Micah Reviews His Helicopter | Enstrom 280C

[@Hatmyson]

Watching a helicopter review all because of Micah

[@rafaelvelez6574]

I wonder what your helicopter 🚁 would look like....if, " West Coast Customs in Burbank, Ca did there thing...??? That would be an amazing video to see!!! Great Videos....P.S. I noticed your t-shirt of the Bandit Trans Am...they have different models coming out soon. And they look extraordinary!!! Your Friend, Rafael Vélez 😎

[@737tech]

I learned to fly in an Enstrom. Great helicopter.. Miss it. I haven't flown in many years...

[@jeffmorse645]

I like the videos from Micah's personal channel. More intimate and like hanging out with a fun friend for a bit.

[@CMA212]

This was an awesome review Micah, appreciate your very relatable reviews

[@Thoughmuchistaken]

Great walk around, tis a handsome helicopter.

[@Deez3d]

Amazing review! Thanks Micah, great knowing more about the aviation world!

[@vanallen9453]

As always, a thoroughly interesting , informative and delightful video...and we just love your upbeat personality and rollicking sense of humor...thanks Micah...much appreciated from a new viewer and subscriber...keep up the good work...

[@MicahMuzio]

LR VANALLEN Thanks for taking the time to comment. Your words are hugely motivating!

[@chadbaptiste4227]

I really want a KBB review to start with Micah landing and departing his helicopter as nonchalantly as possible!

[@thestonetable]

I know you sold it, but thanks for including us into a bit of your life. Years of watching you on Kelly Blue Book I always knew you were a versatile chap. And as always… beautiful family!

[@MicahMuzio]

Thanks for joining me over here and for all the support watching KBB!!!

[@74Vidgamer]

Who doesn’t love Micah??? How could you not???

[@joshpinchuk7061]

Micah, my ?s refer to costs. Cost when you purchased this Engstrom. Fuel and time and stop costs on, say, a trip to San Francisco. Can you get a loan for one? What does insurance and software fees cost? Storage fees. Maintenance. How much time and $ was it to get licensed? Thanks for another great video and being awake at 6am to post this :)

[@TexasJon1]

Agreed. That would be an interesting follow up video for sure.

[@cliffmorgan31]

If you have to ask...... $$$$

[@NathanKeith14]

Nice machine Micah. I have the same, a 78' 280C. I love your interior. Very nice.

[@MicahMuzio]

Nathan Keith Hey, a fellow Enstrom owner. Nice to meet you! 🙌

[@NathanKeith14]

@@MicahMuzio You too Micah!

[@JamesLeatherman]

"Which is better than the actual horizon" Nicely done. Always go with the classics.

[@americanparser]

Found this a couple of weeks after asking most of these questions under another Micah Flies vid. Thanks for posting this very interesting primer, Micah! Beautiful, personal little machine, by the way.

[@SDav21]

Never would I ever have thought this is from the 70s! I don't know anything about helicopters but clearly they haven't changed much design wise over the years. Wow. I like it.

[@texasdoug1273]

Excellent tour of your helicopter...thank you for posting.

[@chriseaves9762]

1. You have the same dent on the top left corner of your baggage door. The old-time enstrom guy in Rexburg said that's because if a mechanic who is unfamiliar with enstrom takes that top panel off, the spring in the door pops it up and it falls down on that corner. 2. Also at 3:33 shouldn't your backfire door be rotated about 120 degrees clockwise? 3. That step is pretty nice! 4. At 8:40 pretty amazing how much less the pitch is on right pedal. Makes sense, but I'm not sure I've ever really observed it from that angle. 5. Greek mythology tied into your review. This is why you're the professional.

[@apexwetdog]

Dude! I just binge watched all you vids. Freakin great job on the quality and video engagement. I felt like I was with you in person. BTW I really appreciated your philosophical comments and life lessons. We need more people learning to relax and enjoy life together. It’s too hard otherwise! Keep it up.

