RDRickster Posted October 15, 2003 Report Share Posted October 15, 2003 Well, the Enstrom F28 is next on my list of piston helicopters to fly. Anyway, I was raised on the R22 with a couple hours on the B2B and a few hours on the B47. Any advice for the R22 pilot learning to fly an F28? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Nat3hCFI Posted November 7, 2003 Report Share Posted November 7, 2003 It handles like a truck without power steering. :nuncha: Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Ga. Chopper Posted January 18, 2004 Report Share Posted January 18, 2004 Nat3hCFI, The only way an Enstrom feels like a truck without power steering, is if you do not properly use the cyclic trim system. If you learn how to develope the proper use for the trim system, it is very stable and yet responsive machine. When I transitoned from Robinsons to Enstroms, I found it took several hours to get use to the trim and the manual throttle. Once you get use to it, it's a great flying helicopter. I have also convinced several of my Robinson buddies of the same. The feel of the cyclic is very simular to that of a Hughes 500C or OH-6, since it's also a fully articulated rotor system with a forced trim system. In forward flight with smooth air, you can trim either helicopter for "hands-off" the cyclic. Try that in an R-22! I can also take my hand off the throttle and collective once the power is set in forward flight and never touch it, untill starting the approach. There is a pilot from England that performs a very impressive airshow routine in the 280C Shark and the 480 turbine. By the way, the feel of the piston model Enstroms is very simular to the 480 turbine since they both use the same rotor system. I have about 150 hours in my 1980 Enstrom F-28C-2 and trade-off flight time with my buddies in their R-22's, R-44's, a Hughes 500C and Jet Rangers. They all have their strong/weak points. The only other piston powered helo I would consider over my Enstrom is an R-44 Raven II. :: Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Ga. Chopper Posted January 18, 2004 Report Share Posted January 18, 2004 Sorry, duplicate post. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Ga. Chopper Posted January 18, 2004 Report Share Posted January 18, 2004 Sorry, triplicate post. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
RDRickster Posted January 19, 2004 Author Report Share Posted January 19, 2004 Now that I've flown it for a few hours, I agree with Ga. Chopper about the stable flight characteristics of the Enstrom. The trim in the 280FX I've flown was pretty impressive. I wish that it had some kind of button that would automatically return the trim to the rigged neutral position though. You definately have to manipulate the trim quite a bit on approach so you don't fight against the cyclic pressure. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
deeper Posted June 1, 2004 Report Share Posted June 1, 2004 I learnt to fly in an F280 shark at El Monte, California.Had an engine failure due to vapour lock they told me. Put it down on a street. A little damage.Found the helicopter a great machine to fly, did a lot of hours around Southern California. Deeper. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Ga. Chopper Posted July 2, 2004 Report Share Posted July 2, 2004 I learnt to fly in an F280 shark at El Monte, California.Had an engine failure due to vapour lock they told me. Put it down on a street. A little damage.Found the helicopter a great machine to fly, did a lot of hours around Southern California. Deeper. I would be very skeptical of an engine failure due to vapor lock while the engine is operating above 2,000 RPM. But if the engine RPM was abrupty reduced below 2,000 and it quit, it is most likely due to improper idle mixture settings or a faulty fuel servo. This is referenced in the Enstrom flight manual. rotorheadsmiley Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
PhoenixHTKA Posted July 20, 2020 Report Share Posted July 20, 2020 Hi Guys! Trying to clean our airport we found hidden some door pleaxiglass of F28 These are rounded version and brand new covered by foil. 3 pcs of R/H and 1 pc of L/H If some of you are interested about it, just tell me and trying to help. Bests PHX Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
rotornut6 Posted June 7, 2021 Report Share Posted June 7, 2021 I just purchased an F28-F and I was wondering if you still have this plexiglass? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
PRJ Posted June 8, 2021 Report Share Posted June 8, 2021 Congratulations on the purchase. I just got a 280fx and love it. Great ship to fly with “big bird” stability. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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.