I like the old ugly piston helis, like the Bell 47 and the Schweizer 269 and so on, even the Brantly
Why are the Hillers so cheap in comparison? it seems they made a bunch, and they are still flying 50 years later?
Is there a major problem or are they just a good value?
45k for one in flying decent shape seems like a steal, no?

Don could probably elaborate more than I do on Hillers. I have no reason to discriminate against them. A few upgrades would render them very solid up to standard helis.

The Hiller H 12 A,B or C. is a slow heavy helicopter,OGE hover is 6" That franklin just didn't have the power, The Hiller D with the Lyc worked real good but it was still slow, Most were trainers & crop sprayers and being out of production blades & other parts are rare. Pilots love them for the ruggid construction but Less Hillers were built & the Bells had better support even after Bell sold the TC to Scotts. Hiller just faded away.

Ok but as a dream list for first heli, to learn on and have fun with?
its less than HALF the asking price of the nearest competition?\\
Is it worth 45k in decent flying shape?\
Not giving up my beloved gyro, but perhaps in the future, adding to the collection..

$45,000???
ANY HELICOPTER !
Brantly, Enstrom, Hiller ,Bell any old helicopter is good as long as the time life componets have time & it's not a rust bucket .

I've flown helicopters for just over a decade now (as a licensed pilot) and I love flying helicopters. I still fly them fairly often. No question about it, they're awesome.

But they will fucking kill you in a heartbeat if you try to cheap out on them.

They are complex creatures with LOTS of moving parts, the failure of any of which will put your ass on the ground at varying rates of descent (depending on the component that failed.)

I believe the Helicycle is a well-designed and proven kit helicopter that can be built for around $40k. Your money would be better spent building one of those. Stan Foster and others are reporting many hundreds of relatively trouble-free flight hours.

I have less experience with the Mosquito line, but the examples I've seen seem very well-made and their customers seem to be flying them safely overall. Also in the same price range.

But I'd never strap my ass in a 50-year old helicopter with no manufacturer still around to issue AD's and such, I don't care what the price or how good condition the ship is in. Unless you just want to hover around the sod near the airport, I'd say save your money...or buy a good, solid gyroplane.

That's my advice.

-John

Well, I got the good solid Gyro already.
And not that I disagree with your points, but I would think that after 50 years the AD's would have been worked out.
And back then things were built different.

As much as I like the small Kits, I would be needing a two place (hummingbird to expensive/ugly) so my instructor would have a place to sit.

And there is something cool about driving a piece of nostalgia.
Falling out of the sky? Not so cool.

Finding an instructor who would train in you in the Hiller could be a problem.

If you want a 2-place, a mid-time R22, 269, or similar would probably be a better choice, in my opinion, though you probably won't find one for $40k unless it's ready for overhaul.

Good luck, fly safe.

the 269 was designed in the 1960s, R-22 1970s the Brantly the 1950s.
It's not the calinder but the clock that tells when pieces are replaced, Flown lots of old helicopters & some new, Nothing dangerous about the age.
Just the abuse & stupidity of polits & owners who cheap out.

I know of a few 2 place Helicom Commuters that can be bought. that is if they have not been sold yet. there is also a Safari on Vortech site for $49,995.

http://www.vortechonline.com/specials/# ... S_for_sale

I want to get an old Huey .


FUCKUM !!!!!


WOLVERINES !!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

I'd like a Bell 47.

OR A HUGHES 500


FUCKUM !!!!!


WOLVERINES !!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!