Cicare 8 - Helicopter Kit Aircraft (2-Seater)

[sanman]

Came across this interesting vid, and wanted to know what the opinions might be on this.

It's a 2-seater kit heli, and they're claiming it to be better than Robinson R-22

 

[magknight]

Was looking at it too. I’m interested to see what it’ll do with the 916is in it. Performance it a little weak but otherwise looks interesting.

 

[sanman]

Was looking at it too. I’m interested to see what it’ll do with the 916is in it. Performance it a little weak but otherwise looks interesting.

Price is ~$220K, which is a lot cheaper compared to R22 which is usually almost twice that price.

But I wonder what the longevity is -- how long will it last? TBO?

 

[magknight]

Price is ~$220K, which is a lot cheaper compared to R22 which is usually almost twice that price.

But I wonder what the longevity is -- how long will it last? TBO?

That’s my other thought. There was a video that mentioned Major inspection and overhaul at 600 hours.

 

[WaspAir]

R-22 was about 2200 hours to rebuild last time I checked

 

[GyroChuck]

R-22 was about 2200 hours to rebuild last time I checked

Plus about $150 to $200 grand for the rebuild.

 

[magknight]

The bigger issue with the R22 is the 12 year time out. It has to be rebuilt (if you follow Robinsons guidelines) after 12 years even if it’s just been sitting in a hangar and only flying 10 hours per year. This means significant yearly depreciation. The timed out hull is only worth about 75k.

Not sure what’s involved in the Cicare inspection and overhaul, but sounded like the clutch primarily. Would be interested in the inspection and replacement list for sure. The engine has its own TBO of course.

 

[WaspAir]

Some twin engine airplanes have similar calendar limits on the engines. They are economical only if used regularly to spread the cost over many hours, and don't make sense for a one hour per month hobbyist. It works out well for 20 hours per month.

 

[magknight]

Some twin engine airplanes have similar calendar limits on the engines. They are economical only if used regularly to spread the cost over many hours, and don't make sense for a one hour per month hobbyist. It works out well for 20 hours per month.

Most certified engines have a 10-12 year time TBO but unless you’re part 135 most stick to the hours TBO or on condition. You could technically do that with the Robinson other than the main and tail blades but most don’t. Likely have insurance issues if you extended too. But you could do it.

 

[Roundwing]

Some twin engine airplanes have similar calendar limits on the engines. They are economical only if used regularly to spread the cost over many hours, and don't make sense for a one hour per month hobbyist. It works out well for 20 hours per month.

What twin engine airplanes have calender limits?
My understanding is the engine, not the airplane, manufacturer establishes TBO. Usually tach time.

Rick

 

[WaspAir]

The point was not who sets it but that such limits exist, making Robinson's calendar limits less unusual than they might otherwise appear. From personal experience, the Piper Twin Commanche, with IO-320-B1A Lycomings, has a 12 year TBO regardless of tach hours, as one example. Overhauling two at a time is very hard on the wallet.