Scrapper:
About 2 1/2 years ago I started my search for a helicopter. I joined here and asked alot of questions, like you and got also some very good answers.
In May 2009 I bought a 2005 Robinson R22 Beta II with 3040 hours total time or 850 SMOH on everything which gives me 1350 hours to the next overhaul on everything. The overhaul was completed in February 2007, so with a 12 year limit or 2200 hours, I had 9 years and 9 months and the 1350 hours left.
I flew my first year 135 hours, so far this year I am on the same pace. So, if I fly 135 for each year I will run out of time and hours at the same time. Also, at any time before I can sell with the remaining time to help with the sale for the next buyer.
I just decided that the factory moving to China, parts and age of the ships and other reasons mentioned here previously, I went with a still in production ship. A ship that is well tested and will be around for a long time. If you learn, you will probably learn in an R22 as they are by far the most common training helicopter out there, unless you are large in weight, 240# seat max and most usually it is really about a 220# max. If that is the case, then the S300 or Enstrum or best is a Bell 47, that is what I learned in.
The insurance is going to cost for a R22 about 7,500 to 12,000, first year and if you are learning in your helicopter, even more.
My first year cost were this:
Insurance (personal): $7,450.00 yearly
Hanger: $2,400.00 yearly
Annual Inspection total: $1,800.00
Scheduled 50/100 hours Inspections: $1,100.00
Fuel (120 hours x 9 gal p/h x 4.50 p/g): $4,860.00
Oil (average 1 qt each 8 hours x 8.50 p/q): $127.00
This year total: $19,537.00
Cost to buy (age & hour dependant): $110,000.00 to 160,000.00
This does not count setting aside anything for reserves and upgrades, just actual out of pocket expenses.
Hope this give you some more info to ponder.
There are alot of great people here and all are more than willing to help in your quest. Continue to take advantage of their assistance. It is for the love of flying helicopters that we all are here, even though I do not fly a Brantly, they let me hang around.
Best of Luck in your search.
Feel free to ask me any other questions about my R22.
edspilot
not inviting but I will dig around to ascertain possibilities. VC is putting up $$$ for long tail big wins, a large # fail. Pvt Eqt is more sure thing financing, which this isn’t!