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Differences Training on the Bell 206L111

The main differences between the Bell 206 JetRanger (harder and harder to find these days) and the Bell 206 LongRanger (still available but much more costly) are:
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Weight and balance: The minimum weight in the LongRanger is higher than the JetRanger, it will vary depending on the individual machine but the LongRanger I flew had a minimum weight of 170 lbs. There is also a ‘standard passenger loading’ system, which entails having at least as many in the rear seats as in the middle row – obviously this is different from the JetRanger with its fewer seats.

Fuel system: this also affects the weight and balance. There are two forward tanks, as well as the main tank. The forward tanks have ejector pumps which pump the fuel to the main tank, and there have been blockages in these pumps which can lead to fuel starvation with fuel still on board…

There are three fuel drain points on the LongRanger.

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Starting system: it seems that while most JetRangers (not all) have a Bendix starting system, most LongRangers have the modulated system (CECO) this means you have to ease in the fuel on starting, rather than just open the throttle to the idle stop.

There are also different engine limits, different gauges and the most recent LongRangers have the C30 engine, although some of the early ones had the C28 engine.

LongRangers also have elevators on the tail stabilator, moved by the cyclic, which is absent on the JetRanger.

For a full article on the differences between the JetRanger and the LongRanger see the next edition of Helicopter Life magazine.

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EliteS

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