Helicopter Types
The Robinson R66 Turbine Helicopter
Innovative New Helicopter
Robinson Helicopters finally gave its new turboshaft-powered R66 helicopter its public debut in Torrance, California, in March 2009. A party was held at the Robinson Helicopter Factory for the five-seater helicopter’s world launch. The world had expected the helicopter to be shown at the Heli-Expo Show, but when it was not, the media and other people were prepared to travel to the Robinson factory. So what is this fairly new machine like, and why has Robinson, previously best-known for its famous piston-powered R22 and R44, produced the R44?
Which Helicopter Type is Best?
Piston or Turbine, Single or Twin?
Many people who want to learn to fly helicopters decide to train on the type of helicopter they plan to hire or buy afterwards. So which type is best? It all depends on the pilot’s budget, and what he or she intends to use the helicopter for.
The Mil MI-8 Helicopter
Personal Helicopter Experience
The MI-8 is widely used in Russia by the armed forces, and also has a variety of uses throughout the world. It is a massive helicopter, holding around 20 people, or the equivalent in cargo etc. I had a chance to fly one on a trip to Russia some years ago, and I’d like to share the experience.
The Rotorway Exec 162F Helicopter
Practical Kit Built Helicopter with Stunning Looks and Excellent Performance
Many people have dreamed of building their own helicopter. But how difficult would this be? And would the finished product be safe? The Rotorway fulfils all the necessary requirements. An economical and extremely goodlooking two seat helicopter, it is easy to build and fly, and has brought helicopter ownership within the reach of many ordinary people.
The Bell 47 Helicopter
Iconic Aircraft Now Used for Helicopter Pilot Training
Even though it has been out of production since 1973, if you asked a young child to draw a helicopter, you can bet the finished result would bear more than a passing resemblance to the Bell 47’s enormous bubble canopy. And it is still used for helicopter flight training in some parts of the world. Sometimes I get to fly different helicopter types and write reports about them – and one day I had the opportunity to fly this iconic helicopter. So what is it like?
The Mil MI-2 Helicopter
Twin-Engine Russian Training Helicopter
Most private helicopter pilots in the west learn to fly on small piston engine aircraft such the Robinson R22 or Schweizer 300 CBi. But in Russia the twin-engined Mil MI-2 is commonly used as a flight school helicopter. I managed to get several hours flying in one on a trip to Russia some years ago.
The EurocopterEC120 Colibri Helicopter
A Light-Weight, Five-Seat, Fast and Comfortable Helicopter
The EC120 is a fairly new helicopter, which is good looking, great for touring, and may well take over from the JetRanger in popularity. Private pilots looking for a first turbine helicopter used to generally convert on to a Bell 206 JetRanger. But now Eurocopter have developed an alternative – the EC120 Colibri.
The Enstrom 280FX Helicopter
Great Helicopter to Learn On
Looking for a stylish, two/three-seat helicopter that is roomier and easier to fly than the ubiquitous Robinson R22? Enstrom might well have provided the answer. Their 280FX has been around for a long time, and is an excellent choice for the beginner, while being a great touring machine once the student has got his or her PPL(H).
Kit Built Helicopters
Building Your Own Helicopter
The idea of building one’s own helicopter is very attractive to some people. However, although kit built airplanes are quite common, there are far fewer of their rotary equivalents. There are a number of reasons for this, but nevertheless, some kits for helicopters do exist. So is building one’s own a good idea and how should you go about it?
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PROFILE: Helen Krasner
Helen Krasner holds a Commercial Pilot's Licence and Instructor's Rating for helicopters. She worked as a helicopter instructor for several years, instructing for various flying schools on Robinson R22s and R44s. She has also flown a large number of other helicopter types, has a private pilot’s licence for aeroplanes, and has tried flying microlights, gliders, and balloons.
Helen has been writing professionally for many years and contributes regularly to a number of aviation publications. She was nominated for an Aerospace Journalist of the Year award in 2004, for an article about flying helicopters in Russia. She is also a former Newsletter Editor for the BWPA (British Women Pilots' Association).
HELEN'S BOOKS
Helen has written a number of books, both traditional print books and ebooks for the Kindle. Most are on flying, though not all. You can find details of all of them in the section on Helen’s Books . A link to how you can buy each book on Amazon UK is given with each book. If you are in the USA, or prefer to buy from US Amazon, then use the following links…
Print books
The Helicopter Pilot’s Companion: a Manual for Helicopter Enthusiasts
Flying Helicopters: a Companion to the PPL(H)
Midges, Maps & Muesli: an account of a 5,000 mile walk around the coast of Britain.
Kindle ebooks
Collected Articles from Flight Training News 2006-2011:
Learning to Fly Aeroplanes and Helicopters
Flying Aeroplanes and Helicopters: Beyond the PPL
All About Flying Helicopters
Helicopter Flying Instructor Experiences
Collected Rotary Flight Test Articles 2004 – 2011:
Flying Small Helicopters
Flying Popular Helicopters
Flying Historic Helicopters
Flying Unusual Helicopters
Helicopter Flight Instructor Course Diary
Your First Cat or Kitten: Choosing and Caring for a Feline Friend
Or you can find all of the above on Helen's Page on Amazon