FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS:
Do I need a license to fly this helicopter?
Yes. This is a helicopter with more power and payload than most two-place aircraft.
Can I use this helicopter to obtain my Private/Commercial license?
Yes, this aircraft can be used to accomplish all solo, VFR flights required for the Helicopter Private or Commercial license.
What about "frame Cracks" on kit helicopters?
These frame cracks that have been reported on kit helicopter are stress fractures that are the result of an airframe that was not properly fabricated.
Why does your aircraft require so much more horsepower than the other kit helicopters?
It doesn’t. The power requirements on our helicopter are no more than any of the other aircraft in it's class. We designed our aircraft around the flight parameters of high gross weight and high-density altitude. These flight conditions require more power. Most kit helicopters are designed with a power plant for low altitude flying. No other helicopter kit can match the performance of our helicopter.
What has taken Pawnee so long to finish the development of the Chief?
We were determined not to put a product on the market before its time. We have seen other kits sold that did not complete their development and testing. Their customers paid for completion of the development and in reality did much of their testing.. By delaying our availability project until it was truly completed, we will avoid placing unnecessary a lot of "Airworthiness Directives" and flight restrictions on our aircraft.
When you first started advertising, the cost was less, why have you raised your prices?
Our first aircraft was built and designed to perform as well as the rest of the aircraft in this market. What we found was the person who buys and builds these aircraft wanted better performance and were willing to pay a little more for it. Do to this, we modified our helicopter and made performance a priority, regrettably this enhanced performance added cost to the aircraft.
What happened to the "Warrior" helicopter?
The Warrior was used a proof of concept platform to develop new models.
How can you advertise that your aircraft performs so much better than the other kit helicopters?
We have two items that nobody else on the market has; A very high power-to-weight ratio a rotor system that was designed for high altitude and a very high gross weight. Our advertisements are true and our performance numbers are not exaggerated.
Do you have a training program or offer flight training?
No, we will offer orientation rides in the two-seat for familiarity purposes only.
What kind of support can I expect once I begin building this aircraft?
We have an extensive network of dealers that will be available to answer your questions and assist you with your aircraft. Should a local dealer not be available, our home office always has a staff member available to assist you with any problems you may encounter.
What about revisions and recalls? Some aircraft have had to be revised at the cost of the builder?
Any retrofit needed to ensure the aircraft is safe during normal operations will be passed immediately to the builder. The company will offer these retrofits, to the builder at our cost, no incidentals, no handling fees, no mark-up, just the cost of acquiring the part.
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