I found myself doing work in a 280FX, which seemed very different to me, and the leaning process was somewhat daunting at first. Once I got used to it, with a bit of advice online from Kenny, it's so easy to fall in love with. Wish our girl had those new doors that open wider, but what a smooth , nice flying ship. 👍 Good video Kenny, and I don't forget your help!
I started my training in F28s and did around 50 hours before trouble with my school lead me to switch to a school that flies Hughes/Schweizer/Sikorsky 300s (I have never flown or ridden in a Robinson). Wow what a difference. The 300s are like toys in comparison and in the Phoenix area are gutless when it comes to power. I was reminded of this when after I had my private I talked a guy into renting me his 280 for ten hours with the stipulation that I take his CFI with me. Glad I had that CFI because the Enstrom is a real helicopter. Yes the Enstrom auto is a non-event in that it is just like flying (compared to the 300 that feels like you are pointed straight down and feels weird even though you know it is going to turn out alright), but I have to admit, I am glad I took my check ride in the 300. All that said, amazingly, I was given the opportunity to fly (heavily supervised) a Bell 407. First time on hydraulic controls, first time in a bird with AC! But what I learned is that the weight and feel of the Enstrom sets you up SO much better to fly bigger bird than the 300 does. I cannot imagine that going from a bunch of R22 time and a few hours of R44 time would set you up for flying a bigger helicopter like an Enstrom does. The "Enstrom Bounce?" Yeah it is annoying, but the butter smoothness once those skids are off the ground makes up for it. If I was able to buy a bird of my own of would be a FX280 for sure.
Learnt to fly rotary on an F 28 F. Flew law enforcement patrols in all weather. Experienced most available machines but am and will always be an Enstrom man.
LOVE that 442! With Cragars too - nothing better! Also, funny you had that shirt on today - I just saw a Hangar 18 video on MTV (of all places - sure ain't what it used to be ...) last Sunday. They had a fantastic 2-hour heavy metal run on that night - Dio, Ratt, Judas Priest, Megadeth, Whitesnake, etc, etc, ... all the good stuff ... just about blew my 25 year old speakers. 😁 You sold me on that Enstrom, though. As a mechanic, seeing those carrier bearings and driveshaft for the tail rotor right there, easy to get to, plus the fact that it was designed by a regular Joe with some great welding / fabricating skills, and your hard-landing story - that seals the deal for me. Couldn't afford it if my life depended on it, but, it will be in the back of my mind as long as I live from now on, in case something changes financially. At least I can afford to dream. 😊 GREAT video, Kenny! 👍👍
Great video Kenny. I have only flown the bell 47G and the Robinson R22.Could you tell me how the Enstrom does a 180° Quickstop as compared to the bell 47 and R22? Thank you very much.
Only recently discovered the name enstrom from another YT channel called Micha Flies (I know I spelled his name wrong). Discovered him since he's been flying over the LA area while they have been in lock down. Before him I had only known Robinson, Bell, Sikorsky, and Augusta. Unfortunately I don't have the money for ground school. I have only ever had a 6 minute ride in a jet ranger a couple of years go for a tour of the Oregon (my home state) beach's. But have always loved just about all forms of aviation.
I learned on and flew an F280C for 400 hrs. It is a strong machine and I'm fond of it, but there are some cons: it is twice the weight and fuel burn of an R22 ; the engines rarely make TBO due to having to work much harder; and that 150+ lbs rotor system does suffer from problems with lamiflex bearings and blade tape.
Another great vid Kenny. I never really liked the look of them at all, I always thought of them as ugly Mofos! But since watching your vids adnausem how wrong have I been! I have grown to really like them, your love for the machine has converted me to see what I have missed and what you have been witnessing all along! The one thing I cannot get to make the whole machine flow aesthetically, is that bloody Main rotor shaft? Its thick and so long.....and out there! Keep up the great work mate.
Mick Martin love your feedback man! I thought the same thing when I first saw a video of an Enstrom 20 some years ago! When I saw one first hand I totally changed my mind!
Putting the control rods inside the main rotor shaft helps the aero a bit and looks super clean in my opinion. Only down side is in preflight you cannot see them operate, but you can still see the connections if you look on top of the rotor head.
