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First helicopter (Remember those days?)
Hello everyone,
I bet this has been covered many times before, and I apologize for asking yet again. I further apologize for the long post. I'm one of those new, soon-to-be pilots that needs a lot of advice. I thought if I gave a bunch of information, some might see how serious I am and might also recognize how much I need and appreciate the advice of the experience in this group. I've always wanted to pilot rotorcraft, and to own one for recreational purposes. I'm finally at a stage in life where I can do this kind of thing. I'm all of about 1.5 hours into flight training in an R22. Cyclic control in hover seems to be my weak point right now, but I suspect this is normal. My goal someday is a UH-1N, twin turbine huey. Rough as it may be to some, it is my hero...and dream. I'm a collector of military vehicles, this is merely a vertical extension of that love. Mark my words folks, I will have a huey someday (even if not a -1N (..sob)). Now, on to current reality. I'm quite a way from there. I need flying time. I really want to *know* the helicopter. Getting my pilot privileges and then simply keeping a helicopter under general control is akin to the average house-mommy driving her SUV (no offense ladies). I'm not that kind of motorist. Renting would seem like the right way to go initially, but I live in NY, near CT. The only place I can find to rent a heli is at Danbury, CT. The R22 there requires 100 hours PIC, Robinson training (California), no passengers, and nothing but airport landings. Totally unacceptable to me. Thus, I think I should buy a helicopter. I recognize this is not an inexpensive proposition, and one full of various complications. Still, I can't think of a better way to learn something than to be married to it. Money is a real consideration, yet I almost shy away in saying that. I'm not trying to be cheap or to get something for nothing, I'm just not made of money. A difference of even $30K is significant, although not necessarily a deal stopper. I'd appreciate any recommendations for a first-timer like myself. The R22 is ugly in my opinion, I don't really like the t-bar cyclic, and it seems very sensitive...but then again...what do I know?!! The rotorway heli's are VERY cheap, but I read VERY mixed reviews on them. Honestly, while I am a meticulous mechanic and fully capable of building or repairing a helicopter, I just don't have the time. Maybe when it comes down to shining castle nuts on my baby (the UN-1N) I'll find the time to roll-my-own. The 300C/CB/CBI? Baby Bell/Safari? What's a good starter? Decent re-sell, lower per-flight costs, relatively low entry cost, etc. Is there an optimum, or is it really just personal taste? I won't be seriously looking/buying for about 6 months, but the sooner I have a "target" the better. I appreciate your time and replies. Thanks, No, really...Thanks! Jim Stead Yorktown Heights, NY |
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Jim wrote:
I'd appreciate any recommendations for a first-timer like myself. This isn't a recommendation, but Brantly may be one of the the least expensive options. http://www.brantly.com/ http://www.brantly.info/ What's a good starter? Decent re-sell, ... This is a recommendation, don't buy a homebuilt helicopter. But if you do, don't buy a Mini 500. |
#3
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Somebody is hangaring a brantly at the helicopter school I train with and I
took a look at it one day. My biggest concern is how short the mast is, or rather how low the blades are to the ground. I'm an average guy 5'11" and I could see someone being decapitated very easily approaching this aircraft with blades turning. Just an opinion. Dave |
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#5
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... The javelin is a totally
different looking helicopter. Ahh, the `60s :-) Thanks, it's hilarious!! Geez, it looks like the thing that sits in the play area of my daughters old Kindergarten Center. |
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