R66 @ 18,000

[R22139RJ]

I recently did a photo flight with a photographer who asked me about the R66. He looked into photo work in Mammoth.

 

Photographer says, "the pilot said he can get the helicopter to 18,000."

 

My reply, "Photographer, the service cieling is 12,000ft."

 

Photographer, "He said that, but when he REALLY peaks it out he can get 1,000hp."

 

My boss replies "that engine has less horsepower than the jetranger and that engine has 417."

 

It may seem that this is absoulutely nuts but I can't explain to any human who wasn't there how verbatim that conversation has been presented to this wonderful forum.

 

I found this advertisement on the internet for Mammoth helicopter flights, "We use brand NEW AntiGravity Machines the Robinson R66Turbine helicopters."

 

mmmmmm...

[280fxColorado]

"Service Ceiling" is the maximum altitude at which an aircraft can maintain a 100fpm climb, and is not necessarily an aircraft limitation.

 

"Absolute Ceiling" is the altitude at which an aircraft can no longer climb and can only maintain steady level flight at one airspeed. Any accel or decel causes a descent.

 

Most helicopters can exceed their listed service ceilings. But, if the number is published in the "Limitations" section of the RFM you are essentially becoming a test pilot and your insurance company will be reluctant to pay out if anything bad happens. (or worse)

 

PS: (from Wiki) "On June 21, 1972, Jean Boulet of France piloted an Aérospatiale Lama helicopter to an absolute altitude record of 12,442 metres (40,820 ft).^[38] At the extreme altitude the engine flamed out and the helicopter had to be (safely) landed via another record breaker — the longest successful autorotation in history.^[39] The helicopter had been stripped of all unnecessary equipment prior to the flight to minimize its weight and the pilot was breathing supplemental oxygen."

 

The SA 315B has a "Service Ceiling" of 5,400m (17,715ft)

Edited March 21, 2014 by 280fxColorado

[Whistlerpilot]

Sounds like a case of "the last guy did it".

[R22139RJ]

I am aware that limitations are conservative figures can be exceeded. TBOs can too be exceeded and helicopters don't fall apart, you can pull more than the red in a Robinson etc etc.

 

One doesn't become a test pilot when they exceed limitations. That would imply training in the field, you become a dumbass, and this one is trying to get business by making these mentally challenged claims.

[rotornut67]

Don't know the guy or anything about his operation, but sounds like he is "needing" to drum up business. This industry has a cruel way of weeding out most of the less than reputable operators, just give it time.