Top of the World: photos from Nepal

[Vertical Freedom]

http://i1104.photobucket.com/albums/h338/rotors99/P1050335.jpg

[Vertical Freedom]

http://i1104.photobucket.com/albums/h338/rotors99/P1050095.jpg

[Vertical Freedom]

http://i1104.photobucket.com/albums/h338/rotors99/P1050339.jpg

[Vertical Freedom]

http://i1104.photobucket.com/albums/h338/rotors99/P1050350.jpg

[Vertical Freedom]

http://i1104.photobucket.com/albums/h338/rotors99/P1050101.jpg

[Vertical Freedom]

http://i1104.photobucket.com/albums/h338/rotors99/P1050151.jpg

[Vertical Freedom]

http://i1104.photobucket.com/albums/h338/rotors99/P1050213.jpg

[Vertical Freedom]

http://i1104.photobucket.com/albums/h338/rotors99/P1050664.jpg

[Vertical Freedom]

http://i1104.photobucket.com/albums/h338/rotors99/P1050164.jpg

[Vertical Freedom]

http://i1104.photobucket.com/albums/h338/rotors99/P1050609.jpg

[Vertical Freedom]

http://i1104.photobucket.com/albums/h338/rotors99/P1050116.jpg

http://i1104.photobucket.com/albums/h338/rotors99/P1050316.jpg

[Vertical Freedom]

http://i1104.photobucket.com/albums/h338/rotors99/P1050220.jpg

[Vertical Freedom]

http://i1104.photobucket.com/albums/h338/rotors99/P1050604.jpg

http://i1104.photobucket.com/albums/h338/rotors99/P1050138.jpg

[IntheTin]

Great pictures VR, thanks. :ok:

[Savoia]

.
Yes indeed, great shots! :ok:

Are you able to provide any narrative on the type of work you are doing - are these B3's?

Also, I'm guessing you need a fairly reliable battery if your starts are regularly above 10,000ft?

[collector]

awesome! thnx for sharing :ok:

[Vertical Freedom]

We shut down as high as 22,000' (if required). Just a normal sealed stainless-steel battery? To me looks tiny? hmmmm but never lets us down. 50-60% work is high altitude rescues, charters, film work, heli trekking, heli skiing & slinging. Using AS350B, B2 & B3.

[Vertical Freedom]

http://i1104.photobucket.com/albums/h338/rotors99/P1050715.jpg

[Vertical Freedom]

http://i1104.photobucket.com/albums/h338/rotors99/P1050710.jpg

http://i1104.photobucket.com/albums/h338/rotors99/P1050700.jpg

http://i1104.photobucket.com/albums/h338/rotors99/P1050738.jpg

[Vertical Freedom]

http://i1104.photobucket.com/albums/h338/rotors99/P1050413.jpg

[Vertical Freedom]

http://i1104.photobucket.com/albums/h338/rotors99/P1050460.jpg

http://i1104.photobucket.com/albums/h338/rotors99/P1050409.jpg

http://i1104.photobucket.com/albums/h338/rotors99/P1050392.jpg

[Vertical Freedom]

http://i1104.photobucket.com/albums/h338/rotors99/P1050799.jpg

[Vertical Freedom]

http://i1104.photobucket.com/albums/h338/rotors99/P1050818.jpg

[Vertical Freedom]

Tinje village from the air. Farming only 6 months a year, the rest of the time its all snow skiing country
http://i1104.photobucket.com/albums/h338/rotors99/P1050901.jpg

[Vertical Freedom]

http://i1104.photobucket.com/albums/h338/rotors99/P1050862.jpg

[Vertical Freedom]

Tinje, 14,100’ Nepal in an AS350B2 with some sweet lovely Nepali ladies who were very shy to get photo with me. This spot is well above the snow line in winterhttp://i1104.photobucket.com/albums/h338/rotors99/P1050893.jpg

[Vertical Freedom]

Flying B2 over Mugu district far North/central Nepal; taking a short cut whilst the weather is good, the lower passes here are 19,000’http://i1104.photobucket.com/albums/h338/rotors99/P1050929.jpg

[Vertical Freedom]

Lake Rara in Nepal 10,400’ @ 26oC amazing crystal clear, blue green colour, 5 miles long, 3 miles wide & 180meters deep just amazing to see. Note the weather all around, monsoon time.


http://i1104.photobucket.com/albums/h338/rotors99/P1050836.jpg

[BA609]

Very good pictures!:D

[topendtorque]

and informative too, i never imagined spaces of country there not indated with snow and ice, thankyou for the journey, would be a great place to visit during the warmer months me thinks.

