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Is there any light civilian (GA) helicopter that's capable of making a 250 NM trip with required fuel reserves? I'm thinking of something smaller and lighter that a private individual might buy. (I'm thinking about something that costs less than USD 150K, if that helps to explain the type/size of helicopter I'm asking about.)

The Robinson R22 and RotorWay A600 look like they wouldn't make it without a refueling stop, and I haven't found any extended range STCs for these either.

Does anyone know if such a helicopter exists?

jt000
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    I'm voting to close this question as off-topic because I don't believe we entertain shopping recommendations on Aviation.SE any more than we do on any other Stack... – UnrecognizedFallingObject Nov 28 '16 at 03:54
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    Helicopter under $150k? Maybe one that is close to timing out... Be aware that the very expensive parts (like gear boxes) on heli's have a limited lifespan. For example, the R-22 requires a very expensive major overhaul at 2200 hours or 12 years involving rotor systems, drive system, control system, and fuselage. – Ron Beyer Nov 28 '16 at 04:45
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    Fail to see how "is there a G.A. helicoptor out there with 250NM range" is off topic. The O.P. mentions his motivation for asking, but the question is either on-topic or not, irrespective of the motivation behind it. – Ralph J Nov 28 '16 at 05:01
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    @RalphJ Help center cites the following as off topic: Resource location: Where to buy a specific part, "Which headset is the best?", etc. This question sounds very much like a resource location question which would fit well elsewhere but not here. – J W Nov 28 '16 at 05:09
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    This question is neither "where to buy" nor asking for opinions on "best". The 250NM range question is purely factual, and entirely on-topic. – Ralph J Nov 28 '16 at 05:12
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    @RalphJ yes, but the "under $150k" is not. – jwenting Nov 28 '16 at 07:03
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    Sounds like a job for a cessna 152 and a cheap airport car at your destination. – acpilot Nov 28 '16 at 15:38
  • @acpilot Yeah, that's option #2 :) Though, having a heli as a time-builder would be pretty awesome and just so happens that I have family at 250nm in ether direction... – jt000 Nov 28 '16 at 19:08
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    Thanks to those who edited the question rather than just closing it! I really appreciate it – jt000 Nov 28 '16 at 19:08
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    Given the means I'd likely go for the heli. You only live once so why not do it right??!! – acpilot Nov 28 '16 at 19:09
  • It would seem your budget and desired range are at odds with each other. Someone linked this on another question: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/List_of_ultralight_helicopters - There are several in that list that start at $140k-150k, but range is usually < 200nm. – SnakeDoc Nov 29 '16 at 01:52

1 Answers1

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I would need a definition of the word 'light' as it is a little relative. Most light turbine helicopters eg a Bell 206 JetRanger or a Hughes 500 will do this job just fine.

It is a little difficult to locate a reciprocating engine powered helo that meets those criteria. The Guimbal Cabri G2 and the Robinson R44 would be my choices for that but cost over $300,000 a piece.

The Schweizer (now Sikorsky) S333 would be another good choice. It is a light turbine helicopter and can be obtained for just shy of 200,000 USD, though you may be required to put another 100,000 USD or so into it.

Romeo_4808N
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