How to land and shut down a Bell 505 turbine helicopter

The Bell 505 Jetranger X is arguably the most simple turbine helicopter to operate. The shut down procedure is fast and easy. The Fadec system actually calculates the cool down time based on engine parameters and gives the pilot a CAS message when it's OK to shut down, usually within 15 to 20 seconds.
My number one priority when landing is to keep the tail away from hazards and people. But in this case with the extreme heat of the Arizona desert, the shade won...hence tail to the sun, a nice luxury when there's very little wind and no people around.
Key points:
Check volts after turning off the generator and before shutting down the engine
Adjust weight slowly when climbing out of the helicopter as the 505 is very tail heavy
Position the blades parallel but a bit offset
Check turbine oil within 15 minutes of shutting down
Before turning off the battery, take a pic of the flight time that includes fuel quantity
If you have any other tips or insights, please share in the comments.
Also let me know if you have any 505 specific requests as I plan to share Bell 505 specific insights in the future.
Thanks for watching and please share with your fellow 505 operators!

[@theMekanik]

I’ve always thought it would be kewl to learn to fly from you Leigh! Now I kan sort of. 🤘🏻😎🤘🏻

[@user-ty3ng7kx2z]

Thanks Leigh for the video. Love the Bell 505 with the FADEC system, total engine management, takes a lot of the workload off the pilot. Don't understand why more helicopter manufactures don't use this system.

[@HeliPilotLeigh]

Agreed! Thank you!

[@dackp]

Got to love that quick shutdown time on the 505

[@HeliPilotLeigh]

That's for sure! Thanks Dack!

[@JakeSloan]

Wait how are you flying without Wilson? 😜. It's so good to see you back on the controls of your 505!

[@HeliPilotLeigh]

I’ve actually got 100 pounds of shot up there! Wilson got a makeover😂 Thanks Jake! Absolutely loving being back in the CandyCaneCopter! Can’t wait to explore with you!

[@ashleymuir1046]

Hi Leigh great video. I understand the 505 is very critical in weight and balance. The Jetranger has a minimum pilot weight of 77 kg for solo flight. Does the 505 have a minimum pilot weight or is it done entirely off the weight and balance chart. I’ve also seen 505’s lift off with the tail very close to the ground with solo flight, is this an issue for you or does the shot bags fix this issue.

[@HeliPilotLeigh]

Thanks Ashley, and great questions. There is no minimum pilot weight for the 505, just that you're within the CG envelope which is calculated before start up on the G1000. I have the Pilot Adjustable Ballast kit on this 505 which significantly increases the mission capabilities. Even still with the 25 extra pounds up front from the kit, I have an additional 100 pounds (4 bags of 25 pound shot) which brings the CG to the middle of the envelope which is much more stable and comfortable to fly and as you've seen on others, keeps the tail higher from the ground. The sweet spot for fore/aft CG is actually a bit forward of center. I'll put a more detailed video together with all this info!

[@timvanraam177]

I was worried when you said you were going to check turbine oil and you are wearing all white clothing!

[@HeliPilotLeigh]

Hehe, thanks for the concern! Good thing it’s easy to stay clean with this machine!🥰💃🙏

[@theMekanik]

I like that you Video in 3rd Person I’ve always said whats the point of having a body if you kant look at it. 😃
Generator is same as Alternator?? 🤔

[@HeliPilotLeigh]

The pilot has a switch for the generator, which doubles as a starter. The Bell 505 also has two alternators to run the dual channel FADEC's. From google: An alternator is a device that converts mechanical energy into AC electrical energy. A generator is a mechanical device which converts mechanical energy to either AC or DC electrical energy.

[@topofthegreen]

Helicopter go night night.