Kenny, I am an avid fan of your videos and would love to fly an Enstrom however there are only 16 Enstroms in Australia with most owned by private owners. Can you please do a "Coffee With Kenny" on the Enstrom trim system and how it works?
@@HelicopterGround We are due for our annual this month once we finish that I will head your way looks like 123nm KJOT to KASW. My instructor and partner on the Bell 47 flies a 500 on the power lines he may come too. Talk soon
Speaking of fabrication wonders, Glock made furniture before they made...ya know, Glocks. Thanks for the Enstrom lesson👍 always fun to just talk helicopters!n
@@HelicopterGround tx Kenny. Re-visiting the videos, I think I answered my own questions...3 types of vehicles, light, medium, heavy...blades would be based on usage of vehicle...need to drink my coffee next time so I can wake up..!! Lol
@@leesharpe5568 Even "heavy" helicopters like the UH-1 can have two blades. It is just design preference. Well maybe the truly huge helos like the big Augusta Westlands and Russian birds could not be made to work with a two-blader, but everything under 10,000 gross pounds can.
If I had the money, Enstrom 480B might very well be my preferred "bigger" helicopter. If I wanted a small helicopter, I'm thinking of Guimbal Cabri G2. If I could go "insane", then the carbon Kopter SH09.
i have train in both a F28a AND a 280fx although i had to stop due to a lack of money if and when i will go back to Enstrom the best helicopters for all types of chopper flying, peter in the UK
A very passionate video, but is the Enstrom Bounce a safety issue? Is an Enstrom helicopter better at combating this condition than other helicopters? ( 15:00 ) The Cell phone ringing and the train horn, what a coincidence, The Universe ( God ) might be giving us a warning.
Kenny, I like your description of the Enstrom Helicopter. I knew almost nothing about them until this video. Now, I do know a little bit and like what you showed. What is your "megadeath" T-Shirt about. You said that you were in a "megadeath kind of mood". What does that mean. At the time of 18:38 to 39 you show the "devil horns occult sign". Are you making a statement with that hand signal, such as that you are a "luciferian"? Just curious. Great videos!!!
I'm just not sure I'd be comfortable being in the right hand seat and not being able to operate the radio, GPS. transponder, etc. with my collective (right) hand.
@@HelicopterGround What about power to weight ratio, Enstom says it has more power than competitors, but with all up weight the power to weight ratio is bigger?
You exaggerate my frend. A hard landing a helicopter creates lots problems you might not be aware of. The impact afectat its $$$$&$$$ repairs. Yeap. Unless made out of rubber ?? Ha
I found myself doing work in a 280FX, which seemed very different to me, and the leaning process was somewhat daunting at first. Once I got used to it, with a bit of advice online from Kenny, it's so easy to fall in love with. Wish our girl had those new doors that open wider, but what a smooth , nice flying ship. 👍 Good video Kenny, and I don't forget your help!
Awesome Matt thank you very much for sharing!
I started my training in F28s and did around 50 hours before trouble with my school lead me to switch to a school that flies Hughes/Schweizer/Sikorsky 300s (I have never flown or ridden in a Robinson). Wow what a difference. The 300s are like toys in comparison and in the Phoenix area are gutless when it comes to power. I was reminded of this when after I had my private I talked a guy into renting me his 280 for ten hours with the stipulation that I take his CFI with me. Glad I had that CFI because the Enstrom is a real helicopter. Yes the Enstrom auto is a non-event in that it is just like flying (compared to the 300 that feels like you are pointed straight down and feels weird even though you know it is going to turn out alright), but I have to admit, I am glad I took my check ride in the 300. All that said, amazingly, I was given the opportunity to fly (heavily supervised) a Bell 407. First time on hydraulic controls, first time in a bird with AC! But what I learned is that the weight and feel of the Enstrom sets you up SO much better to fly bigger bird than the 300 does. I cannot imagine that going from a bunch of R22 time and a few hours of R44 time would set you up for flying a bigger helicopter like an Enstrom does. The "Enstrom Bounce?" Yeah it is annoying, but the butter smoothness once those skids are off the ground makes up for it. If I was able to buy a bird of my own of would be a FX280 for sure.
We agree. Enstrom is a great helicopter. Thanks for sharing your story.
