R44 Transformation Complete !!

[HeloJunkie]

Hey Everyone -

 

Well, its finally finished. My R44 transformation has been completed (ok a few minor items still waiting field approval) but overall she is all done. Here is list of things I had done:

 

Removal of KY196 and installation of King 165A with 32 memory locations tied to the com buttons on the cyclic, removal of AAC audio panel and installation of Garmin 347, installation of GI-106 second NAV head, installation of EDM-800 fuel and engine computer, installation of MX20 MFD, installation of GDL69A XM Weather and music receiver with remote for MX20, installation of Garmin 496 with XM weather and music on a custom designed mount, installation of Icom ID-800 Ham Radio tied into COM3 on Garmin 347, installation of Bose single point headset jacks, reconfiguration, wiring and installation of an Avionics Master Switch, installation of new 406Mhz ELT tied to the GPS, installation of two audio selector switches (one in front and one in rear) which allows XM1, XM2 or AUX inputs to be routed to any location. XM1 is music from the GDL69 and XM2 is music from the Garmin 496, installation of a power converter to allow for 14 volt electronics in the back seat, installation of new LED strobes and installation of new HID Landing and Taxi lights. To date, everything has been completed except the last two items and that is because we are waiting field approval for the installation..

 

I had put over 100 hours on her since the upgrades have been done, and so far, only minor squawks have been encountered.

 

I have a complete writeup on my website including tons of pics for anyone interested in checking it out. Comments and questions always welcome. A couple of people asked how I managed the mount for the 496 so I have pictures of the custom mount.

 

Cheers

 

 

R44 Transformation Compete - Article and Pictures

[Goldy]

Richard- I am definitely flying down to check out your 44 ! Its absolutely stunning!

 

A 44 owner buddy of mine, and I, have been talking about a flight from VNY down to San Diego one weekend....its just a short cross country that neither of us have ever done before. I'll send you a PM to see if and when we could fly down and buy you lunch and check out your 44 up close !

 

Thanks for sharing the pix's.

 

Goldy

[HeloJunkie]

Richard- I am definitely flying down to check out your 44 ! Its absolutely stunning!

 

A 44 owner buddy of mine, and I, have been talking about a flight from VNY down to San Diego one weekend....its just a short cross country that neither of us have ever done before. I'll send you a PM to see if and when we could fly down and buy you lunch and check out your 44 up close !

 

Thanks for sharing the pix's.

 

Goldy

 

Goldy -

 

Thanks !! I would love to have you down. Sent you a PM. Forget buying lunch, how about a BBQ..?

[cl600pilot]

So just of curiosity.... how much weight did all of the upgrades add?

[500E]

Real nice, the shop does 1st class work.

We have been looking to redesign our 500s consul from scratch, the ergonomics are real poor + the design we came up with gives more visibility, doing a mock up at the moment just to get the feel, but in the UK it is a real problem to do any mods.

[FlyNHighNFast]

Richard,

 

I remember when you first took delivery. What an amazing transformation of the interior. All I can come up with right now is "WOW." I also have to tell you, while I admire your ship, my greater admiration is for what you do to pass on the love of flying to another generation (maybe even multiple generations)

 

Marlon

[BOATFIXERGUY]

I'm with Marlon on this one...wow. You did a great job. When does the A/C go in?

[HeloJunkie]

So just of curiosity.... how much weight did all of the upgrades add?

 

 

Hey CL600pilot -

 

Final tally was a total of 16 pounds!

[HeloJunkie]

Richard,

 

I remember when you first took delivery. What an amazing transformation of the interior. All I can come up with right now is "WOW." I also have to tell you, while I admire your ship, my greater admiration is for what you do to pass on the love of flying to another generation (maybe even multiple generations)

 

Marlon

 

Marlon -

 

Many thanks !!

[HeloJunkie]

I'm with Marlon on this one...wow. You did a great job. When does the A/C go in?

 

A/C...? Heck, it came from the factory with A/C, and let me tell you, after 25 trips back and forth to Phoenix and Parker Arizona, the cost of the air conditioning was well worth it !!

[HelliBoy]

Just when you get the shinyest ride on the block, someone comes along and shows you up

 

R44 "Grand"

 

I want one.

[PhotoFlyer]

Yea, its a nice glass cockpit, but I don't think it has as many toys. Although I didn't really read the article to see what it has.

[heli.pilot]

Hey Richard

 

Nice ride! I was at the factory course with you back in April. I recall seeing pictures of it at the time, but you've sure done some work to it since then - wow!

 

Hope you're doing well.

 

I'd better go get something to wipe the drool of my keyboard...

 

PS When do the rocket launchers get installed?

[HeloJunkie]

Hey Richard

 

Nice ride! I was at the factory course with you back in April. I recall seeing pictures of it at the time, but you've sure done some work to it since then - wow!

 

Hope you're doing well.

 

I'd better go get something to wipe the drool of my keyboard...

 

PS When do the rocket launchers get installed?

 

 

I was having trouble with them being visible so I have to install a set of helipods first!

 

Its been a blast to fly - over 250 hours in it now since Feb 08 when I took delivery. I think the best option is the split XM radios (one for the front, one for the rear). When my son and his friends ride in the back, it sue is nice not to have to listen to their music!!