[@MicahMuzio]

Jason Barnes Thanks so much for your comment! It’s encouraging when people get what I’m trying to do here. Cheers!!

[@visarma9673]

What are the realistic operating costs and annual usual charges? I’m interested in getting one...

[@MicahMuzio]

Robert Kaindl It’s tough to quantify because my ownership experience has been dominated by finding and correcting problems. It’s been an endless battle. That said, the bird seems to have reached an equilibrium now that I’m working with a new mechanic who has sorted out a ton of minor issues. Assuming you buy an Enstrom that’s mechanically sorted the consistent costs are fuel, storage, and annual maintenance. For fuel, my bird burns right about 16 gallons per hour. Budget $5.50 or so per gallon and that’s $88 per hour. Oil is another consumable to consider. Hanger or pad expenses vary widely depending on where you’re based. As for annuals, this last one was about $7k. 😐 Had to replace the exhaust and sort out a few other squawks. Next year should be cheaper. This year I also had to upgrade my avionics for ADS-B compliance. That was...expensive. Long story short, it’s complicated and depends on the aircraft you buy and where you fly. According to Enstrom, their 280 aircraft have a direct operating cost of $197.83 including reserves for parts and maintenance. All in, $200/hour is a good starting point.

[@willie31133]

Awesome video man. I used to flight instruct at ATP in KLGB in the Signature building way back in 2006. I’m at FEDEX now on the Airbus. I love watching all of your LA area videos because they bring back so many memories of all of the training I did back then and all of the airports and things to see there. If you ever want to come see an Airbus A300 in the cargo version let me know and I’ll see what I can work out the next time I’m in Long Beach or LAX or John Wayne.

[@as752]

The 500! 100%! Nice review of the Enstrom. I like them even more now!

[@barryb6282]

The video thumbnail had me expecting a serious music video with slow motion and fireworks...lol...great walk around. I know more than I did yesterday about helicopters 🚁

[@ruthannadams6196]

Thank you for showing us! Fascinating!!

[@john3Lee]

How about the airframe, does that have a lifespan, in terms of maximum hours ? Interesting video - thanks

[@fightingfalconfan]

In aviation; the frame does have a lifespan, but it can be rejuvenated if you will. Basically gets inspected and any faulty area's get repaired.

[@0616ko]

Love all your auto reviews but had no idea you were a pilot and into aviation as well. Awesome.

[@maximilianacosta2625]

Beautiful helicopter. Built in a time when things were made to last. I wish to fly in a helicopter and mark it off on my bucket list of things to do.

[@TheoXydias_PerlaCoffeeTrailer]

learned about the enstrom 280 just 2 days ago. i like the storage on the back and the fact that you can take 3 people onbooard. (check the abanoned robinson that i saved Needs a TONE of work but i hope i can make something with it)

[@Bearhntr]

Great video! Like you said in one of your video's "look at something different, you might like it" I like it.

[@bk-wd4uk]

Seems you did your homework in selecting the best helo, awesome tour. Agree with your assessment of the Magnum helo, that would be an awesome craft to own and fly.

[@wantmp3]

I saw your LA fireworks video and was interested in why it was "sharking" and then saw that there was no swashplate, thanks for explaining both in this video. :)

[@davetherave5]

Watching in 2020 during/after the quarantine flyovers! As a lifelong aviation enthusiast, this is very informative and fun! New sub here and Thank you Micah!

[@MicahMuzio]

Glad to have you aboard!

[@kdsewell01]

Great job! I feel like I would watch you review just about anything, or maybe crochet? LOL! and your next video about the helicopter, could you share a little bit of how you got interested, how you got your license, and then how you went about saving for a helicopter. This might be a great hobby in the future!

[@phatboizbackyardkustomz9006]

Almost looks like a old sheriffs helicopter green and gold paint scheme, Nice AC

[@Slayer553826]

Hey Micah! Fun fact. I am from Menominee, MI which is where Enstrom is located. I see them flying helicopters every day.

