At Mountain One Helicopters, we do flight training in the Schweizer 300c and turbocharged Enstrom 280FX. We also fly the turbine-powered Enstrom 480B. We have chosen to use these aircraft for two main reasons, safety and performance. Although the operating costs of these aircraft are slightly higher than the most popular helicopter flight trainer, when it comes to serious matters of safety, performance and reliability this is no place to pinch pennies - especially at Colorado's impressive altitudes. A brief look at the NTSB's historical accident reports speaks volumes about the comparative safety/survivability of Schweizer and Enstrom versus other helicopters.
More about Enstrom
1. Safety: Enstrom helicopters have an exceptional safety record. This is no accident. To begin with, the reliability of Enstrom's main rotor system is legendary. In fact, there has never a main rotor system failure on an Enstrom helicopter. There is no danger of mast bumping. Whether a simulation or the real deal, Enstrom's high inertia, fully articulated, three bladed rotor system gives the ships extraordinary autorotation capabilities. Even on hot and humid days at 5000' MSL, the 280FX gently floats down through an autorotation. And when it really counts, Enstrom's robust landing gear will handle hard landings that would wreck lesser aircraft.
2. Performance: With a fuel injected, turbocharged engine, the Enstrom 280fx maintains a mighty 225HP all the way up to 12,000ft MSL. This powerful engine coupled with a high performance main rotor system makes the 280fx one tough bird. On days where other popular trainers are grounded due to hot and humid weather, the venerable "Shark" will barely flinch. Pinnacle landings above 12,000ft are common in our 280fx trainer.
3. Size: For many students, this is no small consideration. The spacious Enstrom cockpit accommodates big and tall pilots that other trainers simply cannot. Additionally, seating for three in the 280FX allows you to bring more passengers along on time-building joyrides.
4. Feel: As compared with other popular helicopter trainers, imagine the difference between driving a Pinto and a Porsche. The incredible power, stability, and forgiving flight controls make the Enstrom pilot's experience an absolute pleasure. The sense of confidence that comes from Enstrom's proven safety record and exceptional flight characteristics cannot be discounted. Nimble and responsive, an EN28 model has won the world freestyle championship on two occasions.
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