Need help finding Military surplus helicopters

So I was one of those students flying the TH-67 in flight school at Ft. Rucker in 2011. A couple of quick things. First, they were maintained under a civilian contract with civilian mechanics. Second, we did about 20 full stop autorotations a day on those things. They were used to teach us how to fly, period. Hard landings, spike knock, hovering autos, throttle chops every flight...

I personally wouldn't own one. But in all honesty I'd probably never own a helicopter myself. The maintenance is just crazy, even on something as simple as the 206/TH67. I will say that I personally never had any mechanical issues with one, though on day two of autorotations a class mate had an engine crap out and it turned into a real auto.

BTW, the Army is about to put on the market about 800 UH-60As. If you buy one, I'll be happy to fly it. I have my Civilian S70 type rating and am current in UH60M but have A/L rating as well

 

Sir, i believe the -67 are under the 1033 program, so i believe you cannot "own" one per se. mostly they will be "on loan" to police agencies. as they are operated under FAA regs as a 206B3, you might as well buy a B3 and have an investment.
in helicopter terms, B3's are "cheap" to operate and arguably the safest aircraft in the world.

 

Operated under contract to a civilian company and by civilian mechanics doesn't mean they are operated and maintained to FAA requirements and have FAA log books.

Two totally different things.

 

Oh I know, I was just letting the OP know who was performing the maintenance.

 

I too have been kicking around the idea of a helicopter for a little while now. I need seating for 5 (including crew). I'd also like the ability to hover and land at 7000' MSL, and to cross terrain at 12,000' MSL. What is the minimum equipment necessary for this mission? R66? Bell 206?

 

Sir, PM me, will put you in touch with people in the know, its more complex answer for the -67

 

whats your budget? stretch and get a 407 or a 350B3, now your talking two of the best ships built

 

Under $1MM ($500K would be even better). I'd like to get something 5 to 15 years old. Was thinking R66, EC130, or possibly 206B after the 505 comes out and softens prices.

 

http://gsaauctions.gov/gsaauctions/gsaauctions/

 

that leaves out the 66/ 130 and 505. so yes a 206B or MD500 is more in your market. if you do your homework, some nice JetRangers and 369/500's are out there for under 1mil. BUT got to do your homework. In comparison makes buying a used Fcar real easy!

 

??? The R66 is $850K new, and I've seen a number of them on controller.com for $600k-700k. I've seen 10 year old EC130s below $1MM. Yes, the 505 is too expensive, for now. Does the MD500 seat 5?

 

Try Trade a Plane.

 

my mistake, did not see the 5 seat requirement, out goes the 500. the 66 has its own issues. the 130 are out there, BUT, you have to keep it running, its spendy and you have to deal with Turbomeca.
search for a clean 206L, cant go wrong. only downside is its sought after.
try Barnstormers and Controller as well, similar to trade a plane