[@MicahMuzio]

I had the pleasure of touring the factory a few years back. I'm overdue for a return trim to Menominee...but probably not during winter.

[@markstephenson-oliver7513]

Just tuned in to your channel. I hope you guys are ok with the current situation as we are in the UK. Love the video footage.

[@MicahMuzio]

Mark Stephenson-Oliver Thanks, mate! We’re doing about as well as could be expected. Hope you’re hanging in there as well. Cheers!

[@danr4197]

I was always wondering what if the engine just STOPS! lol BTW LOVE your videos on KBB, always been my favorite! Best since John Davis of MotorWeek!

[@Van-Hammer]

I didn't know you were a pilot! I only saw you reviewing cars on KBB. I flew on a JetRanger once and I didn't want the ride to end - awesome experience!

[@sdimas73]

You look familiar, now I remember seeing your review of Honda Odyssey on Kelly Blue Book. Thanks for taking us along. What you need to add is a 360 deg camera so your wife can choose the angle of view during editing. GoPro makes 360 as others too.

[@diegomontoya8889]

When I saw this video I immediately thought of the Magnum PI chopper! I am glad I watched to the end of the video for your Magnum PI reference.

[@joep4235]

pretty darn cool !!!!!!!!! can't wait to see it !

[@djbrianc]

That Hagerty saying about cars applies to helicopters too. Even when you have your dream helicopter, you still have a dream helicopter 🚁

[@MicahMuzio]

djbrianc So true. I can’t wait to dream about my next Dream 🚁 after I selling my previous Dream 🚁 to buy my current Dream 🚁.

[@gsl888]

‘78 280 review, with ‘78 trans am t-shirt. Well played sir, well played!

[@yxflier8409]

Foreflight is great. We use it in the cockpit and for fuel pricing. Both fixed wing and rotor. We use Jepps too though. Keep these vids up!

[@brianneely4102]

Well it's official - I'm a fan! I have never been even slightly interested in rotary wing aircraft, but your informative and laid back review of your Enstrom 280C has piqued my interest. So much so in fact, that I will check out the rotary wing section when I visit the International Air Show currently being held at Avalon in Australia. All the best to you Micah and thanks for the work that you do.

[@MicahMuzio]

Brian Neltram What an awesome comment to usher me into the weekend. Thanks for the kind words and please, have a blast at the airshow!

[@brianneely4102]

@@MicahMuzio you are very welcome - your videos and the manner in which you present are so likeable. And as for the Air show - I will. And thanks for your reply!

[@abelardoconesa9512]

Cool helicopter!!!! Very interested in watching more about it.

[@AudioTones67]

Yeah, that is one handsome chopper!

[@alliejr]

Range much greater than I would have guessed. 👍🏾

[@johnnyberetta9533]

Great video and what a good looking chopper !

[@peyoyinski]

Micah, I saw you on flightradar24 on july 5th, 2020 you departed from long Beach Airport and headed towards downtown los Angeles. My question is why your helicopter was showing an airplane on radar. Love your videos of the los Angeles basin. Thank you 👍

[@shakedydogshake]

Nice video and nice helicopter, love it! It looks like a very modern machine. Lean and clean.....nice!

[@peterrowcliffe747]

Enstrom are the best which have had training in, looking forward to the new enstrom training helicopter the TH180

[@TheBeingReal]

Best autorotation cluch in the business on the Enstrom too. 😁

[@rogeronslow1498]

The Hughes 300 I used to fly is rated at 190HP and also uses the IO360. So the boost pressure on the Enstrom is obviously very low and probably only normalising.

[@guyloehr5820]

wow, thought it would carry more fuel than it does... that was interesting. like the turbo, they work great ! interesting comment about the reliability on the 4 cylinder cubic inch wise ? like to see WHY that is ? thing has some BIG pistons in it for sure !!!

