Quote:
Originally Posted by Eric Anderson
For me it comes down to maintenance. Even if I could afford an R22 mechanic, there is still the inconvenience of getting him on my schedule and getting him to Blairstown. If I really in my heart of hearts wanted a machine to take camping, I would build an RV or Super Cub derivative. To be honest I did start with that fantasy—hovering over to my very own spot on the beach. But after having flown the R22 for 45 hours I see how impractical it is even with the dependability which comes with a certified machine powered by a Lycoming. Helicopters are the very image of impractical. But they are fascinating and fun. I hope to learn a lot and maybe get 100 hours or so of occasional flying. If at that point I sell at a $40k loss then I hope I can still look back on the experience as a positive one.
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Eric,
Sounds like you are on a great path!
Just to clarify, R22 100/hr annual inspection can be done by most places in a day. Sometimes day and a half. Places are around $1000 for it just for reference. Heck, I have flown 22's coast to cost and north to south. Nothing to hop in an fly several states over if you somehow lived in a very rual place.
To others who say how much more expensive certified ships are, I saw a 22 beta II w/ 250 hours before overhaual and 6 years left on blades for 70k.
250 hours is a LOT of time. You see some guys not fly their rotorways that much in 5 years. You can buy that ship for 70k and start flying. Pay 1000/ year for annuals. Worst case you have to ream a valve but never had an issue and ran 'avblend' in the oil. Good cooldowns help also.
My only point being, 'because it is more affordable' is not always an accurate reason for choosing rotorway. My guess is the difference of someone buying that 22 vs building, the 22 will be 10,s of thousands less after 5 years and then sell them both. NOT counting the time it took to build it.