Drive or Fly

Sir

I read with interest your article in the October issue of MOTOR SPORT comparing the light helicopter with three “up-market” motor cars and was most gratified to note the dismissal of the age-old myth that the helicopter is a prohibitively expensive machine to purchase and utilise for one’s own pleasure or business.

In general I found the article to be both accurate and informative, but I was very surprised to note the single phrase dismissal of the Robinson R22. The R22, contrary to the view expressed, would have produced an even more favourable comparison that the Enstrom.

A new Robinson R22 can be purchased for approximately half the price of a new Enstrom and will cruise at 105 m.p.h. at a fuel consumption in excess of 15 m.p.g. (Enstrom 100 m.p.h. / 9.5 m.p.g.). The R22 will also carry two people, their baggage and full fuel giving a range of 240 miles and costs considerably less to operate than the Enstrom.

London SW6 DAVID A. GEORGE Managing Director, Sloane Helicopters Ltd.,

[We did not dismiss the R22, merely concentrated on the Enstrom. But we would be delighted to flight-test the aircraft for readers’ information. — G.P.]