OB1

Thanks

Anyone know if there is an R44 Raven II Pilot's Operating Handbook on the internet somewhere that could be downloaded?

Thanks I have an expirienced pilot in the R-44 to test fly lowtime aircraft which are registered in Canada, otherwise it will be a new machnine.

Thanks for your input. Given the location of our operations we have little concern regarding high density altitudes so the advantages at altitude with the turboshaft are not a big factor in the decision. My post was robinson vs bell but after reading the replies it seems to have turned into a bell vs bell. I have flown some of the machines mentioned in the replies (we had a 206B for many years) but not the R-44. I'm told the doors were a concern on earlier versions but the addition of dampners has addressed that issue. Our requirements of 500lbs into confined areas seems to be achievable. The cost per hour operating the piston machine is certainly a strong influence in this decision. I do know there are pilots who look down their nose at the Robinson. likely those who were overtaken in flight by the lighter bird (aka Pop can). If I need to sling an engine I'll charter a 407 or 212 depending on the weight but those occurances are few and far between thankfully. I think the Raven II will suit our needs. 90% of the time it will be flying 500lbs and the remaining 10% spent on short commuter flights. Our pilot is 210lbs and can enter confined areas with one passenger at a time and have ample power available on a routine basis. Safety is paramount. Thank you all for the replies, any input on the skid mounted pods for the Raven II? OB1

We are currently researching the purchase of an aircraft to service our operations. For many years we had a 206 which worked but costs force us to look for an alternative. I would like to work confined areas with 500 lbs (2 men with gear), make 1/2 to hour commuter flights with three passengers and be able to handle up to 500lb sling loads. I have looked closely at the R-44 Raven II and although the performance numbers suit our requirements I wonder how they stand up in the field. To me the doors seem a little flimsy and the absence of a baggage compartment would demand the addition of skid mounted pods for items which should not be in the cabin. Would the machine have the power to vertical out of confined areas with enough reserve to be done on a regular basis safely? The 206 will do the job but given the difference in costs between that and a L3 the long ranger is prefered. The L3 would allow us the extra passenger capabitlty which is a major advantage for commuter flights as well as much heavier sling loads. So it's either a R-44 or an L3. The cost differences between these two choices makes me think we can make extra flips into confined areas with 1 man at a time and have an adequate amount of reserve power with the piston machine. The 500 thousand dollar question is how does the Robbie stand up. I welcome any thoughts OB1