Too true - the Stallion can haul a lot more a lot faster - being a larger, higher-gross aircraft. However, this Courier will be able to maneuver down to something like 32mph - it just depends on what capabilities you are looking for. This Courier conversion intends to become the Helio Courier STOL go to setup.
@@cascadeaircraftconversions I'm originally from LA (lower Alabama), and had a bunch of skydives from Mike Mullin's Helio Stallion N5779N, before it was crashed in Mobile on September 29, 1990. Matter of fact, I was in the towing business at the time, and helped Mike get the wreckage stashed away in just a few hours.
On one hand what a cool enhancement of the Helio Courier, on the other hand what a way to take a $300k aircraft to a $700k+ aircraft. I’m not sure I see the point of this exercise. It mostly makes an affordable high performance plane unaffordable.
You make a great point, and this route is not for everyone. However for owners with the extra $$ who want to enjoy maximum performance and reliability - especially in the challenging density altitudes that these aircraft will likely fly, the cost you mentioned hits an acceptable sweet spot.
@@johnleake708 You are absolutely correct! Currently, this is why otherwise "retired" PT6A-20s are a good fit for these experimental bush planes - by keeping the $$ equation making sense. We are looking forward to other options becoming viable once -20s become all but unavailable. For example, there would be no technical hurdle to replace a -20 with a derated -21, -27, -28 or -34 if any of those engines eventually become much more economical due to their retirement from certified life.
First of many I expect 👏👏👏
Yep - we will start an H-700 version this Fall.
Well, it's no Stallion, but I'd still take it in a heart beat.
Too true - the Stallion can haul a lot more a lot faster - being a larger, higher-gross aircraft. However, this Courier will be able to maneuver down to something like 32mph - it just depends on what capabilities you are looking for. This Courier conversion intends to become the Helio Courier STOL go to setup.
@@cascadeaircraftconversions I'm originally from LA (lower Alabama), and had a bunch of skydives from Mike Mullin's Helio Stallion N5779N, before it was crashed in Mobile on September 29, 1990.
Matter of fact, I was in the towing business at the time, and helped Mike get the wreckage stashed away in just a few hours.
What a cool plane! Looking forward to the videos of this beast!
Sweeeeet!!! Super cool to see her run! Great job guys!
Thanks! Hoping to post flying video next week depending on the admin side of things.
On one hand what a cool enhancement of the Helio Courier, on the other hand what a way to take a $300k aircraft to a $700k+ aircraft. I’m not sure I see the point of this exercise. It mostly makes an affordable high performance plane unaffordable.
Right Stefan, but turbine reliability is worth every dollar.
@@richardbieber9323 Yep - the price of a turbine if you can afford it - priceless (just like those old Visa card commercials.)
You make a great point, and this route is not for everyone. However for owners with the extra $$ who want to enjoy maximum performance and reliability - especially in the challenging density altitudes that these aircraft will likely fly, the cost you mentioned hits an acceptable sweet spot.
Price of the turbine will be the deal maker or breaker
@@johnleake708 You are absolutely correct! Currently, this is why otherwise "retired" PT6A-20s are a good fit for these experimental bush planes - by keeping the $$ equation making sense. We are looking forward to other options becoming viable once -20s become all but unavailable. For example, there would be no technical hurdle to replace a -20 with a derated -21, -27, -28 or -34 if any of those engines eventually become much more economical due to their retirement from certified life.