Congrats, for sure you'll make it in time! What I recommend doing differently: Install dual-controls and do it from the left seat, much easier leaning over your collective instead of away from it, especially if shorter sling is being used.

@@81stAirborn thank you for the tips sir. Always keen to learn. Thanks again

Right on the money, very seldom >500kg unless very favorable conditions and low on fuel 25% ish

Given the the number of operators and weights involved, the EC120B would be too weak for sling-operations, the 350 B3e is the gold standard for those kinds of jobs, as there are plenty of operators out there offering those services. I used to be an owner operator (7 helicopters as most) together with my family, but decided to sell last year.

Darien Seminoff i think ir is a beautyful helicopter for a nice trip over the land.

I should read the comments more often, so sorry for the late (5 years!!) reply. It's definitely the most versatile helicopter I've worked in, the range of missions are incredibly wide, and the luggage-compartment is 2nd to none in terms of size and accessibility. If one could dream, a 50-100kg weight reduction would make this airframe a 5/5, instead of 4.5/5

@@81stAirborn Its all good man, the life of a commercial pilot. I've often heard that about the machine. If it were lighter and slightly more powerful it would be all that much better. But one could say that about nearly any airframe. I'd sure like one, one of my dream aircraft.