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Which Helicopter to Learn On?Robinson R22, R44, or Schweizer 300CBi – Which is Best for Training?
Most people who are learning to fly helicopters choose train on the Robinson R22. But there are alternatives. An experienced instructor looks at some of the options.
This article gives a brief comparison of some of the most popular training helicopters. For further details, the reader should look at the individual articles on the Robinson R22, Robinson R44, and Schweizer 300CBi. The Robinson R22 – Cheap FlyingThis is the helicopter on which most people learn to fly nowadays. It is the least expensive machine to buy and maintain, and therefore training rates are cheaper than for other types. For many prospective pilots this is a major factor, and the development of the R22 has allowed many people to learn to fly who would otherwise have been unable to afford it. However, it is quite a difficult helicopter to learn on, since it was never designed as a training machine, and is very responsive…an attribute described as ‘twitchy’ by new pilots. But this means that conversion afterwards to another type is easy; indeed, is often said that if someone can fly an R22, then they can fly anything. The R22 has a low inertia, teetering rotor head, which means that there is little room for error in auto-rotations. And the cockpit is somewhat cramped, so the machine is not suitable for large-size people. The Robinson R44 – Comfortable, Fast, and VersatileThis is the four seater version of the R22. It is therefore much larger, so is suitable for bigger people. But of course the cost of learning on it is correspondingly higher. Handling is similar to the R22, but the machine is much heavier, so it is not as ‘twitchy’, and auto-rotations are easier to manage. The newest version has a fuel injected engine, so the problem of ‘carb’ icing is eliminated. Overall the R44 is a comfortable, fast, easy-to-fly helicopter. It is excellent for training, and suitable for touring and other uses once someone has got their Private Pilot’s Licence. The cost of learning on it is often the only problem, and many students decide to learn on the R22, then convert to the R44. Conversion is easy, since the two machines are so similar, and this is therefore an increasingly popular option. The Schweizer 300 CBi – Designed as a TrainerSchweizer’s newest model was specifically designed as a training helicopter, and as such it is excellent. It has a fully articulated rotor head, so it is very stable and forgiving of mishandling by students. It is stable and easy to fly, to the extent that students often learn in fewer hours than those learning to fly on the R22. The cockpit is roomier than that of the R22, so it is more suitable for large-size pilots, though of course there is less room than in the four seater R44. The engine is fuel injected, so there is no requirement for ‘carb’ heat. However, unlike most modern helicopters, there is no rotor rpm governor, and manual throttle control is required. The helicopter is also rather slow, and not terribly suitable for touring use once someone has got their pilot’s licence. So, Which Helicopter?As with everything, there are pros and cons with respect to each of these types. It could be worth the prospective pilot doing some research, and even having a trial lesson in each type of machine. However, in the long run it does not make a great deal of difference. A helicopter is a helicopter, and once someone can fly, converting between different types is relatively easy. The pilot may wish to do this anyway, since a good trainer is not necessarily the first choice of aircraft once someone is a qualified pilot. Therefore the most important thing is to go out there and learn to fly; everything else is secondary!
The copyright of the article Which Helicopter to Learn On? in Aviation is owned by Helen Krasner. Permission to republish Which Helicopter to Learn On? in print or online must be granted by the author in writing.
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