500E versus 520N

[TonyMello]

Can somebody tell me what are the real differences (in terms of piloting) between the 500E and the 520N and quantify them, and relate that to what is the reason why there are always so many 520's for sale and no "E"s ???? How different is the pedal action and it is true that pilots don't like the notar for that reason alone ????

[nocarsgo]

I believe there are a lot more D models out there than E. Try comparing with that or both.

[darwin]

I did a google search

http://www.google.com/search?q=notar+tail+authority

and found and interesting thread on that other helicopter site

http://www.pprune.org/forums/showthread.php?t=18857

post numbers 11, and 12 are very interesting, and might give insight into your question.

 

HTH

Edited March 1, 2008 by darwin

[apiaguy]

Can somebody tell me what are the real differences (in terms of piloting) between the 500E and the 520N and quantify them, and relate that to what is the reason why there are always so many 520's for sale and no "E"s ???? How different is the pedal action and it is true that pilots don't like the notar for that reason alone ????

 

 

While I don't get to fly those helicopters.. from my research I can state what others have said about the two...

 

First... there haven't been too many E models produced (approx 170 registered in the US) and even fewer 500 notars (approx 50 registered in the US)

Second... alot of times a very popular helicopter doesn't have alot of turnover in sales... people who own 500's are very proud of their helicopter and hold onto them for a very long time. So I would probabally relate the lack of 500E's OR 500N's for sale based on the low numbers of the fleet and the desire to not sell what people consider a very nice aircraft.

 

As to the flight characteristics.... The notar system requires less pedal input from the pilot....(study the aerodynamics of the notar and you will understand why) that can be interpreted as good or bad depending on who you talk to... like one guy said... it has different characteristics as you approach a hover and will require cyclic input that a traditional helicopter would not (his quoted "ass tuck") People are familiar and comfortable with a tail rotor and the confidence it inspires.... If you stick something else back there to do the job.. it may do the job but if it isn't like the old way some will complain...

The notar being "slow to respond" could be true due to the design.... that doesn' t make it bad necessarily.... just requires different technique....

Also because it is a different system and the cost of the notar is more than the conventional tail rotor some would just as well stick with what they know.

[Goldy]

I have personally spoken to two Law Enforcement pilots about the pros and cons. One hates the NOTAR, thinks it takes way too much power and the other absolutely thinks the NOTAR is the best aircraft he has ever flown in his career. Go figure- a difference of opinion !

 

If you really want some input talk to one of the LE guys down in OC that fly the NOTAR still...Newport Beach PD and / or HB PD I think still does....I've lost track anymore. I know one VR member here flies at Burb PD, he can probably chime in on their NOTAR. I know its fairly quiet, flies over my house all the time (thanks for that 2000 AGL at night time!).

 

 

PS. If you havent checked out the MD video on their website...its pretty cool what they can do with the NOTAR series of ships..

 

Goldy

Edited March 1, 2008 by Goldy

[EC120AV8R]

I have personally spoken to two Law Enforcement pilots about the pros and cons. One hates the NOTAR, thinks it takes way too much power and the other absolutely thinks the NOTAR is the best aircraft he has ever flown in his career. Go figure- a difference of opinion !

 

If you really want some input talk to one of the LE guys down in OC that fly the NOTAR still...Newport Beach PD and / or HB PD I think still does....I've lost track anymore. I know one VR member here flies at Burb PD, he can probably chime in on their NOTAR. I know its fairly quiet, flies over my house all the time (thanks for that 2000 AGL at night time!).

 

 

PS. If you havent checked out the MD video on their website...its pretty cool what they can do with the NOTAR series of ships..

 

Goldy

 

We (Newport Beach/Costa Mesa/Santa Ana PD's) dont have the 520N. It was so disliked, it was sold it within 2 years and all the MD ships were replaced with the EC120's. I never flew it, but one of our pilots nicknamed it "Club Foot". It was the newest ship and the first to go. That should tell you something.

[flightservice]

Flown both, tail rotor enables very positive quick response to pedal input. Notar has a little delay, initially a timing issue, but not well suited for poweline work IMHO. Notar is easier to fly, less pedal inputs, but tail rotor equals more precision.

[fly2pb]

"First... there haven't been too many E models produced (approx 170 registered in the US) and even fewer 500 notars (approx 50 registered in the US)"

 

Correction - There's been over 570 "E"s produced to date and several on the production line as this is written.

 

Fly