I agree. Technically advanced helicopter systems tend to diminish pilot skills by giving control to computer systems. The pilot must wait for the system to boot and complete many tasks that the pilot could do much faster. I have never been a fan of helicopter systems that automate pilot operations. Regarding the use of a checklist, you have a good point. I edited out checklist review of the startups to keep the video short, opting to produce complete startup reviews of each helicopter separately. Thank you for commenting!
though I disagree as. 206 AND 505 owner on the 206 being faster as the demo on the 505 here is far more complicated than it needs to be,. I do agree a checklist is a must 100% of the time.
The 206 W&B is calculated before getting in the helicopter which takes about as much time as entering it in the 505 computer. The 505 also takes time for the systems to boot-up and cross check which slows the start process compared to the 206. I like them both but like the increased pilot control of the 206 start process over the 505. I’ve not had any issues with the 505 but I am always expecting a glitch in the computer system. Thank you for commenting!
How do you find C of G with various pax and fuel configs? I've heard the 505 gets out of balance to the front fairly easily. Hence the removable ballast for the tail.
The 505’s transmission location aft of the cabin makes weight and balance more of a challenge than the 206. I configured the 505 W&B with a fixed 15 lb ballast weight on the tail to achieve an average mission of pilot/passenger cabin weight of 800 lbs. Unfortunately, this put solo flight CG near the aft limit which was too tail low for me, so I removed it in favor of placing ballast weight in the baggage compartment when needed. Bell offers a removable ballast weight kit which is installed at the tail but it is pricey.
I have had a 206 and a bell 505. You make the 5050 far more complicated than it needs to be.
Interesting, would you be willing to share more about what you found to be more complicated?
I love bell 505
I flew the 206 in flight school, Milton FL., (USN). That 505 cockpit makes me think I was flying a Sopwith Camel.
So true! Technology has come a long way since the B206. I am pleased you enjoyed the video. Thank you for commenting!
206 all the freaking way and back
Good choice! I am pleased you enjoyed the video. Thank you for commenting!
Old school is much better. And way faster. I'm a retired helicopter pilot. I would love to have seen the use of a checklist. Just sayin' 🦜🇺🇸
I agree. Technically advanced helicopter systems tend to diminish pilot skills by giving control to computer systems. The pilot must wait for the system to boot and complete many tasks that the pilot could do much faster. I have never been a fan of helicopter systems that automate pilot operations. Regarding the use of a checklist, you have a good point. I edited out checklist review of the startups to keep the video short, opting to produce complete startup reviews of each helicopter separately. Thank you for commenting!
though I disagree as. 206 AND 505 owner on the 206 being faster as the demo on the 505 here is far more complicated than it needs to be,. I do agree a checklist is a must 100% of the time.
With only two throttle settings the 505 can be much simpler to fly.
Most of the time in the 505 seems to be setting up the waiting balance
The 206 W&B is calculated before getting in the helicopter which takes about as much time as entering it in the 505 computer. The 505 also takes time for the systems to boot-up and cross check which slows the start process compared to the 206. I like them both but like the increased pilot control of the 206 start process over the 505. I’ve not had any issues with the 505 but I am always expecting a glitch in the computer system. Thank you for commenting!
How do you find C of G with various pax and fuel configs? I've heard the 505 gets out of balance to the front fairly easily. Hence the removable ballast for the tail.
The 505’s transmission location aft of the cabin makes weight and balance more of a challenge than the 206. I configured the 505 W&B with a fixed 15 lb ballast weight on the tail to achieve an average mission of pilot/passenger cabin weight of 800 lbs. Unfortunately, this put solo flight CG near the aft limit which was too tail low for me, so I removed it in favor of placing ballast weight in the baggage compartment when needed. Bell offers a removable ballast weight kit which is installed at the tail but it is pricey.
bell 505
I agree. Thank you for commenting!
As a fan of Bell Helicopters, I like the start time Bell 206 better.
I agree, more control as well. Thank you for commenting.
Please don't say old vs "new" . Bell 206s are my favorite.