TomPPL Posted January 9, 2011 Posted January 9, 2011 Here's a quote from the link mentioned above: "The Cabri G2 hasn’t been certified to fly in the United States, one of the largest markets for training and personal helicopters. The current exchange rate between the Euro and the U.S. dollar makes American sales highly unlikely in the near future" It seems like a great ship but would anyone honestly take one of these over an R44 Raven1..? Quote
rodrop Posted January 9, 2011 Author Posted January 9, 2011 That's what I was thinking...cause it sounds good. But, it appears the costs are closer to an R44 then an R22. Why pay that and have a 2 seater? Quote
lelebebbel Posted January 10, 2011 Posted January 10, 2011 (edited) The fact that it has no life limited parts, other than the engine, makes this considerably cheaper to fly than a R44, and quite possibly also cheaper than a R22. Expected life on the blades for example is 6,000hrs, gearboxes over 4,000 and so on, all "on condition".It is also a few generations ahead of the R22 and 300 in terms of safety features, performance and passenger comfort. Flight schools in Europe have been operating them since 08, and the first ones are being delivered to Australia as we speak, where the exchange rate is more favorable. Unfortunately it will be somewhat unaffordable in the US though! Edited January 10, 2011 by lelebebbel Quote
TomPPL Posted January 10, 2011 Posted January 10, 2011 The fact that it has no life limited parts, other than the engine, makes this considerably cheaper to fly than a R44, and quite possibly also cheaper than a R22.Not according to 'table 4' quoted in the link above. Where are you getting your figures from? Quote
lelebebbel Posted January 10, 2011 Posted January 10, 2011 (edited) The table is based on very, very, very different figures for the Robinsons vs. the Cabri, for example labour cost $65/hr for the R44, and $86 for the Cabri. I assume they converted Euro figures from the Guimbal website to USD to get those numbers. Labour is more expensive in europe. The site also says that different fuel figures were used for all machines, and that Guimbals published figures appear more "real world".I would like to know if anyone out there can actually operate a R44 at anywhere close to $164 cost per hour (how many SBs and ADs does that include? ) I get my figures from european flight schools that are already flying the G2. HeliAviation germany for example offers a 45hr PPL package on the Cabri at 25,000 Euros, the same 45hr course on the R44II is 36,000 Euros.Also, the company I work for seems to have run the numbers... and ordered a couple to replace our R22s. I'm in Australia though. Edited January 10, 2011 by lelebebbel Quote
rodrop Posted January 11, 2011 Author Posted January 11, 2011 How does it fly? I think I read that is will not mast bump? (is that possible)? Quote
adam32 Posted January 11, 2011 Posted January 11, 2011 How does it fly? I think I read that is will not mast bump? (is that possible)? Mast bumping is a 2-bladed helicopter thing... Quote
Shaun Posted January 11, 2011 Posted January 11, 2011 Mast bumping is a 2-bladed helicopter thing... I believe there are semi-ridged helicopters with more than 2 blades. Couldn't Cabri have a factory in America to make them affordable with the dollar? Isn't that how we are able to buy other European helicopters? Quote
adam32 Posted January 11, 2011 Posted January 11, 2011 I believe there are semi-ridged helicopters with more than 2 blades. Hmmm...I don't know of any??? Quote
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