[@PacificBlue51]

Suoer enjoyable vid. Thanks much. I was wondering about the power plant, and other systems. Good to learn about it. I was just on Flight aware, and see you are up right now(31May @1330) enjoy !

[@PacificBlue51]

That comment was Super enjoyable vid ! Oh, and what is the fuel burn like? Is two hours about max? thanks.

[@Earlywinters09]

Come for the car reviews... stay for the helicopter reviews. I'm finding the helicopter stuff interesting if only becuase of your passion for it. Thanks

[@alandaters8547]

Great explanation of your helicopter, Thanks!

[@keithnorse]

I appreciate your videos on things like flying over LA. I spent my first 60 yrs there. Question, how do you know what your ground speed is, airspeed is easy but ground speed takes something like doppler ground radar.. In the late 1960s I maintained inertial navigation on RF-4C recon fighters. The INS was my favorite system to work on. Sort of dated a bit, our smart phones have all of those sensors on a chip now. Thanks for your videos.

[@archangel9114]

One thing I never liked about the enstron is the expose rotor mast. I think it will look a lot cooler with some kind of housing like the Robinson's have.

[@SirShoddrick]

I like the Enstrom. The damn R44 cyclic handle bar hits my knee throwing the whole cyclic movement’s off; I’m 6’5”.

[@trevorsmith194]

Awesome Video Micah!! This is the first video I have watched from your personal channel but consider me subscribed. I own a Cessna 182 so although we fly very different machines, I can definitely appreciate this video. Very curious to know why you went with the Enstrom 280C versus a Robinson R44 Raven II. Being able to take 1 additional passenger plus air conditioning (I live in Texas) would be super attractive to me. I’m sure the R44 must have been a consideration when you were looking to buy a helicopter. I keep telling my wife I should get my heli license add on but she just rolls her eyes at me.

[@geminiadventures8028]

Great video. I like how you just look at the camera while the planes take off. Quiet humor. LOL

[@adithyaramachandran7427]

Is the pitot tube heated to prevent ice buildup at altitude ? You mentioned riding this to Tahoe, which is why I'm curious.

[@sizzleeeee]

Where did you buy your helicopter? Is there like an autotrader for helicopters? Or did you just know somebody.

[@MicahMuzio]

Sam Tran Good question. I’ll explain the details in a video soon.

[@devildogkilo]

Sam Tran There is a sort of AutoTrader for Aircraft. Check out Barnstormers

[@Maxwell1989]

@@MicahMuzio Hey Micah Would you like to go on a helicopter ride with me next month on April 21st in the morning for a 2-hour flight it's $275 plus tax on the big island of Hawaii blue Hawaiian helicopters that's 50% off the regular rate to celebrate my 30th birthday explore the Big Island like you never seen it before on the EcoStar made by Airbus and by the way I love cats I have 8 rescue cats and I feed seven abandoned cats every night in my neighborhood and I love aviation airplanes and helicopters never been on a helicopter yet looking forward to it next month hope you can make it Southwest airlines flying to Hawaii it's going to be a lot cheaper to visit I'm friends with Greg Fife he's retired NTSB in charge of the go team he investigated major airline crashes

[@hardnyx786]

@@MicahMuzio Waiting for this video... And how much did you pay for it?

[@MicahMuzio]

hardnyx786 $80k. Then put a bunch in to fix it up.

[@Fakeaorta]

at 4:56 are those baby diaper pins? For the torque pedals?

[@blitz367]

COOL DADS WITH HELICOPTERS WHO REVIEW THEM...they explain and just walk away!!!

[@martymcfly5423]

5:34 "The Helicopter will move back and forth, like this .... but with less style ... " 😂😂😂

[@ricardomaynard3097]

I saw only two videos and rank Micah right up there with Stevo1Kinevo. Very good at keeping my attention and great teaching skills!

