How long can the Brantly factory hold out?
Moderator: Paul Sehorne
How long can the Brantly factory hold out?
While I enjoyed owning and flying a Brantly, I have to wonder how long they can stay in business? As far as I know they have not sold a helicopter in a few years. Add that to the fact that insurance is just not available and you wonder how they can possibly stay in the game. If they go out, I sincerely doubt that anyone would pick up the business since Robinson is currently selling just about every piston helicopter that is sold today. It is shame because the B2B is the smoothest helicopter in the sky and is just plain fun to fly. If it had a little more power, a quieter exhaust, and insurance availability I believe there would be a stronger demand for the machine. I also see that East Carolina is selling one of theirs and a project too on eBay. I wonder is they know something?
- Steve Chenoweth
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Factory
I have no insider knowledge, but there apparently is still a strong desire to build a light piston helicopter in China for the Chinese market. Having the US type certificate is a big asset. Consequently, other companies in China may be looking at Brantly. Stay tuned, Brantly is far from dead, and a new owner may help to fund some upgrades.
Does anyone know how many B2B's have been built? Believe it or not I just found out about Brantly's not long ago and am considering purchase. I've found several from the '60's, none from the '70's,and probably won't from the '80's cause that when everyone went out of business. How about after the Chinese purchase? How many do you think they have sold?
I visited Brantly factory two weeks ago after purchasing a second hand brantly B2B. They had sold a number of new machines recently and I have full confidence in their product and viability.
As to insurance I know that both in NZ and UK the insurance on a Brantly is somewhat cheaper than on Robinson because of its lower accident record. My insurance full hull and all liabilities is 8-10%pa depending on use and pilot.
The real problem in the insurance market is the kit built helicopter with rates for rotorway exc being 20% up if you can get it.
I understand that slightly less than 450 B2s have been built wirth about 350 still registered around the world. Most were built in 60s. It have located about 8 for sale at least 3 of which have recently changed hands.
I repeat after a day at the factory and discussing their product with president and staff I have every confidence in Brantly and have put my own money where my mouth is by bringing one back to NZ. I consider Brantly to be the best kept secret and hope to be over to buy more of these seriously underpriced machines.
Nick
As to insurance I know that both in NZ and UK the insurance on a Brantly is somewhat cheaper than on Robinson because of its lower accident record. My insurance full hull and all liabilities is 8-10%pa depending on use and pilot.
The real problem in the insurance market is the kit built helicopter with rates for rotorway exc being 20% up if you can get it.
I understand that slightly less than 450 B2s have been built wirth about 350 still registered around the world. Most were built in 60s. It have located about 8 for sale at least 3 of which have recently changed hands.
I repeat after a day at the factory and discussing their product with president and staff I have every confidence in Brantly and have put my own money where my mouth is by bringing one back to NZ. I consider Brantly to be the best kept secret and hope to be over to buy more of these seriously underpriced machines.
Nick
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- Joined: Sat May 01, 2004 11:05 am
- Location: Michigan
Factory
I agree it seems that it would be hard to hold on, but I believe Brantly is be sold to another company from China and that is good. I believe that in order to hold the manufacture certificate they must stay in the same location. Even thought we we don't have Cy to deal with Doyle is a good friend to Brantly owners. So don't give up hope on Brantly. Even though I have one of the two that had TR Shaft failures I still believe Brantly is the Best.
Jim
Jim
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- Posts: 20
- Joined: Sat May 01, 2004 11:05 am
- Location: Michigan
Re: Factory
maulepilot wrote:I agree it seems that it would be hard to hold on, but I believe Brantly is be sold to another company from China and that is good. I believe that in order to hold the manufacture certificate they must stay in the same location. Even thought we we don't have Cy to deal with Doyle is a good friend to Brantly owners. So don't give up hope on Brantly. Even though I have one of the two that had TR Shaft failures I still believe Brantly is the Best.
Jim
Re: Factory
maulepilot wrote:maulepilot wrote:I agree it seems that it would be hard to hold on, but I believe Brantly is be sold to another company from China and that is good. I believe that in order to hold the manufacture certificate they must stay in the same location. Even thought we we don't have Cy to deal with Doyle is a good friend to Brantly owners. So don't give up hope on Brantly. Even though I have one of the two that had TR Shaft failures I still believe Brantly is the Best.
Jim