[Vertical Freedom]

Thanks topendtorque, we are in the summer monsoons now, so many of those pics will be deeply buried in fresh snow in another 2 month

[Decredenza]

I fly a B2 at sea level to 6000' where it has lots of power.

How is the helicopter's performance in Nepal? It looks like everywhere you land is a prepared helipad - I am sure that helps.

[Vertical Freedom]

We land the B to about 10-11,000'amsl DA wow 15,000. the B2 15-17,000 DA over 20,K & the B3 well up to 23,000'amsl rescue up to 24,500'amsl so far for 1 climber.

[JB-319]

VF : thank you for the great pics. Do you use oxygen above 15000' ?

[Vertical Freedom]

Decredenza (http://www.pprune.org/members/238443-decredenza) about 50-60% of landing are at prepared Helipads which makes for easier/safer run-ons & running take-offs when required. But the rest are whatever works, anywhere, SWAT & dive in, some are one way in, same way out.

JB-319 (http://www.pprune.org/members/194761-jb-319) legal requirement is to use O2 continuously from 12,000' but we are generally start using from about 10-11,000' up
VF

[Vertical Freedom]

the ole' B is usually red line on Nr, not Ng or T4 huh forget torque, fuel pump limited above about 8-9,000 so only Nr droops :{

[JB-319]

VF : I assume you lower the pitch as soon as you can count blades... ;)

[Vertical Freedom]

normal ops, keep in the green :ok:

[Elvis70]

I am very jealous of the Nepal flying you are doing. What a great experience. Please keep the photos coming.

[Vertical Freedom]

http://i1104.photobucket.com/albums/h338/rotors99/19000forRescueofMuguareaNepalAS350B3.jpg

[Vertical Freedom]

http://i1104.photobucket.com/albums/h338/rotors99/Villagetakenfrom19000MuguareaNepal.jpg

[Vertical Freedom]

http://i1104.photobucket.com/albums/h338/rotors99/YangsirGumpaMuguNepal14400.jpg

[Vertical Freedom]

http://i1104.photobucket.com/albums/h338/rotors99/RinpochesatYangsirMonestaryNepal.jpg

[Vertical Freedom]

http://i1104.photobucket.com/albums/h338/rotors99/RescueflightJham8800NepalAS350B3.jpg

[Vertical Freedom]

http://i1104.photobucket.com/albums/h338/rotors99/RescueflightYamka8500QotandistrictNepalinanAS350B.jpg

[Vertical Freedom]

http://i1104.photobucket.com/albums/h338/rotors99/RescuefltYangsirGumpa1440022oCNepalAS350B3-1.jpg

[Vertical Freedom]

http://i1104.photobucket.com/albums/h338/rotors99/Jiri7400NepalB206BIII.jpg

[Flyting]

interresting way of parking a squirrel in post 5168.... or any machine for that matter

[Vertical Freedom]

Flyting your meaning what exactly? ground was solid, into wind at the time of landing the afternoon before with horrendous weather all around, but Heli VMC therer. But weather closed in before patient was ready for flight, hence stayed the night. The ground was uneven every where, but levelish there :sad:

[Vertical Freedom]

http://i1104.photobucket.com/albums/h338/rotors99/nearPalati6984KhimtiKholaRiverNepalB206BIII.jpg

[Vertical Freedom]

http://i1104.photobucket.com/albums/h338/rotors99/WoWun-namedvillageMuguNeaplfrom19000transittoRescue.jpg

[Vertical Freedom]

http://www.pprune.org/%3Ca%20href=%22http://s1104.photobucket.com/albums/h338/rotors99/?action=view&current=nopemenotcuttreetreecutformerescuefltCh indada6193nepal.jpg%22%20target=%22_blank%22%3E%3Cimg%20src= %22http://i1104.photobucket.com/albums/h338/rotors99/nopemenotcuttreetreecutformerescuefltChindada6193nepal.jpg%2 2%20border=%220%22%20alt=%22Photobucket%22%3E%3C/a%3Ehttp://i1104.photobucket.com/albums/h338/rotors99/Balangkha4675Nepal.jpg

[Vertical Freedom]

http://i1104.photobucket.com/albums/h338/rotors99/Balangkha4675scudscomininletsgoNepal.jpg

[Vertical Freedom]

http://i1104.photobucket.com/albums/h338/rotors99/TribanGhat5124nearKTMNepalAS350B.jpg

[Vertical Freedom]

http://i1104.photobucket.com/albums/h338/rotors99/RinpocheLamarescuefromYangsirGumpatoKathmandu.jpg

[Savoia]

.
Great stuff Vertical Freedom. Immensely enjoyable views from the 'roof of the world'.

