R44

[KnuckleDragger]

Ground idling usually leads to a seized exhaust valve, which leads to a jug change in the bush, which leads to some frozen hands in the winter months for mechanics. keep it hangared or have a shelter that can be erected over the pad in case of problems.

[drkrider]

Thanks for the laugh Dick!

 

I response to Heliian, last year when every thing else was sitting our 44's were still flying and haven't stopped.

 

Yes they are smaller then a 206, but when is the last time you filled all your seats in the 206 and enough fuel to go any where and still be under gross?

 

DR

[helijoe]

not looking to get into an R44vs 206 debate. Just looking for real world operating costs please.

[Petit-Lion]

Figures for a 2002 Raven 1 between 1030 and 1260 hours:

100LL: 15 GPH

Oil : 0.5 quart/hr

50 hours inspections (avg): $550

100 hours inspections (avg): $1,700

300 hours inspection: $2,600

Unscheduled maintenance:

Fan shaft+fan wheel, $6,600 (pilot error).

T/R pitch links, $1,450.

Commercial insurance including four low-time pilots, (<200hrs), no ab initio training: $20,000

Overhaul reserve: $90/hr

 

Yes, a comparison with a Jetbox is possible. If you weigh in the component time limits according to the cost, the weighted average time limit of all rotables is around 4000 hours. The total cost of all these time limited components (turbine engine, blades, hub, spindles... and don't forget the tail boom) may be well over $400,000. This makes the overhaul reserve of the Jetbox the same, or greater, than that of the Robbie. You just keep the airframe value at, say, $150,000 for a 206, instead of $50,000 for a R44...

 

I am happy with the operating costs. The 12 years time limit means that this ship MUST fly, so it is not cost-effective for private use.

[Petit-Lion]

Oh sorry, what I actually meant was: the R44 is a crappy chopper and is worth almost nothing. However, if you happen to be enough unlucky to have one, I may help you to get rid of it! Raven 1 preferred

[Petit-Lion]

Finally, it turned around to a 1974 JetRanger II with excellent component times

Could not find a reasonably priced R44, especially for older ships. So I went to the bank, they said OK, et voilà!

 

[Helilog]

AH!! The old Coka-Cola machine.

[Freefall]

Thats a nice looking bird. Someone should tell the pilot hes in the wrong seat though

[Guest jacdor]

Thats a nice looking bird. Someone should tell the pilot hes in the wrong seat though

 

 

You funny guy you :D

 

JD

[SuperF]

left hand drive, only way to be in a Bell, any Bell.

 

one thing that Hughes did right.