Carlsberg don't make Helicopters, but if they did...
 

Ppheli.

I started this thread in Dec 02, 3 months before purchasing obviously to weigh up the +/- of each machine and pick up the forum members valued opinions, I made my choice confidently and my conviction since purchasing the R44 II has only got stronger. I think Franks 4 seat fuel injected offspring is simply great. It took careful deliberation for me to make my decision and I did but granted it wouldn't suit everybody but it's without doubt faster, safer (check the air accident reports) quieter, cheaper to run/maintain ( though avgas is expensive) than the 206, has great autorotational characteristics and tail rotor authority, better vis, doesn't smell like Satan's old boot etc I could go on, being able to carry 3 extra passengers suits me as it's for private use but mightn't suit others, and the storage capacity is an issue, plus I do whinge when I see my avgas bills at the end of each month and if/when Frank releases his rumoured Diesel version from the cradle which will be even cheaper to run, and safer again, I'll be sure to put my name down for one!

Happy flying,

James

Misterbonkers
Can argue the same for a jetbanger 4 people and you are then limited on fuel and baggage.
the 500 compares with a 44 both have little baggage room although I have had 4 adults a 5 year old a 1 year old 2 prams and all the baggage that goes with kids in one.
For those looking at costs what is usually forgotten is the cost per mile as oppossed to cost per hour.
My 206 cruises 105 kt
500D 135 kt

This equals nearly 30 % less cost on fuel, components, engine
I agree you don't see many in UK but try NZ. I think the question was based on a private machine.

Interesting thread...
I flew commercially the B206 before changing employers and now flying a R44 raven. Which one do I prefer? the B206 from a pilot's point of view...You can't beat the noise of the turbine start and the smell of kero....But this is just the same as which exciting female partner you prefer to have sex with I suppose!!!!!:p
Seriously, from a business point of view and tourism ops only, an R44 is great. For a utility operation, and heavy loading, the B206 is the answer. Best, as mentioned in earlier postings, have both :}
And yes, I agree a H500 is a great machine, a real joy to use in challenging mountain environment as the Kiwis have long proven:ok:

I will preface this by saying I don't know the foggiest thing about the Robinson other then I heard it was the best piston helicopter by far.

We have about 135 of the JetRangers flying here at Naval Air Station Whiting Field and more than that up the road at Fort Rucker. The reliability and toughness of the little JetRanger is exceptional.

WLM

If you don't mind me asking, who are you working for now and what happened to the Jetranger you were crosshiring from WA?