JB-319, great images. It just so happens that one of the shots I appreciate most of the EC145 comes from the Gendarmes .. below:

https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-7SPdtUpYvec/TPs-JhtdnmI/AAAAAAAAAas/TrMak1-CPQU/s720/EC145%252520Chamonix%25252C%252520FR%25252C%252520Gendarmeri a%2525202005.jpg
EC145 'JBH' of the Gendarmerie landing at Chamonix, DZ des Bois, on 18th December 2005

I was sent this image shortly after it was taken in 2005 then lost it and more recently recovered it again courtesy of a certain well-know photo site. It is now part of my collection entitled 'Snow Copters'.

Great stuff and keep up the good work! :ok:

[Vertical Freedom]

http://i1104.photobucket.com/albums/h338/rotors99/RescuefltYangsirspeciallyautherizedcargomutNepal-1.jpg

[Dan Reno]

Fantastic pics VF ! Thanks for posting !

[Vertical Freedom]

WoW Sovioa an awesome snow shot :ok: Thank You, glad You enjoy my pix. Yes from here the top of the World! For a Rotor-Pilot yeh just cant get higher, wilder, spectacular, adventurous & seriously f'n dangerous. Yer always in remote wilderness Tiger 'er Yeti steep country, ravines everywhere with always a raging torrent below...... yer OmOmOm :)

[Vertical Freedom]

http://i1104.photobucket.com/albums/h338/rotors99/SmileYouronactionrollthesetYangsirNepal-1.jpg

[Vertical Freedom]

http://i1104.photobucket.com/albums/h338/rotors99/YangsirMonestarylocalLadyMuguNepal.jpg:=

[Savoia]

.
The prayer scarf gives the photo a certain 'Air America' feel to it, lol!

[Vertical Freedom]

Haha very good, just its not drugs for guns here, its rescue flights for cash

[JB-319]

Savoia, thank you for your nice comments. And I totally agree with you about VF pics. That village with no name is quite intriguing, what a remote and wild place to live in. Winter must be quite of an experience up there .

[Vertical Freedom]

Hmmmm yes, winter will bring Heli-Skiing & Mountaineering pax & sling dropped cargo up to their base camps plus rescues when they get in trouble.

Local folk rescues are always on going as most villages are 7 to 12 walking days out to a road? So if it ain't Heli-medevac to a hospital within a few hours You die. :uhoh:

[Vertical Freedom]

http://i1104.photobucket.com/albums/h338/rotors99/OmNamahShivaya-ShivjistatuenearKathmandu.jpg

[Vertical Freedom]

http://i1104.photobucket.com/albums/h338/rotors99/Sarkighat8850Nepal.jpg

[Vertical Freedom]

http://i1104.photobucket.com/albums/h338/rotors99/SarkighatAryuvedicherbloads8850NepalAS350B3.jpg

[Vertical Freedom]

http://i1104.photobucket.com/albums/h338/rotors99/TarapgoanDolpaRescueflight16800AS305B3.jpg

[Vertical Freedom]

http://i1104.photobucket.com/albums/h338/rotors99/tail-rotorgaurddogPiplang8400NepalAs350B3.jpg

[Vertical Freedom]

http://i1104.photobucket.com/albums/h338/rotors99/fabulousholidaydestinationNepal.jpg

[Vertical Freedom]

http://i1104.photobucket.com/albums/h338/rotors99/yepWOW.jpg

[Vertical Freedom]

http://i1104.photobucket.com/albums/h338/rotors99/YepWOW2.jpg

[Capt.Gonzo]

@Vertical Freedom (http://www.pprune.org/members/286435-vertical-freedom) :ok:

Great Pics, Great Flying :D

[Vertical Freedom]

http://i1104.photobucket.com/albums/h338/rotors99/yepitsVMCIcanseethemountainits1klm-2.jpg

[Vertical Freedom]

http://i1104.photobucket.com/albums/h338/rotors99/farmingNepalistyle.jpg

[IntheTin]

I'm sure I speak for many. Amazing pictures VF.:ok:

I must also add that my little lily white bottom tweaked a little when I seen the Helivfr picture. :}

[topendtorque]

