LM Scott wrote:
Thanks for a very interesting post Bart! Could you tell us how much

harder an MD 500 is to fly than some other turbine ships? I understand the
Jetranger is very forgiving and the MD 500 is on the other end of the
spectrum. How close to right am I?G Thanks again. Larry


If the two were cars, I'd say that its like comparing a Buick to a
Pontiac.

I only have a little bit of time in the 500, so my opinion isn't
worth that much. It certainly does come out of the sky faster than
the 'Ranger but its not bad or scary. The 500 is very nimble and
responsive in contrast to the Jet Ranger's more docile handling.
I don't think the 500 is more difficult to fly, if anything I had
an initial tough time with the Jet Ranger's overboosted hydraulics
because the cyclic is so totally devoid of tactile feedback.

I got to fly a 500 near Donner Pass at about 12,000ft in the
mountains and was impressed. The owner demonstrated a confined
pinnacle departure there that I was certain was impossible.

In spite of its few minor foibles, there's a whole lot of reasons
why I'd still rather be in a Jet Ranger.

Bart