MD520

Flying Pig · October 31, 2003

WHat difference is there flying the NOTAR, vs. the 500E? If you are rated in the 500E, would you be competent in the NOTAR?

HeliMark · November 2, 2003

After having 1,500+ hours in the NOTAR, it does and does not fly like the 500E.

The FAA when the NOTAR was certified, wanted to have an additional rating just for it. I do not think that was nessesary, but it is different in what can happen in an emergency. Stuck pedal in one has to be done right, if you get slow, kiss your you know what good bye. Never roll the throttle off with a stuck pedal in flight. No recovery.

The big thing in them to remember is that although you have the same amount of tail authority between the two, the NOTAR is sluggish. And when the tail starts one direction, you have to put in opposite to stop it (like a taildragger). And watch the torque using the pedals, you will overtorque in a heart beat if you do not watch out. Reason is that the 500E takes about 65 hp while the NOTAR can take up to 210 hp driving the tail.

In an orbit, if you do not watch yourself, the tail will try to go around the orbit faster then you.

Yes, you could fly it if you are competent in a 500E, but if would not be pretty for several flights. And hope you have no emergencies.

Flying Pig · November 2, 2003

HeliMark

Thanks.

I MAY, have the opportunity to fly one through a private individual. Not for employment, just some joyriding. Just curious. I definitely would never fly one PIC without being properly rated in one.