Learnt to fly rotary on an F 28 F. Flew law enforcement patrols in all weather. Experienced most available machines but am and will always be an Enstrom man.
Awesome Robin thanks for sharing!
LOVE that 442! With Cragars too - nothing better!
Also, funny you had that shirt on today - I just saw a Hangar 18 video on MTV (of all places - sure ain't what it used to be ...) last Sunday. They had a fantastic 2-hour heavy metal run on that night - Dio, Ratt, Judas Priest, Megadeth, Whitesnake, etc, etc, ... all the good stuff ... just about blew my 25 year old speakers. 😁
You sold me on that Enstrom, though. As a mechanic, seeing those carrier bearings and driveshaft for the tail rotor right there, easy to get to, plus the fact that it was designed by a regular Joe with some great welding / fabricating skills, and your hard-landing story - that seals the deal for me. Couldn't afford it if my life depended on it, but, it will be in the back of my mind as long as I live from now on, in case something changes financially. At least I can afford to dream. 😊 GREAT video, Kenny! 👍👍
Smitty Smithsonite love your feedback man! Long live rock and roll!!!
@@HelicopterGround - Thanks man! Hear! Hear! 🤘🤘
Great video Kenny. I have only flown the bell 47G and the Robinson R22.Could you tell me how the Enstrom does a 180° Quickstop as compared to the bell 47 and R22? Thank you very much.
Thanks for the question Mark. Most all the maneuvers I would say are easier due to the high inertia rotor system.
Only recently discovered the name enstrom from another YT channel called Micha Flies (I know I spelled his name wrong). Discovered him since he's been flying over the LA area while they have been in lock down. Before him I had only known Robinson, Bell, Sikorsky, and Augusta. Unfortunately I don't have the money for ground school. I have only ever had a 6 minute ride in a jet ranger a couple of years go for a tour of the Oregon (my home state) beach's. But have always loved just about all forms of aviation.
Thanks for commenting.
Saw N280GS at a small airport today, pretty impressive looking machine.
Awesome
I learned on and flew an F280C for 400 hrs. It is a strong machine and I'm fond of it, but there are some cons: it is twice the weight and fuel burn of an R22 ; the engines rarely make TBO due to having to work much harder; and that 150+ lbs rotor system does suffer from problems with lamiflex bearings and blade tape.
Thanks for commenting
Thank you Kenny
Midwest Farmer LeDuc thank you!
Great video about the Enstrom Kenny, very informative and interesting. I now have the urge for a flight in one now. Thank you.
Go for it Stu!
Nice video of Enstrom Kenny...I now have an appreciation for the Enstrom and hope to fly in one some day.
Bruce Miller I hope you get the opportunity Bruce! Thanks for commenting!
Another great vid Kenny. I never really liked the look of them at all, I always thought of them as ugly Mofos! But since watching your vids adnausem how wrong have I been! I have grown to really like them, your love for the machine has converted me to see what I have missed and what you have been witnessing all along! The one thing I cannot get to make the whole machine flow aesthetically, is that bloody Main rotor shaft? Its thick and so long.....and out there! Keep up the great work mate.
Mick Martin love your feedback man! I thought the same thing when I first saw a video of an Enstrom 20 some years ago! When I saw one first hand I totally changed my mind!
Putting the control rods inside the main rotor shaft helps the aero a bit and looks super clean in my opinion. Only down side is in preflight you cannot see them operate, but you can still see the connections if you look on top of the rotor head.
Very cool. Thx Kenny
Thank You Nathan!
Thanks Kinny your friend from Dallas Texas 😄
You Are welcome
With that high-intertia, semi-articulated rotor system, does that mean a ground resonance event is more severe?
It depends on many factors. Each event can be different.
Love learning thank you can Kenny.
Midwest Farmer LeDuc thank you for commenting!
Best helicopter experience you will ever have
Thanks Randy!
Never been in an Enstrom, but once had a jolly flight in a Saro Skeeter. Like an Enstrom, it has that pole up the mast control method.
Ian, thanks for commenting.
Kenny, I am an avid fan of your videos and would love to fly an Enstrom however there are only 16 Enstroms in Australia with most owned by private owners.
Can you please do a "Coffee With Kenny" on the Enstrom trim system and how it works?
