MileHi480B

Shocked to see not a word on the fatal crash of Kobe Bryant's S76. Check out this story on USATODAY.com: https://www.usatoday.com/story/news/nation/2020/01/26/helicopter-crash-california-kills-5/4581709002/ Of course, the accident sparked the usual gossip on how "unsafe" it is to fly helicopters. It is interesting to note that this twin-engine ship appears to have been flown straight into the ground at a high rate of speed, probably developing full power. Also interesting to note that the weather conditions were extremely foggy.

Has anyone ever considered a Hummingbird kit? Or do you have one? Or any experience with them at all? They look like a great value. You can probably deck on out with professional assistance for around $250,000.

Regarding TT straps, here is something I do not believe I have heard discussed. I am hoping there are those more knowledgeable on FAA procedures than me, who can chime in. I am wondering why someone has not come up with an "Alternate Means of Compliance" (AMCO) for the TT straps. It is an unfortunate reality that all too many perfectly good TT straps are being tossed away due to calendar time - with little flight time - and no real aging. So, why hasn't someone come up with an inspection process to serve as an AMCO. I realize that no one wants to take a chance with unsafe straps, and that is not what I am suggesting. I am simply wondering why - with new digital technologies - we can not come up with an adequate inspection process. Even if we had to send the TT straps off somewhere to go thru heavy spectrometer, Xray or dye-penetrant testing, and even if there was a hefty inspection charge, it would almost certainly be cheaper than replacing them - if not needed! I recall a wing-root/center-section inspection that was required on one of my antique planes. The "AD" almost made owning the plane cost-prohibitive. A doctor friend of mine (who happens to be an AP and a retired Air Force General) use his colonoscope to inspect his plane. It was so effective, he applied to the FAA for an AMOC and got it approved. It literally saved the aircraft from extinction! Certainly the technology exists! Any thoughts? I think it would be an extremely profitable business model, if an inspection center could be set up.

I had just taken off with wife and kids. About 1 minute into the flight ... KLUNK!. Then everything was smooth - like always. I landed immediately and checked everything. I have an Enstrom 480B ... turns out that my right skid did not fully "release" or extend right after takeoff - as they are meant to do. They are hydraulic and are designed to fully extend after takeoff, then compress as you land. On this occasion, the skid shocks let go one minute into the flight causing the "KLUNK". Air in the system can cause intermittent problems.

I need a recommendation for a good helicopter tour company with experienced pilot/s? Or ... are there any schools there that would allow a CFI to take a few people (thereby allowing one of them to "play")? Just asking.

Not to pick a fight ... but some of you have a lot of specific information and opinions about certain makes and models ... and it begs the question: Do you have any firsthand experience? Or even direct second-hand experience (from a good friend or associate)? I do ... both building, flying and associating with "experimental" folks ... and many of the assumptions and assertions are just plain inaccurate and at the very least ... exaggerated. Most (not some) but most of the guys I know involved in experimental aviation are very knowledgeable, skilled, safe and diligent. As I said ... not looking for a fight but wanting to add perspective.

What? I didn't get that "I'm always right" tone from him.

Hey Bro ... you're in my back yard. This is what I do. Send me a PM with your contact info and I'll get you out of this. Never a charge! Trust me ... I CAN do it.

You know what they say ... "Once you go glass rack ... you don't go back."

Jon, OMG ... could not believe the fantastic photos on PPRuNe! What a daily grind ... you poor fellow. I grew up in the northeast and your tour brought back so many memories. Thanks. I also enjoyed flying with you "back in the day". Tom

The Mosquito, Helicycle, Safari, Rotorway and Hummingbird are all great machines if built and maintained properly. Most, in my opinion, are NOT. Either do it yourself or find someone you trust enough to put your life in their hands.

Got 300 hours in a 480B. Love it.

I fly mine all the time. Never had a problem doing anything and everything my heart desires. Mountains - no problem Heat - no problem Performance and hovering - no problem I have flown on days where density altitude was 10,000 feet - no problem. I have always carried plenty of fuel and usually have two or three passengers. Tom

Other than military flying ... are there documented cases (incidents/crashes) where the use of a helmet actually saved someone's life or lessened their injuries? It's logical that a minor accident can be a fatality if our heads are hit hard ... but does that happen? I know they look cool and all ... but do helmets save lives? Really? No opinions - just the facts.

I'm a private pilot, 4000 hours (500 helicopter) ... own my Helicopter ... and I do a lot of work for charities. Wondering ... do I need a commercial license to drop gold balls at charity tournaments if I do it free, with no compensation at all? I attend a lot of these and hate watching hundreds of charity dollars going to pay for a chopper. And on another note ... you would think they'd come up with a gold ball drop system for UAV's (those little quadrocopters)?