VF.
being a farmer of sorts, what cultivars do they grow? I guess it be some sorts of cereals, but very impressive the scale of that production as must be the simple?? logistics of transporting the product to markets. how long is their growing season?

thanks again for the journey
tet

[Vertical Freedom]

Namaste, Nepal farms most things but yes cereals are the highest produce as most people mainly eat rice. Fruit & vegetables are also grown on large scale. Not much transport required from the mountains as it is all stored & consumed within the local villages. Season higher in the mountains is about 6 months, below 6,000' all year round. There use of channeled spring water is amazing to be hold. :ok: Any fertile land is step cut & farmed, literally every inch of farm-able land is being cultivated. :D

[Vertical Freedom]

http://i1104.photobucket.com/albums/h338/rotors99/slopelanding****i9671Nepal.jpg

[Vertical Freedom]

http://i1104.photobucket.com/albums/h338/rotors99/unnamedsmalllaketarn14400NWNepal.jpg

[Vertical Freedom]

http://i1104.photobucket.com/albums/h338/rotors99/theworkhorsesHilsa12800NepalAS350B3B2.jpg

[Vertical Freedom]

http://i1104.photobucket.com/albums/h338/rotors99/Manangairport11500MustangNepalAS350Boat22oC.jpg

Manang airport, Mustang region, Nepal
11,500' oat 22oC in AS350B

[Vertical Freedom]

http://i1104.photobucket.com/albums/h338/rotors99/P1000145.jpg
Looking to the wee hills of Nepal, Mustang region

[Vertical Freedom]

http://i1104.photobucket.com/albums/h338/rotors99/P1000205.jpg

[Vertical Freedom]

http://i1104.photobucket.com/albums/h338/rotors99/P1000211.jpg
yep the ole' AS350B is still climbing, well 'er just, gotta get to 12,000' gimme the B3+ PLEASE

[Vertical Freedom]

http://i1104.photobucket.com/albums/h338/rotors99/P1000233.jpg

[Royster74]

Please tell me that's the sun illuminating your CWP? LOL. Obviously you made it back ok.

Nice images

[Vertical Freedom]

Yep the Ole' JetBox can still hold height at 80knots 11,500' Nepal
http://i1104.photobucket.com/albums/h338/rotors99/P1000383.jpg

[Vertical Freedom]

Rescue flight Pangboche 12,900' @ 22oC near Sagar Matha (Everest) B206BIII Nepal
http://i1104.photobucket.com/albums/h338/rotors99/P1000424.jpg

[Vertical Freedom]

Nepali farming; here, there, everywhere............

http://i1104.photobucket.com/albums/h338/rotors99/P1000456.jpg


http://i1104.photobucket.com/albums/h338/rotors99/P1000544.jpg

[Vertical Freedom]

http://i1104.photobucket.com/albums/h338/rotors99/P1000550.jpg

[Vertical Freedom]

on final

http://i1104.photobucket.com/albums/h338/rotors99/P1000473.jpg

http://i1104.photobucket.com/albums/h338/rotors99/P1000470.jpg

http://i1104.photobucket.com/albums/h338/rotors99/P1000474.jpg

[Vertical Freedom]

Mountaineering restock flight 'Sama' 13,598' @ 20oC AS350B Nepal
http://i1104.photobucket.com/albums/h338/rotors99/P1000494.jpg

[Fareastdriver]

As a matter of interest, why the immersion suit?

[Vertical Freedom]

Namaste Fareastdiver who is wearing, or rather where is the immersion suit?

[Quintilian]

Vertical Freedom; your photos are amazing! Keep goin'! :O)

(Seeing some of your photos I'm rather glad I'm indoor in a cozy control centre most of the time.... but a bit(!) envious too!) :)

[Fareastdriver]

I should have blown the picture up before. It looked like the diagonal zip of an immersion suit.

[topendtorque]

possibly distracted by the diamond, diagonally to the left;)

[HowlingMad Murdock]

Vertical Freedom: Wow! Thanks for postin' your pics. The scenery is breathtaking. Nice helicopter too!

[vaqueroaero]

Not to be pedantic, but one picture is labelled as a Astar B3, but looks suspicously like a Jet Ranger.

Great pictures.