Sure thing!
It is the same as a Hughes/Schweizer/Sikorsky 300 or an MD500. "Chinese hat" you thumb on top of the collective.
What causes the ground residents?
Bad, Helio shocks ?
Could be a number of different issues. Problem with struts, Problem in rotor system, etc.
I am a 2 yr HOGS member learning in a Bell 47 How about a coffe with Kenny about the Bell 47??
Please
We will see what we can do. Someone that owns one should swing by one day for a coffee with kenny video! Who is game?
@@HelicopterGround I will bring ours over sometime maybe I could do my cross country over there this June or July
We are in Joliet IL KJOT
Let's do it Mark!
@@HelicopterGround We are due for our annual this month once we finish that I will head your way looks like 123nm KJOT to KASW. My instructor and partner on the Bell 47 flies a 500 on the power lines he may come too.
Talk soon
Thank you 😁😁
Welcome😊
Speaking of fabrication wonders, Glock made furniture before they made...ya know, Glocks. Thanks for the Enstrom lesson👍 always fun to just talk helicopters!n
Trent Friend thank you!
Good morning kenny....question: what determines how many blades are on the rotor ?
☕☕☕
That is what ever any one company decides to design!
@@HelicopterGround tx Kenny. Re-visiting the videos, I think I answered my own questions...3 types of vehicles, light, medium, heavy...blades would be based on usage of vehicle...need to drink my coffee next time so I can wake up..!! Lol
@@leesharpe5568 Even "heavy" helicopters like the UH-1 can have two blades. It is just design preference. Well maybe the truly huge helos like the big Augusta Westlands and Russian birds could not be made to work with a two-blader, but everything under 10,000 gross pounds can.
If I had the money, Enstrom 480B might very well be my preferred "bigger" helicopter. If I wanted a small helicopter, I'm thinking of Guimbal Cabri G2. If I could go "insane", then the carbon Kopter SH09.
Thanks for commenting!
I cut my teeth on the F28 Enstrom. Love flying that.
Awesome Dave!
i have train in both a F28a AND a 280fx although i had to stop due to a lack of money if and when i will go back to Enstrom the best helicopters for all types of chopper flying, peter in the UK
Peter, thanks for commenting.
A very passionate video, but is the Enstrom Bounce a safety issue? Is an Enstrom helicopter better at combating this condition than other helicopters? ( 15:00 ) The Cell phone ringing and the train horn, what a coincidence, The Universe ( God ) might be giving us a warning.
Under normal circumstances no it is not a safety concern. It's just what it does,
Need to get back into helicopters again
Let us know if we can help you with any training needs.
Kenny, I like your description of the Enstrom Helicopter. I knew almost nothing about them until this video. Now, I do know a little bit and like what you showed. What is your "megadeath" T-Shirt about. You said that you were in a "megadeath kind of mood". What does that mean. At the time of 18:38 to 39 you show the "devil horns occult sign". Are you making a statement with that hand signal, such as that you are a "luciferian"? Just curious. Great videos!!!
Roger all it means is I am a fan of Heavy Metal Music! That's it, no hidden agenda haha just like to rock!
Is this a real comment? Gotta be a joke - right?
Where’s the pantera shirt?
You will see it again!
Also. Awsome 1970 W30 olds !
Thank you!
I'm just not sure I'd be comfortable being in the right hand seat and not being able to operate the radio, GPS. transponder, etc. with my collective (right) hand.
Sorry, I'm dyslexic today, I meant my collective (left) hand.
Thanks for commenting!
Midwest farmer spraying insecticide alfalfa hay to kill Alfalfa weevil with a helicopter.
Midwest Farmer LeDuc thanks for commenting!
Real Helo, nice american dream example.
Thank you!
@@HelicopterGround What about power to weight ratio, Enstom says it has more power than competitors, but with all up weight the power to weight ratio is bigger?
l'm flying with shark in jp.
Awesome!
Just don't let the Chinese f it up.
Thanks for commenting.
Don't forget the Cobra in that lineup😉
Sure :)
You exaggerate my frend. A hard landing a helicopter creates lots problems you might not be aware of. The impact afectat its $$$$&$$$ repairs. Yeap. Unless made out of rubber ?? Ha
Thanks for the feedback