I know of a Helio flying around with an IO-540 on it and it performs very well. For simplicity sake I'm not sure why they didn't just stick with a known commodity like the 540 or 580. Wish them luck in their venture, just seems like unnecessary hurdles with an engine like that.

Because maybe, just maybe, there's actually something better out there. Tom Hamilton is developing a new diesel aircraft engine.....and yes, I know, this has been "done" before, but not successfully. But if you doubt it'll work this time, consider that Tom designed and built an entirely new turbine powered airplane.....the Kodiak, not only designing the plane, but building the company, getting it certificated, etc.....and, he created Aerocet Floats, when all us old time float guys said fiberglass floats would never work....

Continental actually designed a liquid cooled flat six years ago. There was nothing really wrong with that plane except that for a manufacturer to re-certificate a current production model aircraft to use that engine would be expensive, and frankly, it didn't have a lot of advantages at the time. But, the parameters that these guys are trying to match, engine wise, demand something different, and they're going there. The good news for them is that they already have the plane.....

So, who knows? But, I guarantee you that these young guys have done a HUGE amount of work on this project already, actually an incredible amount of work. I'm hoping that engine is just the cat's meow for this plane, and wishing them the best.

Now, the market angle....will air taxis buy these things? I seriously doubt it, at least initially. But, look at the number of Carbon Cubs selling....at over a half million a pop. Same guys will buy a Helio, I'm betting. Use it a while, sell it to an air taxi outfit.

MTV

Also with the Helio ,,, Porter etc . It’s not like trying to find a Caravan pilot.Kinda need to be a ninja and have your shit together to drive this kind of plane.

low rider wrote:Also with the Helio ,,, Porter etc . It’s not like trying to find a Caravan pilot.Kinda need to be a ninja and have your shit together to drive this kind of plane.

The same can be said for virtually any airplane that you're going to do precise work with. The Helio has some different characteristics, but it's not rocket science. That said, put the "average" air taxi pilot in one without a THOROUGH check out by someone who knows the type, and you're asking for problems.

It looks like they've put a lot of work into this and I sure hope it works out for them. It would be great to see another option on the market. I'm sure it will be pricey but I think there's buyers out there, I mean who would have thought there was a market for half million dollar Super Cubs, but here we are.

A video of the successful first flight of serial number one has been posted.

https://www.instagram.com/reels/DPQQuSADp_c/

I dunno what their planes are from here on out, but I wish them well!