[Vertical Freedom]

Great morning all.
Thanks so much for Your positive comments. Will be posting more pix soon. ;)
Yes I did stuff up on one label, labelled - ASB350BIII when infact as You stated rightly it is an B206BIII. label amended. :ooh:
Happy landings :ok:
VF :cool:

[Vertical Freedom]

http://i1104.photobucket.com/albums/h338/rotors99/P1000480.jpg

[Vertical Freedom]

http://i1104.photobucket.com/albums/h338/rotors99/P1000392-1.jpg
VNLK - Lukla 10,000' claimed to be the most dangerous airport in the world? maybe for planks

[Vertical Freedom]

http://i1104.photobucket.com/albums/h338/rotors99/P1000509.jpg

[Vertical Freedom]

blond & cute mountaineer, getting to base camp the easy way
http://i1104.photobucket.com/albums/h338/rotors99/1-1.jpg

[Vertical Freedom]

http://i1104.photobucket.com/albums/h338/rotors99/P1000623-1.jpg

[Vertical Freedom]

http://i1104.photobucket.com/albums/h338/rotors99/P1000635.jpg

[Vertical Freedom]

http://i1104.photobucket.com/albums/h338/rotors99/P1000644.jpghttp://i1104.photobucket.com/albums/h338/rotors99/P1000639.jpg

[Vertical Freedom]

http://i1104.photobucket.com/albums/h338/rotors99/P1000606.jpg

[Vertical Freedom]

http://i1104.photobucket.com/albums/h338/rotors99/P1000623-1.jpg:ok:

[Vertical Freedom]

giant swimming pool, Sidhapokhari (Spiritual cleansing pond) near Bhaktapur, KTM, Nepal
http://i1104.photobucket.com/albums/h338/rotors99/P1000589.jpg

[ecureilx]

Big pool ? you mean the temple tank ??

Is everything ok after the earthquake ??

[Vertical Freedom]

Namaste Ecureilx

Yes like a temple tank but different, this one was for Spirit cleansing.

The earth quake left only minor damage, but still a hospital in Lukla collapsed as did a few homes? It seemed very sever near the Solukhumbu - Everest region.

OmOmOm

VF

[Vertical Freedom]

Khumbu region- little village? on the way to a rescue flight, AS350B, Nepal

http://www.pprune.org/%3Ca%20href=%22http://s1104.photobucket.com/albums/h338/rotors99/?action=view&current=P1000984-1.jpg%22%20target=%22_blank%22%3E%3Cimg%20src=%22http://i1104.photobucket.com/albums/h338/rotors99/P1000984-1.jpg%22%20border=%220%22%20alt=%22Photobucket%22%3E%3C/a%3Ehttp://i1104.photobucket.com/albums/h338/rotors99/P1000984-1.jpg

[Vertical Freedom]

WOW another day in the office. Khumba region, near to Sagarmatha (Everest) inbound for a rescue flight, Nepal


http://i1104.photobucket.com/albums/h338/rotors99/P1000961.jpg

[Vertical Freedom]

Syangboche airstrip, highest airport in the World, 12,772' Nepal
http://i1104.photobucket.com/albums/h338/rotors99/P1000972.jpg

[Vertical Freedom]

'Machermo' rescue flight 3 x pax, 15,390' @ 15oC, AS350B, Nepal


http://i1104.photobucket.com/albums/h338/rotors99/P1010008-1.jpg

[Vertical Freedom]

Khumjung Hospital, 12,841' @ 18oC, AS350B, Nepal

http://i1104.photobucket.com/albums/h338/rotors99/P1010011.jpg

[Vertical Freedom]

view from Khumjung Hospital Helipad, 12,841' @ 18oC, AS350B, Nepal
http://i1104.photobucket.com/albums/h338/rotors99/P1010014-1.jpg

[bondu]

Vertical Freedom:..... Awesome!!!! Beats my view of the North Sea everyday!!

bondu :ok:

[Vertical Freedom]

thanks Bondu, yep the views are amazing, but this environment keeps You on Your toes SERIOUSLY :eek:

[Vertical Freedom]

Tatopani Village below Mt. Annapurna in the background Nepal
http://i1104.photobucket.com/albums/h338/rotors99/P1010082.jpg

[Vertical Freedom]

Mountainineers being bought home from Annapurna, Nepalhttp://i1104.photobucket.com/albums/h338/rotors99/P1010133.jpg

[Vertical Freedom]

Thorang Peddi rescue flight, Manang district, 15,000' @ 8oC B206BIII, Nepal
http://i1104.photobucket.com/albums/h338/rotors99/P1010143.jpg

[Vertical Freedom]

Sunrise at Humde airport, VNMA, 11,000', Nepal
http://i1104.photobucket.com/albums/h338/rotors99/P1010167.jpg

[Vertical Freedom]

