My company is picking up an EC135 P3 next month. Looking at the differences, I notice no vertical stabs on the tail. Does this make the pedals more touchy or is it not noticeable? What else should I be looking at having previously flown a P2?

I've been flying helicopters since 1983 and have lots of time in as many different types.  They all fly basically the same, but have different "personalities."  That's why you have to get qualified in the different aircraft, and get "differences training" even with the same aircraft type.

the place where “are the pedals more touchy” is considered, by some, to be a good question 

You don't say?  Really?  Never thought that!

The tail bumper is also much smaller.  The big difference is the main rotor blades, they are different than the 2 series aircraft and they are NOT interchangeable, the blades are slightly bigger on the P3.

the burning question as to whether the pedals are more touchy because it doesn't have those little things on the horizontal things

And the fact that they are “NOT interchangeable” means what to the pilot?

I trained on the P2 then got 2 flights to transition to the P3; IMO, the flying characteristics between the two aren’t that noticeable.  What’s a little daunting may be all the glass if you’re not used to it and the 750 Garmin.  For the latter recommend downloading a training emulator online - good luck!

Yes, the pedals are more touchy. In reality it’s not the pedals are more touchy it’s there is less yaw stability overall, really a combination of both is what you’ll feel. 

There are no end plates on the horizontal stabilizer, the bumper is basically non existent. I’ll never understand why Airbus did that and didn’t think there would be a problem. If you do not have the kit installed that increases the height of the vertical stabilizer, you will be limited to 90kts when using. IAS hold in IMC. There was an issue at high weight, high speed turns at altitude when in IAS hold the aircraft would be uncoordinated.

The fix was the kit that increased the higher of the vertical fin which is standard on the P3H. The P3 blades are slightly longer, and increased by 1.5% and slightly different fadec software means the performance is noticeably better than a P2+. 2980kg gross mass takeoff allowed and a ramp weight of 3000kg. It all helps with IFR fuel. 

IP and MTC guy thanks for the great reply.

UGH