No. Traditional kit-built helicopters give you the option to build the aircraft yourself away from the controlled environment of a factory with little supervision. The HX50 can only be built here in our UK CAA-approved aerospace manufacturing facility, using state-of-the-art production equipment and carefully controlled production processes, while all owners are supported and led by our highly trained production staff.
The HX50 purchase agreement requires owner-operators to participate in our comprehensive workshop at the factory to complete the aircraft while learning invaluable skills and understanding of the aircraft, its systems, and how to ensure it remains in airworthy condition. Our philosophy is to deliver not only a luxury helicopter like no other, but also an ownership experience that increases your knowledge, skill, understanding, and, above all, safety
Does an amateur-built/experimental aircraft category mean the HX50 doesn’t meet certifications standards?
Not at all. In order to demonstrate the airworthiness of the HX50, Hill Helicopters is required to comply fully with EASA CS-27 Small Rotorcraft (UK/European) and FAA CFR Part 27 Normal Category Rotorcraft (US) regulations, both of which are the latest certification standards for normal category rotorcraft, as harmonised around the world by ICAO. These are the exact standards that any new certified helicopter would be required to meet to demonstrate airworthiness.
The only factor that distinguishes HX50 from a traditionally certified aircraft is we have elected to involve the owners in the manufacturing process, since a core part of our product offering is that not only are we selling a great helicopter, but we are equipping pilots with the skills and knowledge they need to be safe and astute helicopter owner-operators
Is the HX50 as safe as a certified helicopter?
We would argue that it is safer. The HX50 fully complies with EASA and FAA airworthiness regulations and certification requirements. Certification itself does not make the aircraft any safer than an aircraft that is designed, manufactured, maintained, and operated in accordance with the certified standards. In recognising the primary customer base for the HX50 is private owners, who on the whole are not inherently high time pilots, we have chosen to take a holistic approach to increasing safety.
First, we designed a brand-new helicopter from the ground up, simplifying systems and integrating new technology to improve safety. We then designed a carefully choreographed two-week factory workshop where each owner will learn first-hand through assisting licensed engineers/mechanics in assembling their aircraft. Through this process they will receive unparalleled insight into the inner workings of their aircraft, the manufacturing process, and the rationale behind aircraft operating procedures and limitations that are so often misunderstood by pilots.
Armed with this insight and knowledge, owner operators will leave the factory and enter HX50 ownership with a considerable advantage and safety awareness compared to most private helicopter owners flying today
Can I fly the HX50 in my country?
Yes! Hill Helicopters submits all applications to receive unrestricted operational approval beyond private operation for the aircraft in each country where it is purchased. The HX50’s full compliance with the recognised certification standards along with enhanced fulfilment of the amateur-built requirements, including approved maintenance and training programs, will help expedite the process and secure approval in your country
Are there weight or occupancy limitations?
No. While some amateur-built/experimental category aircraft do have weight, occupancy, and other restrictions, the HX50 does not. This is because the aircraft meets full EASA and FAA airworthiness requirements and is built in our UK CAA-approved factory
What are the differences between the HX50 and the HC50?
When it comes to the aircraft itself, we aim to have absolutely no differences. The HX50 is being designed, developed, manufactured, and tested to the exact same FAA and EASA airworthiness regulations and certification standards as the HC50, which are more stringent than most light helicopters flying today due to their certification under much older regulations.{br}{br}Owners of each aircraft can fly day and night VFR, carry the same maximum gross weight, and carry the same number of passengers (within the MGW limitations of course).{br}{br}The difference is in the execution of the production process. Under the amateur-built regulations, owners of new HX50 aircraft are required to complete 51% of the aircraft themselves, which owners achieve over a two-week period in our UK CAA-approved factory under the supervision of licensed professionals. In addition, the aircraft can only be operated privately, not for commercial operations.{br}{br}We also offer a much more attractive warranty for the HX50. The HX50 comes with a 5,000-hour, 5-year warranty. The HC50 will feature a conventional commercial 2-year, 1,000-hour warranty.{br}{br}Another difference is price. Because the considerable costly overhead of certification is not tied to the price, the HX50 is significantly less expensive than the HC50.{br}{br}The final difference is the timing. The HX50 will be ready to fly in {year} while the HC50 is anticipated in {year_hc50}
Does Hill Helicopter’s amateur-built/experimental category short cut regulations?
Absolutely not. All aircraft, from a single seat homebuilt to the A380, have to follow strict airworthiness and certification requirements. The HX50 meets all the latest EASA and FAA requirements pertaining to light helicopters, which in most cases are much stricter than the light helicopters flying today that were certified under much older rules.
One key difference within the amateur-built/experimental category is the owner’s involvement in the construction process. While this category does allow owner-operators to construct their amateur-built aircraft at home and with limited supervision, Hill Helicopters absolutely forbids this practice. All our aircraft are fully constructed in our UK CAA-approved factory under direct supervision of licensed professionals. This way we can ensure the highest level of safety, quality, and airworthiness to ensure your complete customer satisfaction. Since certification best suits commercial operations and more than 80% of light helicopters are privately owned, we believe offering our quality HX50 using the amateur-built/experimental category aircraft is the best way to deliver an innovative, safe aircraft at an affordable purchase and operating price
Will the HX50 be discontinued after the HC50 is certified?
No. In fact, the HX50 is our focus and we plan to continue to drive innovation with HX50, introducing new models far more often than the HC50. Without the cost-prohibitive obstacle of certification, we anticipate updating the HX50 every 5 to 10 years as new features and technology become available and are proven in aerospace. The HX50 allows us to continue to innovate and break new boundaries in general aviation where a traditional certification approach would not. We anticipate the HC50 will be updated far less often due to the cost and time investment for certification
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- Doors? Airbus Robinson Enstrom have been doing composite doors for decades [Put an engine in it and FLY]
- Alot of talking. Familiar with these flashy new "startups". All show, no go.
- Can someone tell the cameraman to stop moving, this is driving me crazy every time you guys post a video.
- Talk talk talk. Put another engine in and start to "real" test all other aspects of the build. Until then, no trust and respect
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