No I'm not thinking of buying a Helio now. But, in the process of looking at planes I was curious (other than parts availability) why anyone would buy a 185 over a Helio 295? The 295 seems so much more capable.

Pros:
1. Significantly More STOL capability.
2. Heavy tail = much less chance of a nose over.
3. Steel safety cage protecting occupants.

Cons:
1. Slower in cruise
2. Parts availability seems to be a worsening issue
3. Inflight break ups have been a significant problem when compared to strutted Cessna's almost perfect record.

It is very hard to get parts for them.

As for the in flight break ups. It was found usually that pilot error was a factor. (flying to fast)

cstolaircraft wrote:

As for the in flight break ups. It was found usually that pilot error was a factor. (flying to fast)

Not necessarily true. Corrosion has been a factor also. There have been some accidents due to the following.

Applies to all models H-250, H-295, HT-295, H-391, H-391B, H-395 and H-395A airplanes certificated in any category.

On all models H-250, H-295 (except S/N 1436, 1443 thru 1479), H-391, H-391B, H-395, and H-395A airplanes that have the 391-030-401 wing spar carry-thru assembly, and not modified in accordance with STC SA1590CE within the next 10 hours' time in service, on all land planes with 3000 or more hours' time in service, or upon accumulation of 3000 hours' time in service; and on all seaplanes with 1500 or more hours' time in service, or on airplanes operated in both landplane and seaplane configurations with 3000 or more equivalent landplane hours' time in service or upon accumulation of 3000 equivalent landplane hours' time in service,* and thereafter, at intervals not to exceed 100 hours time-in-service, gamma ray inspect both the lower left and right, main spar, steel carry-thru fitting, P/N 391-030-4072, for cracks or corrosion in accordance with Helio Aircraft Company Service Bulletin No. 36.

Corrosion is one factor but most of the time pilot error was a factor too.

CSTOL,

I reviewed the accidents several months ago, when I was considering a Helio, and I didn't recall pilot error being a significant factor in the majority of these breakups. Compare that to the strutted Cessnas, almost no inflight breakups on a much larger fleet despite what we can assume to be plenty of pilot error or turbulence. The only strutted model Cessna breakups that I'm aware of are one 185 and two 206 breakups. I'd rather fly a plane that's proven to keep it's flight surfaces intact through thick and thin.

Cessna airframe reliability, Helio performance, a cockpit safety cage, with a Turbine up front, now that would be a my ideal ride.

they are not recorded because they always happen not to find out till a couple years latter for some reason........... I got my info from stephen ruby who has been with the helio aircraft since the 50s and almost bought the helio company.