clay Posted February 25, 2009 Posted February 25, 2009 (edited) Hey Guys, Went up to Torrance on MONDAY, did the factory tour and got to see it/sit in it/ play w/ buttons.... I have a few pics taken from my Iphone since my camera was already full from the expo. We were told we were some of the first public to see/touch/photograph it. pretty impressive... BUT. Im going to wait and let RockyMtnHI put his up. I don't want to beat him to the punch of it! Edited February 25, 2009 by clay Quote
adam32 Posted February 25, 2009 Posted February 25, 2009 I just don't understand why everyone on here is so excited about the R66... Quote
Miloe Posted February 25, 2009 Posted February 25, 2009 First turbine ship that I could even have a pipedream of buying someday. Quote
FlyNHighNFast Posted February 25, 2009 Posted February 25, 2009 I just don't understand why everyone on here is so excited about the R66... Because for some of us it's a first love kind of thing. I'm the same way with Datsun (Nissan) and Subaru cars, and one or the other is always in my garage, or like now, where I have both at the same time. Quote
PlatoNC Posted February 25, 2009 Posted February 25, 2009 I just don't understand why everyone on here is so excited about the R66... Here's a link to Philip Greenspun's review of the ship as it is reported to be configured:http://philip.greenspun.com/flying/robinson-r66 The big comparison is between the 66 and a used jetranger, acquisition/mx costs, mission-capability, etc. I'll let you read his article for the specifics Quote
AdminLB Posted February 25, 2009 Posted February 25, 2009 For those who care.....we got the video of the flight as well as a few statements from Frank on camera. Video should be up tomorrow some time on Justhelicopters.tv Quote
RkyMtnHI Posted February 25, 2009 Posted February 25, 2009 Clay you rock, and no i wouldn't have minded! The HeliExpo was awesome. i don't really know where to start except to say there were many highlights. For me the first would be the R66.. second i spent some time with some very cool people, many from this forum!! Met some new forum people and a lot of others.. I will get to loading the 600 photos that i took of the show; Clay and i got in an hour early to shoot what ever we could, ended up not being enough time, but i'll post what we got. On the R66, two things that i realized as we drove off.. Number one, it's ready, the ship was done, ready to leave for a new home, and there were ten or more turbines in boxes on the floor in the factory, so they are getting close. Number two, i want one! It's really roomy, especially the luggage area. The back seat is kinda tight, especially the one in the middle, but it's a fine looking bird. Looks almost just like the 44 but with more room. And the underbelly is all covered, no gaping holes like the 44. I was told, unofficially, that it's performing much better than they expected, and that it would be sold by the end of the year.That is contrary to what Frank said earlier this year, that it would be 2010, but others seemed to be optimistic... we like optimistic. Also, there is no list of buyers, NO one has put money down, and there will be NO lottery.. Frank will decide the first few lucky people and they will be long time trusted dealers, close to the factory to start. Then, and only then, will they start a list of who wants what. Now, the photos.. Robinson never lets anyone take photos in the factory, much less of the 66... soooo, i left my good camera at the hotel and took my stealth just in case. So i apologize now for the quality. There are also some pretty bad videos but i loaded them anyway. I am looking forward to Justhelicopter.tv's interview and vids of it as well.On that subject, Goldy and i spent some time with our host Lyn, and i'd say we are lucky to have this guy at the helm. photo link below, just click on the albums on the left; let me know if it doesn't work for you. i will get the expo photos up in a few. video and photos: http://s298.photobucket.com/albums/mm243/RkyMtnHI2/ aloha, dp Quote
Goldy Posted February 25, 2009 Posted February 25, 2009 Boy, you cant wipe the smile off of Clay's face in any of those shots! Check out that headroom. Of course, my favorite photo is the one that has the best looking helicopter with the best looking helicopter pilot standing next to it. And it sure isnt Clay or Dennis ! Sorry guys! Goldy Quote
clay Posted February 25, 2009 Author Posted February 25, 2009 (edited) interesting..... i noticed some production line photos... is that legal? good to meet you Goldy, finally put a face w/ a name. I think i was the better looking one out of our group though. Edited February 25, 2009 by clay Quote
RkyMtnHI Posted February 25, 2009 Posted February 25, 2009 interesting..... i noticed some production line photos... is that legal? hmmmm, keep it up buddy, and i'll post those compromising photos of you and Bret! actually tho, a good question (even for Clay) as a Rule Robinson does not allow photos in their factory. There are areas however that are ok to shoot in, those are the photos you see. and before yesterday, even getting a close look at the R66 was taboo, much less get to touch it or photograph it.. that's why i only had my stealth camera. I am loading the photos from the expo right now and will have them all up in a couple of hours. You can see them here, (just click on "heliexpo '09) http://s298.photobucket.com/albums/mm243/RkyMtnHI2/ aloha, dp Quote
RkyMtnHI Posted February 25, 2009 Posted February 25, 2009 great shots dp thx for sharing my pleasure! i couldn't wait to get back and put them up for all you folks.. as Lyn was saying, Those of us that could be there have a responsibility to share with those that can't, especially everyone out there on the line fighting for us. aloha, dp Quote
RkyMtnHI Posted February 26, 2009 Posted February 26, 2009 Because for some of us it's a first love kind of thing. I'm the same way with Datsun (Nissan) and Subaru cars, and one or the other is always in my garage, or like now, where I have both at the same time. yeah buddy!! dp Quote
