Many business people who start flying for pleasure quickly find that using a helicopter makes an excellent investment.

Distance has never been a factor in conducting business ~ TIME is the consideration. Time is the only thing given equally to every business, no company getting more than 24 hours in a day!!

A helicopter can become your personal "time machine" and give you that competitive edge with its ability to transport you from point to point.

If you are considering buying your own helicopter, either new or used, we can help you make the right choice. We will always endeavour to match the right helicopter to your particular requirements and provide you with an unbiased option.

Once you have decided on the type which best suits your needs we can then source a specific helicopter and organise the relevant safety and performance checks to ensure you can proceed and purchase with confidence. We are also able to co-ordinate finance and insurance if required.

To discuss your requirements please call Norman today and allow us to find the ideal helicopter for you.

Pre-owned Enstroms

ENSTROM F28A & F280

The F28A is the earliest model you can buy. The F280 in original form is a rare helicopter as Enstrom only manufactured about twelve. It is mechanically the same as the F28A apart from the cabin shape, horizontal stabilisers and tail guard. Both feature normally aspirated, fuel injected (no carb heat to worry about) Lycoming engines developing 205hp and manual throttle adjustment. Although it is a three seater, realistically it's a two seater ~ even that can be a struggle in the summer with full fuel and two fairly large people on board! This shouldn't put off prospective buyers though as this makes a fine first time helicopter if your needs are not too demanding. 100 mph cruise, approx 10gals/hr, fantastic autorotational characteristics, large baggage bay and a spacious cabin are just some of the reasons that make these helicopters good purchases. The F28A models date from the early to mid 1970's. Finding good examples of either of these models is difficult, especially the F280 in original form ~ but they out there. A good/excellent example of a F28A would sell for £40,000 - £50,000 with a F280 £5,000 - £10,000 more

F28C & F280C

Production of these models began in the mid 1970's and finished in the early 1980's. They are by far the most preferred choice in the UK due to their improved performance. Almost visually identical to the earlier F28A and F280 models apart from the exhaust venting through the port side cowling and a wider chord tail rotor. The 'C' models are powered by a turbo charged Lycoming engine developing the same 205hp but capable of maintaining it to higher altitudes. This coupled with better tail rotor authority answered the two main criticisms of the earlier models and making them much easier to handle in the hot summer months. Another improvement was the increase of 200 lbs to the maximum take-off weight making it easier to carry the occasional third person. All the features of the earlier models are carried through to the 'C' variants and although fuel consumption is marginally higher at around 11.5 gals/hr, the improved performance makes these the most popular choice, especially the F280C. Typically F280C's sell for around £65,000 - £85,000 with the equivalent F28C for about £10,000 less.

F28 FALCON & F280FX

These are the latest models and are in current production. Built to order, and not on a production line means there are relatively few of them on the UK used helicopter market. The main improvements over the 'C' models are an increase in power to 225hp due to a different variant of the turbo charged Lycoming engine. An increase of 250lbs in maximum take-off weight, a correlated throttle, an annunciator warning panel, low rotor rpm horn and an improved cabin interior. Externally the changes for the F28 Falcon are restricted to a one piece windscreen, improved doors and different horizontal stabilisers. The F280FX gained faired-in skid gear, a larger air scoop, an enclosed tail rotor drive shaft, different horizontal stabilisers and improved tail rotor protection. With the increase in available power comes the inevitable increase in fuel consumption, around 12.5 - 13 gals/hr in the cruise. The improvements to the cabin interior really take the Enstrom helicopters into a class of their own when compared to other piston types. The earliest examples originate from the mid 1980's and a good/excellent example will sell for £115,000 - £125,000. The equivalent F28 Falcon being about £10,000 less.

ENSTROM 480 TURBINE

Introduced in the mid 1990's, there are not that many used examples to be found on the market. Although offered as a five place helicopter it is better as a 4 place with the ability to carry an occasional 5th person. This is due to the restricted power output of the Allison gas turbine engine to 285shp. Its large cabin and flexible seating positions make it more suited for private use rather than commercial operations. A cruise speed of 120 - 130mph depending on weight, maximum take-off weight of 2850lbs, endurance of just under 5 hours, large baggage compartment and outstanding autorotational characteristics make this an attractive option when considering a used turbine helicopter. Enstrom have made on going improvements to the 480 since its launch and the latest models make a much better buy if your budget allows. The earliest examples sell from £250,000 up to £350,000 for a low time model under 4 years old. A Bell 206 of similar age/hours would cost another £100,000 making the 480 great value for money.

If you have an Enstrom for sale why not allow us to sell it on your behalf. Call us with your details today.

Telephone / email Norman for an updated stock list and your requirements.