[@urangostang]

I'm curious about general cost of ownership and use. ie. price to purchase, maintenance, storage, licenses/permits, and general cost for a flight.

[@cheapism3899]

I want to see you fly a gyrocopter and see how you like it compared to your heli. A nice one like the Calidus gyrocopter.

[@johanneszwilling]

Thank you for all those insights! God, I love KZbin! Probably has already been recommended here, but just in case: Destin from Smarter Every Day has a great playlist on his channel going into how helicopters fly.

[@Mid-Life-Chrysler]

Hey Kia Sorento! I just bought a 2019. That’s exactly the kind of real car I was thinking about.

[@radiocontrolegliders782]

i have restored several goz900 bikes too. rock on 👍🇺🇸🐻

[@steveyoung9750]

That was fun ! I really appreciate the show and tell. I like the music better though. lol

[@krazybzs2022]

Micah when the engine fails do you autogyrate to earth ? Not sure if auto gyration is the proper term but I think you know what I'm asking .

[@ColeShortridge]

I'd love to see a video going in depth about how you use the iPad in flight!

[@MicahMuzio]

Cole Shortridge That’s a great idea. 👍

[@CrooklynPilot]

As a student pilot (fixed wing), I never really consider getting a helicopter endorsement, but the helicopter share similar equipment and looks hella fun. Keep on making more Micah Helio fun! What you consider reviewing other helicopters?

[@mikebagwell8229]

But--does it have adjustable lumbar support?

[@johnchen3]

If you had to flee zombies on 4 wheels would you get a base 911 or optioned out Cayman GTS?

[@Azrael8]

This made me want to learn more about helicopters. I'm considering getting my PPL thanks to u.

[@MicahMuzio]

Do it! You will not regret learning to fly.

[@m1thumb]

Very cool! Been interested in flying for a while actually took some lessons, never considered a "Copter" but I might now. : )

[@jimjab3631]

Thanks for the review! I flew R22, but yours looks much bigger and useful. Personally prefer to have doors :) but since I may never own one it won't matter much

[@MicahMuzio]

Versus the R22 I would MUCH rather be flying the Enstrom. You're right, it's much roomier.

[@randyaxion]

The Straight Pipes brought me here. Thanks for the videos.

[@radiocontrolegliders782]

looks like a blast. i fly giant rc helicopters. have a giant bell cobra and airwolf and magnum pi on my channel too. went to college as a helicopter mech. never used it a&p. flew ultralites for years too and cub. 👍👍🇺🇸 great channel. AL

[@jixxxxer17]

So the helicopter was made in 1978 and they actually had fuel injection back then ? I really really like your recent video where you flew around Los Angeles and showed us how it looked down below during stay at home advisories, very cool, thanks for that, Peace !

[@Mountain413]

How much does it cost to fly the helicopter to places like SF or Tahoe?

[@kneedeepinbluebells5538]

$1450.00

[@robertlandry5676]

I didn’t see any cup holders. Have u travelled Ortega Hwy? Capistrano to Palm Desert?

[@thenewarea51]

You did such a great job with this video!

[@itmustbelove08]

Someone is preparing for their action movie debut with that pose.

[@gjrip]

Ayy! Love this. I'm a helicopter engineer so this is a fun clash of my worlds. Nice bird brother 👊.

[@MicahMuzio]

Griffin Ripley Thanks, dude! I love hearing from the aviation community. 🤘

[@gjrip]

@@MicahMuzio yeah man. I work for Leonardo Helicopters, here in the US. So happy there. Love your Enstrom though. I'll take one of them over an R22 any day. They're a bit more unique and look a thousand times better. I hope to get my license sometime soon too. How long have you been flying? Also how many flight hours are on the 280C; got any big inspections or overhauls coming up? Sorry for the 20 questions.

