For turbines they aren’t bad on fuel, about 24 GPH. The market is flooded with 206’s so you can nab one for a “decent” price (around $500,000). If the blades are good and the engine cared for, the long-term maintenance is costly, but probably less than a complex piston twin over 10 years (again, assuming the engine is cared for). Annuals aren’t too bad. If I decide to go over to a turbine ship I’d aim for a 206B or an Enstrom 480b. I’d only do it to do more mountain flying.
The 407 is too nice for kids to fly.
I got up close to the 505 at HAI '19 in Hotlanta. I was super impressed and the cockpit ergonomics were amazing even for my 6'4 frame. The transmission and drive system is are all built and based off of the l4 which if you've ever flown it is pretty smooth for a two bladed system. The 505 is awesome and it will definitely take the market by storm. The acquisition cost brings tears to my eyes so..
You would have to be a pilot-rated active member of CAP or an AF officer, rated pilot or NAV on AD, Reserve or Guard! I'd have to put you on orders and our DO at HQ in MXF (an O-5) would then approve!
Let me rephrase: how much Graeter's would the guy at HQ need?
He's actually a good and reasonable dude - was at VT-3 as an an AF Exchange IP before coming to us.Let me rephrase: how much Graeter's would the guy at HQ need?
That reply belongs in the USAF vs USN thread. Reminded me of the crazy process the AF was going to put me through for a back seat ride in a TA-7. It didn't matter I was active duty, had the ESCAPAC seat Qual and all my physiology stuff current.
Relish your V-280 victory! An even distribution across the aviation industry base is a virtue. You and your colleagues at Bell will have meaningful work for decades to come while advancing vertical flight. The amount of our own Navy, Marine, CG single anchor TPS talent that Leonardo employed on TH-73 is impressive and it appears Leonardo management and engineering took their advice and expertise at every turn. TH-73 will be a win as it matures.
