Rotorway, 269, or Hiller?

[Andrews15]

I'm looking at buying a helicopter for personal use only. I will be flying around a 30 mile radius 90% of the time. I have found an excellent Rotorway with all the upgrades and 110hrs(so I know it can actually fly!!) I can get into that for $40k.

OR I can get a decent Hiller or Hughes for twice that. I want something safe to take family for rides, etc. I'm a fixed pp, and have around 40hrs in a Rotorway, but don't have my rating. I will have to refresh and do a check ride.(also a concern if it can be done in a Rotorway, or if I'll have to transition to another kind anyway). I'm up for any advice or thoughts. I just want a helicopter to park at my house, and fly around locally. Thanks a lot.

[Dreamin of a Commuter 2B]

Might want to check out this Machine. way more machine then a Rotorway. just add a better cab and go.

 

http://www.vortechonline.com/specials/safarixcab.htm

[Guest pokey]

This question comes up alot, the 269 and the hiller, and the bell 47 are all military proven, and time tested ships. Rotorway, altho cannot say that, seems to be good for some ppls needs ( altho i am not a fan of homebuilts---especially helicopters) I have never flown a rotorway, but everytime i hear one get up to operating RPM, it reminds me of a siezed 2 stroke engine. I would recomennd the 269, and yes-there is no such thing as a 'cheap' helicopter

 

 

edited for: you bring up another good question about the checkride,,,, i don't recall any regulation that requires a checkride to be given in a certificated helicopter/aircraft. You may have trouble finding an examiner riding in a homebuilt helicopter tho.-----are there any Examiners here, that can shed light on this?.

There used to be a guy that was into gyrocopters at my old airport, and he did have a rating in it, and i believe he got it in his homebuilt. There are very few certificated gyrocopters, air&space18a is the only one i can name off hand.

Edited April 24, 2013 by pokey

[Astro]

I would never risk someone else's life in an experimental so the Rotorway's out. I like the Hiller more than the 269, but wonder just how hard it would be to get parts for? Even the 269 is getting hard to find things for (as I've read on here from time to time). So, with that, if it were me, I'd buy an Eagle helicycle (they just look so cool!) to fly myself around, then go to my local flight school and rent an R-22 anytime I found someone brave enough to go up with me!

[Trans Lift]

I flew a Rotorway and would not get back in one. Wasn't a fan at all. I have 800 hours or so in a 300 and they are a great ship, although parts are getting hard to find from what I hear.

[apiaguy]

269 all the way. There may be some parts issues currently but there are tons of parts out there. You just have to have your sources. I do hope sik passes it on soon but I doubt parts will ever get as bad as bell 47 parts did for along time. I personally haven't had any parts issues. We are operating 3 machines with 3 more in rebuild stages. I have been selling more parts to people who don't know where else to look but I see lots of 269 parts available. It is a great helicopter. I really couldn't ask for more right now and I have built my business around its capabilities and economics. It flys inexpensively and can actually lift quite a bit for its size. We spray and set them up with 1000 lb useful on the c models.

[Andrews15]

Thanks for all the replies and information!! Does anyone know of any good 269's for sale??

---Apiaguy, any interest in selling one of yours?? I farm and could actually use a spray rig from time to time.

Thanks again!

[adam32]

Also, Andrew is wondering about the R22 -2 blade AD. I was going to start a new thread asking but I'll let it brew here first...

 

I know Andrew pretty well, he's a good dude. He bought my Hiller from me a few years ago but sold it and is now looking to get back into a whirlybird...I'm trying to talk him into a Huey...lol

Edited April 29, 2013 by adam32

[ironranger]

I have a 1974 269C for sale. Check it out on Barnstormers.com. I've owned it for 2 years and have put about 120 hours on it.

[Plumberpilot]

Hillers are good private machines and the parts scene is actually improving I've owned a few 269As in the past and they are great helicopters too but I always hated to see anything in the mail from SAC because it usually meant big $$$ the red ADs were terrible I think they used it as an income stream from the older birds rather than real safety issues. Nothing like owning a nice little helicopter and having the option to fly anytime you want.