Enstrom safety
 

See the U. S. NTSB web site for accident reports - a real education. When I last looked a few months ago, there were 417 posted Enstrom reports dating to 1965. I read every one as I was condisering the purchase on an Enstrom at that time (and have subsequently purchased a new 480B). There have been some fatal accidents in the U.S in Enstroms, but relatively few, and also relatively few accidents (fatal/non fatal) due to mechanical issues in well maintained ships.

I have no 280fx time, but about 60 hours in the E 480B and 25 hours in the R22. Both have their place, but the Enstrom is my favorite by far. Smooth, quiet, roomy, forgiving, and with plenty of power.

RB

Enstrom safety: update
 

I checked the NTSB website and found only two E280FX fatal accidents listed since 1982: 2001 - a wire strike, and 1992 - an inadvertent IMC encounter. There are only 35 fatal accidents posted since 1965 for all Enstrom models, and the vast majority of these are wire strikes, inadvertent IMC or orther wx related factors, and fuel exhaustion.

RB

do you know which fx it is SN i think my old one has just been sold GOSAB /GSOPP
steve

All I can say without going to see it again is that its red in colour G BX..something I think.. I will find out though for you.

The paint work suprised me as it made it look pretty well new. The datcon was 700+ something from visual memory. The seats were a grey material covering. The cockpit was equally as tidy.

It is my understanding a 480B was sold and this machine was a consideration in the bargain price. Sounds like yours?

I had an hour in an R22 today and took a nervous lady friend for a local area flight. I spent a good half hour doing the preflight and looked at it with new eyes so to speak.

It really is a clever compact piece of kit and the design from an engineering bias must be applauded. I really was very alert as to how the machine handled today and tried my utmost to ensure her comfort at all times. It reminded me of a lean, sensitive and alert animal, a bit like a working Spaniel.

I still believe all said and done, in daylight, good weather, with nothing creative by the pilot they are an excellant machine, sensitive yes but given respect will always give an honest account of itself.

Personally I believe if you can get it right in a R22 then this must be a good grounding / springboard to other types.

The Enstrom transition is going to be quite interesting.. :)