,

In a former life I operated an AS350B2 and B3 and the Turbomeca is very expensive to operate if something goes awry let alone routine maintenance.

Have you thought about the AS350SD2 which has the lycoming LTS 101-700 engine conversion same horsepower as the B2 but with the lower fuel burn and much cheaper operating costs to the Turbomeca, its worth checking out.:ok:

http://www.controller.com/listingsde...D2/1312961.htm

HeliHub Strong 2013 demand for Soloy AS350 SD2 engine conversion kits

Gents,

Don't forget that the Bell 505 (I like the look...now), uses
the Turbomeca Arrius 2R.

Heaven knows why, as everything you hear about them is bad news.

I'd buy a 505 if it had a RR, like the R66, which is proving to be very reliable and cheap to run.

Arrrj

PS _ JohnR81 - have you moved your machines from Redhill to Gatwick ?

Yes , but the 505 has effectively PBH so you will not get any unforeseen engine bills and will be guaranteed a loan engine while yours is being fixed .
I agree that a RR engine would make me feel a lot happier ...!!!

The limiting factor for most helicopter purchases is normally the cost - the initial purchase price and then the on-going operating costs.


Is there a budget?