adam32 Posted February 26, 2009 Posted February 26, 2009 Here's a link to Philip Greenspun's review of the ship as it is reported to be configured:http://philip.greenspun.com/flying/robinson-r66 The big comparison is between the 66 and a used jetranger, acquisition/mx costs, mission-capability, etc. I'll let you read his article for the specifics I've read that article before, pretty biased. I could create the same review for a 333 or 480B. Is there even a firm base price yet, or just speculation? Quote
RkyMtnHI Posted February 26, 2009 Posted February 26, 2009 Is there even a firm base price yet, or just speculation? just under $800k, but it could be a rumor. Quote
adam32 Posted February 26, 2009 Posted February 26, 2009 Is there even a firm base price yet, or just speculation? just under $800k, but it could be a rumor. Wow, outfitted nicely will put it over $900k probably...yeah I'll take a 480b please. Quote
RkyMtnHI Posted February 26, 2009 Posted February 26, 2009 Wow, outfitted nicely will put it over $900k probably...yeah I'll take a 480b please. can you slide that 480b into your garage? will it operate at the same costs? not just fuel burn, but maintenance considered over the life of the ship. how much is a 480b? the one i saw at the expo was nice, but i hear they are in maintenance a little more than others? they do have a lot of room in the cabin, but i was told it's pretty much a three passenger ship.. especially at altitude. i flew next to one in 28kts a couple of weeks ago, the 44 i was flying certainly knew the wind was gusting, where the enstrom looked as if it never knew it was blowing at all. just asking because i wonder. i don't think i could be swayed tho... i am a Robinson fan. dp Quote
adam32 Posted February 26, 2009 Posted February 26, 2009 (edited) can you slide that 480b into your garage? If you have a big enough garage... will it operate at the same costs? not just fuel burn, but maintenance considered over the life of the ship. Not sure, maintenance would most likely be a little more...but no one ever said aviation is cheap. how much is a 480b? the one i saw at the expo was nice, but i hear they are in maintenance a little more than others? Depends, they seem any where from $700k to a million. they do have a lot of room in the cabin, but i was told it's pretty much a three passenger ship.. especially at altitude. Not sure about that either, I would think they would do just as good or better then the R66. i flew next to one in 28kts a couple of weeks ago, the 44 i was flying certainly knew the wind was gusting, where the enstrom looked as if it never knew it was blowing at all. Yep. just asking because i wonder. i don't think i could be swayed tho... i am a Robinson fan. See, I not a Robbie fan at all, so I can be swayed very easily. dp Edited February 26, 2009 by adam32 Quote
RkyMtnHI Posted February 26, 2009 Posted February 26, 2009 Adam32 how much time do you have in a Robbie? i have none in an enstrom but would love to fly one. clay has flown both, maybe he will chime in. dp Quote
adam32 Posted February 26, 2009 Posted February 26, 2009 Adam32 how much time do you have in a Robbie? i have none in an enstrom but would love to fly one. clay has flown both, maybe he will chime in. dp Not much, about 50hrs or so. I'd rather have a "real" rotor system and control system is all. I really don't want to get into the whole Robbie vs. whatever debate. Quote
clay Posted February 27, 2009 Author Posted February 27, 2009 I have flown all Enstrom models, except the 480B. From the F28A, to the 280FX. As well as flying an R44. Each aircraft has its own ups and downs. I am thoroughly impressed with the R44 lately. fast, smooth, and autos amazingly. Quote
Goldy Posted February 27, 2009 Posted February 27, 2009 I have flown all Enstrom models, except the 480B. From the F28A, to the 280FX. As well as flying an R44. Each aircraft has its own ups and downs. I am thoroughly impressed with the R44 lately. fast, smooth, and autos amazingly. I agree on all 3...but I still want to fly a 480B. After that I'll decide which one you can put in my garage !! Goldy Quote
choppedair Posted February 27, 2009 Posted February 27, 2009 The doors still looks flimsy, poor seal, poor door latch design.The M/R mast being so tall means track and balance will always be an issue like the R44.The seats still look uncomfortable.How was the legroom in the back, any better than the R44?Every backseat passenger I have in the R44 asks me if I can move my seat up, lol.Are the t/r pedals still offset from center, or is there room now to have them straight in front of you? It does look like there is a little more headroom, and (of course) shoulder room in the front. I like the baggage compartment. Is there still under-seat storage? I'm interested to see performance and weight numbers. If it will fly with 4 average people and full fuel it may not be bad. Quote
RkyMtnHI Posted February 27, 2009 Posted February 27, 2009 The doors still looks flimsy, poor seal, poor door latch design.The M/R mast being so tall means track and balance will always be an issue like the R44. The seats still look uncomfortable. >> looked exactly like a 44 to me.. didn't notice how comfortable or not. How was the legroom in the back, any better than the R44? >> not sure, maybe a little different, photo included so you can check it out. Every backseat passenger I have in the R44 asks me if I can move my seat up, lol. Are the t/r pedals still offset from center, or is there room now to have them straight in front of you? >> nope, seemed the same to me, i'll include a photo to see if you can tell. Maybe Clay paid better attention?? It does look like there is a little more headroom, and (of course) shoulder room in the front. I like the baggage compartment. Is there still under-seat storage? >> yes I'm interested to see performance and weight numbers. If it will fly with 4 average people and full fuel it may not be bad. >> me too.. they say it's performing better than expected!!?? that remains to be seen. dp Quote
Recommended Posts
Join the conversation
You can post now and register later. If you have an account, sign in now to post with your account.
Note: Your post will require moderator approval before it will be visible.