Enstrom Users

Heli-Ops · November 3, 2002

To any of our members who own, operate or work on Enstroms, where are you located and what do you do.

Heli Ops

flyingfeather · November 3, 2002

I operated a F28C (VH IYR) out of Sydney, OZ in 79/80, logged 200hrs, carried over 2,000 joyride passengers and truly enjoyed that little machine. Did my endorsement on the 'A' model and thought I would be killed - the A's should all be buried (probably are by now). Only heart-stopper was when the left door blew open in flight at 1,000ft, hovering for photos, over Botany Bay. I had the right door off for a photographer. He had to lean over me to grab the door for the turbulence was so great I couldnt take my hands off. All my enquiries to Enstrom, etc., about such a freak incident proved futile. I tied a safety leash to the door from that day on (my dog's leash - without dog). Dont know why the Enstrom didnt find popularity - well not downunder. Yes, the photographer flew with me again - he had a great gig, taking shots of waterfront homes, framing them and going door to door selling to the owners. Unique angle!

JL_in_Vail · December 23, 2002

Eagle Flight Helicopters, Elizabeth (Denver), CO.

280C - I don't own it, just fly it sometimes.

jhouston · January 28, 2003

Only heart-stopper was when the left door blew open in flight at 1,000ft, hovering for photos, over Botany Bay. I had the right door off for a photographer. He had to lean over me to grab the door for the turbulence was so great I couldnt take my hands off. All my enquiries to Enstrom, etc., about such a freak incident proved futile. I tied a safety leash to the door from that day on (my dog's leash - without dog).

That exact thing happened to us! I own Eagle Flight Helicopters in Denver, CO USA. I had the door replaced, and the mechanic got the fit off by 1/2". I also use a tether to hold the doors closed!

As for performance, for a piston helicopter, you can't beat an enstrom! We operate at over 6,120' (pad elevation). For speed, useful load, and raw power, nothing in the piston market can touch a 280C!

md600 driver · January 31, 2003

sorry j houston your 280c did get beat

by a 280fx or a 28f that extra bit of horse power

marvellous helicopter i have had 6 f28a/f28c/f28f/f280fx/480/then a brand spanking new 480

customer comment

they were all very good ,safe,fairly inexpensive to run ,reliable [well its still a helicopter] and above all enjoyable to fly a pilots helicopter 11 out of 10

regards steve atherton

jimbo2181 · January 31, 2003

How much are the enstroms going for and what is there direct operating cost marketed at?

jhouston · February 25, 2003

sorry j houston your 280c did get beat

by a 280fx or a 28f that extra bit of horse power

steve

You're right Steve. The newer versions have that little extra kick!

Ever priced the conversion from a C to and FX?! For 20 horsepower, you'd be better off buying a new one!

John Houston

jhouston · February 25, 2003

How much are the enstroms going for and what is there direct operating cost marketed at?

A new 280FX is $316,000. Enstrom is going through a huge marketing campaign right now which is working fantatic! They actually have FX models on back order!

-john houston

jhouston · February 25, 2003

How much are the enstroms going for and what is there direct operating cost marketed at?

Oh, DOC for parts and maintnance since built is $92.15 on our 1979. Then factor in all of the other costs like insurance (commercial including instruction), fuel, and overhead, and we come up with $185.12 for ours.

Insurance is a huge cost. We pay $15,345 for Commercial w/ Instruction from Air Sure.

It has been a great performer, and our 2nd Enstrom.

-john houston

Ga. Chopper · January 19, 2004

I am the private owner of a 1980 Enstrom F-28C-2 and use it primarily for pleasure since insurance cost for part-time commercial use is prohibitve. I would love to flight instruct in it or give rides but don't have the time. I am also a factory trained Enstrom mechanic and do all of my own maintenance.

RDRickster · January 19, 2004

Is it true that you can't do any maintenance on the Enstrom transmission in the field? Correct me if I'm wrong, but the transmission overhaul MUST be done by the factory. For a modified automotive transmission, that seems overly restrictive. What's your experience?

Ga. Chopper · January 19, 2004

RDRickster,

First of all, the MR transmission is by no means a modified automotive transmission. It is a simple and robust design incorporating a ring/pinion design with a splash oil lubrication feature. It is easy to service and inspect.

It is true that you can not overhaul the MR and TR transmissons in the field, but those are the only components that must be factory overhauled. All other components can be field overhauled.

I was told that transmissions overhauls were at one time allowed to be field overhauled, but several had been done incorrectly so Enstrom discontinued that policy.

The cost of factory overhauled MR and TR transmissions is fairly resonable IMO. Robinson is much more restrictive with the overhaul of their components in the field.

eagledw1 · March 25, 2004

This may be a crazy question, but compared to the Bell 47 G3B1, how does the Enstrom compare? I use one with our Ag spraying business. Always wondered about doing Ag with an Enstrom. With a 1,000 load, that is same as my B1. Humm. I can only guess that operating costs are more with the old Bell 47. Thanks.

PhilPrice · March 30, 2004

The 28As are not all buried. I've got one that's lovely. It took a lot of effort to sort it out but it now flies so smoothly and is reasonably reliable. Cheap to run. cheap to insure. Not too bad on avgas. Loads more room than an R22 with about the same performance.

Pleasure use only

I love it.