[@MicahMuzio]

@@gjrip Leonardo? That's rad! It's a personal life goal to fly on an AW609. No worries on the questions. I'm happy to field them. Here goes... -I got my license in 2008. -Currently at 361.1 hours in the Enstrom. -My annual is coming up in June. And I'm about due for a main rotor gearbox. 😩

[@gjrip]

@@MicahMuzio awesome man. I've got a few friends on the AW609 project. Any time you're in Philadelphia let me know and I'll show you around our MRO, production line, and flight lines since you're a pilot in the industry. We've got 2 flying 609 test vehicles right now and the first production 609 in assembly right now. They're always a hit for touring our visitors. We also build the AW119 and AW139 here, and service all of our products so the Part 145 is always full with some sweet birds from all over the world. I'm in Product Support Engineering, personally. Where do you get an Enstrom gearbox overhauled? Is there an Enstrom P145 in Long Beach?

[@MicahMuzio]

@@gjrip Looks like I've got a good reason to visit Philadelphia! I'd love to check out the Leonardo facilities. Do me a favor, shoot me a message on Instagram so we can keep in contact. Regarding the gearbox overhaul, Enstrom has an exchange program. So my mechanics just pull the MRGB and send it back to Enstrom's facility in Michigan where there is typically a fresh gearbox waiting to be sent out.

[@SirShoddrick]

Since Rotorway has gotten rid of their fan belt driven tail rotor on the Exec, I wonder if that’d be a worthwhile airframe to own?

[@curtiskang3d]

Cool review! Bring your family out on a quick vlog flight!

[@subbiahpalani]

How does one keep heli’s secure? Meaning how do you stop people from grabbing stuff in it? Does it lock just like cars or is there a different way?

[@MarcoNierop]

Sweet... I have a glider from 1979 (Mini Nimbus), still does great in competitions! Same as with your helicopter people do not believe it is that old! Question, whats the use of the two wheels on the skids?.... is that for ground transport?

[@Gmar69]

I've flown this C model also, but the grease throw off from the rotor head was a big turnoff, especially when climbing up to the preflight.

[@MicahMuzio]

You are absolutely correct about the grease.

[@FinnleysAudioAdventures]

Aloha, Can you do a flight over Sierra Peak, Santiago Peak, and maybe Mt Wilson too for the transmitter sites please?

[@DannChen]

The Hughes 500 will always be the favorite 70'/80's helicopter. That along with the ubiquitous Jet Ranger. The 500 will also remind me of the move Capricorn 1. It had an evil pair of them. You a fan of the Notar?

[@phantomphan1974]

Noticed on your latest April 10 video you seemed to have a movable belly camera. What was it? Assuming not a FLIR like set up.

[@garym444]

so I'm wondering why they put the exhaust pipe so close to the pilot window I asked that because if the wind is blowing towards the cockpit from behind wouldn't exhaust technically asphyxiate you or pose a risk you're always so informative with every video that you think and you also add in a little bit of entertainment

[@MicahMuzio]

Good question! It's really just an issue of engine packaging. Based on engine and turbo location, that's the shortest most logical spot for the exhaust outlet. Thankfully it's not an issue. When airborne the helicopter is almost always flying forward. And even in a hover, there's plenty of downwash to move the exhaust away from the cockpit. Really the only occasion where exhaust might move forward would be while idling on the ground. In all my flying that hasn't been problematic. All that said, there is a good reason to have the exhaust exit from the side of the aircraft. The outlet is placed high so when landing away from an airport, the hot exhaust is less likely to ignite a grass fire. Robinson helicopters specifically warns its pilots ‘Do not land in tall dry grass. The exhaust is low to the ground and very hot; a grass fire may be ignited.’

[@kkrau788]

Cool video. I'm curious about the wheels on the skids, which I assume allow you to "dolly" the helicopter in and out of a hangar. How do they lower into position? Also, are there any potential issues with the pilot in the left seat? I noticed on another video that when you need to change a transponder setting or something, you have to switch to the left hand holding the cyclic while you reach the transponder with the right. Does hand-switching ever cause a problem?