flying in rain

[scrapper]

As always I ask in advance for your patience with me as a newbie.

Subject: Flying /Weather/ Rain.

I pick up that most Brantly ships owners don’t want to fly in the rain too much, I sense for ship protection as such as safety – wet can gradually cause rust risk to bearings etc.

How about in general, are small copters generally suitable for use in rain? I live in lower Manhattan 3 wks out of the month, N Wayne 20 miles N of Cherry Ridge the other week.

There is hardly a minute that goes by here when you can’t HEAR copter on the move. About .75 Mi NE on the east river is a significant heliport, with commuters and others being dropped off and taking off especially: 7-10 AM and 4-7 PM. Many are turbines, Hughes I think mostly, but there are some there are piston craft, R44s, maybe some Schweitzer 300s.

Is it a tradeoff, take on moisture vs. being able to fly more? Or are some craft suited to flying in the rain?

Thanks in advance for any insight.

COF

[9121u]

HI OWEN i believe all helicopters can fly in the rain if any a brantly I think is better.besides a turbine because it is all gear driven verses belt driven on others and they all can rust and corrode plus it is dangerous and risky to fly in rain you have fog and wind storms..not good???? the only ones that fly in those conditions are are the rich and wealthy....they can replace parts or the hole helicopter for that matters..us lower income pilots have to watch the money ...that's my thoughts on flying in rain.. i have seen a lot of helicopters that have sat out in rain .they didn't look that good.. talking abought all types of helicopters not just brantlys ..but then again tho es are the lower ed ones that can be bought cheep??? now a little rain is not going to hurt a helicopter...its just not a good habit.... any one else want to comment on this topic that's what we are here for..to help..and makes for good reading..thanks tom

[fixnfly]

The biggest problem with flying in the rain is paint erosion on the blades. It doesn't seam to matter what type of paint you use a few hours in rain and it will start to erode. Remember that once you repaint your probably going to have to rebalance as well.As to rust & corrosion, clean & lube them, I'm not saying its the best thing for them but with a little care you can fly in the rain. Bill

[scrapper]

Much thanks Tom and Bill.

Pre becoming helicopter diseased, I didn't pay attention but now I notice the NYC sky filled with copters.
Seeing few to no light planes, I think they used to have the 1000-2000 airspace up the Hudson? But maybe
the rule has been changed, in this terror charged era. I am going to watch closely on rainy days, to see if
the commuter birds still fly.

As those of you who heard Doc Watson speak know the Brantly was perfect for him, increased his efficiency
but man he had fun all day, flying while working. Other than being a commercial piolet which isn't the same
I don't know of too many professions that can use a bird to get around.

Man has an amazing and classic American posaitive attitude aand keeps it at age 93.