Oops

[Dru]

 

Maybe walking in is cool after all?

 

[iain]

Was that recent? Bell 407 crash = $2.5 million mistake. Hope everyone's okay, those things are thin and light.

[Dru]

Yup some guys I work with caught a rotor tip and flipped off the pad and upside down on take-off. Everyone Ok but the chopper! Good story to tell no doubt but might make you a bit antsy before next flight.

[thelawgoddess]

nice pic. glad everyone's okay!

[Greg_W]

Is that a 407 or a longranger/jetranger?

[iain]

Incredible. I seem to remember a similar accident up in Canada heading in for some skiing when the chopper settled down in some snow causing some low rotors, and on takeoff caught the prop in a snow drift (invisible in the flat light), killing 2 people.

[iain]

you might be right greg, looks more like a jetranger now.

[Greg_W]

Yeah, check the exhaust vent for the engine. It's definitely a 206. 407's have the Allison 250-C47 which sports a rectangular, one-piece exhaust. The 206 Jetranger/Longranger has a C20 variant which has a dual exhaust setup.

[iain]

well that's more than I know. I was going by the stabilizing fins on the tail, which look like 207s and not the 407. Either way, expensive mistake! Are you lucky enough to work with these helicopters Greg? I wish I had a job flying them.

[MntnrMichael]

It is not deterring me for flying.

[Greg_W]

Designed Power Turbine rotating components for the Allison 250 Engine which powers Bell 206, OH-68, 407, 430, Sikorsky S-76, and a few others, for a few years.

[Winter]

Yeah, check the exhaust vent for the engine. It's definitely a 206. 407's have the Allison 250-C47 which sports a rectangular, one-piece exhaust. The 206 Jetranger/Longranger has a C20 variant which has a dual exhaust setup.

 

We're talking some fuckin' muscle.

[Greg_W]

Yeah, if I had my 'druthers I'd take a Bell 412 - civilian Huey with a fourbladed rotor and big twin turbines (Pratt & Whitney's I believe). Good payload and cheap (relatively). Sikorsky S-76 is underpowered, don't buy one.

[iain]

Why mess around with those? Here this guy's knocking off the approach time to Helens in fine style with the AH-1Z.

 

[Greg_W]

It's only a two-seater, though, bro. Bell 412 brings your buddies, some chicas, and brews.

[vegetablebelay]

Geeks

 

[Greg_W]

Yeah, been called that before. At least I don't have to wear the white shirt, tie, and wing tips anymore.

[iain]

cool pic vegbelay!

[iain]

(I mean your avatar image)

[iain]

The Chinook would be the ultimate party helicopter. You could have some serious shindigs in the back of that thing. The hellhole would be the source of nonstop pranks!

Edited December 9, 2002 by iain

[Greg_W]

Engaging Geekmode: V-22 Osprey powered by two Rolls Royce (formerly Allison) T-800 Turboshaft engines. Until the reliability improves, I would steer clear; they've had a few crashes and killed some Marines I believe. Plus, the spindle that the engine nacelle rotates on is carbon fiber and is quite spendy. The T-800 doesn't have tons of hours, either, so you'd be getting a fairly unproven engine that is expensive to purchase and work on.

 

Chinook would be nice. One problem is that flying one is tough to learn (from what I've heard).

Edited December 9, 2002 by Greg_W

[Bronco]

This crash happened less than 2 weeks ago - it's a conspiracy!

[Dr_Flash_Amazing]

Actually, Bronco, it should be noted that while this resembles a conspiracy in some ways, conspiracies usually involve black helicopters. Conspiracies are exciting, but it's important to keep a level head and look at the facts when examining purported conspiracies.

[lI1|1!]

if ur chucK