Hotel Everest, Sulo district, 12,712' @ 8oC 3 x pax, B206BIII, Nepal
http://i1104.photobucket.com/albums/h338/rotors99/P1010194.jpg

[Vertical Freedom]

Namche Bazaar from the Heli pad, Sulo district, Nepal
http://i1104.photobucket.com/albums/h338/rotors99/P1010199.jpg

[Vertical Freedom]

Namche Heli pad, rescue flight, 3 x pax, 12,496' @ 9oC, B206BIII, Nepal
http://i1104.photobucket.com/albums/h338/rotors99/P1010200.jpg

[Vertical Freedom]

Tashigaun, waiting for weather to clear for rescue flight, 8,293' @ 22oC, B206BIII, Nepal
http://i1104.photobucket.com/albums/h338/rotors99/P1010204.jpg

[Vertical Freedom]

Tashigaun village, 8,293', Nepal
http://i1104.photobucket.com/albums/h338/rotors99/P1010205.jpg

[Vertical Freedom]

yep she is still climbing.........just...2,400' to go.........B206BIII...:eek:http://i1104.photobucket.com/albums/h338/rotors99/P1010227.jpg

[Vertical Freedom]

Wow what a view, climbing towards, Makalu for rescue, B206BIII, Nepal
http://i1104.photobucket.com/albums/h338/rotors99/P1010228.jpg

[Vertical Freedom]

Mera, rescue flight, 1 x pax, 16,400' @ 2oC, B206BIII, Nepal
http://i1104.photobucket.com/albums/h338/rotors99/P1010236.jpg

[Vertical Freedom]

Mera, rescue flight, 1 x pax, 16,400' @ 2oC, B206BIII, Nepal
http://i1104.photobucket.com/albums/h338/rotors99/P1010240.jpg

[Vertical Freedom]

Tame school, 4 x pax, 4,350' @ 27oC, B206BIII, Nepal
http://i1104.photobucket.com/albums/h338/rotors99/P1010260.jpg

[Vertical Freedom]

Tame school, 4 x pax, 4,350' @ 27oC, B206BIII, Nepal



http://i1104.photobucket.com/albums/h338/rotors99/P1010261.jpg

[Vertical Freedom]

look what popped up in a corn field :ooh: rescue flight 'Bagarchhap' 9,051' @ 18oC 2 x pax, Manang district, B206BIII, Nepal :ok:
http://i1104.photobucket.com/albums/h338/rotors99/P1010329.jpg

[Vertical Freedom]

looks like a spider, 8 x prop remote controlled helicopter with camera onboard for filming mountaineers :hmm: Nepalhttp://i1104.photobucket.com/albums/h338/rotors99/P1010304.jpg
http://i1104.photobucket.com/albums/h338/rotors99/P1010301.jpg

[Vertical Freedom]

http://i1104.photobucket.com/albums/h338/rotors99/P1010310.jpg'Ghampesal' 3,884' @ 30oC 5 x pax, AS350B, Nepal
http://i1104.photobucket.com/albums/h338/rotors99/P1010311.jpg

[Heli-Ice]

Very interesting flying you do there VF!

Thanks for sharing. :ok:

[Vertical Freedom]

Thank You Heli-Ice, it sure is :ok: it sure is :cool: I Love it :D

[Vertical Freedom]

'Phakding' 9,263' @ 18oC, Sulo, AS350B, Nepal

http://i1104.photobucket.com/albums/h338/rotors99/P1010343.jpghttp://i1104.photobucket.com/albums/h338/rotors99/P1010341.jpghttp://i1104.photobucket.com/albums/h338/rotors99/P1010344.jpg

[Vertical Freedom]

coming back down from a rescue at 16,457' @ -3oC, Sulo area, 9% fuel left, still gotta loose 3,500' & get to VNLK 6 miles away, AS350B, Nepal
http://i1104.photobucket.com/albums/h338/rotors99/P1010352.jpg

[Decredenza]

How much fuel did you have on the gauge when you landed?

[Vertical Freedom]

Namaste Decredenza,

I landed with 6% on the gauge.

At around 4-6,500' amsl we are burning 10% every 20 minutes so 162 liters per hour.

But above 10,000' burn rate goes down too 20% per hour, so 6% was 32 litres, = 33 minutes of flight time left.....:D

20 minutes is legal here, But I don't like to land with less than 30 minutes in the tank. Needed the machine light to pull off the rescue as DA @ 16,500' was 18,377' pretty high for an ole' straight model AS350B.

Great machine, very smooth, stable, reliable & predictable. Always does better than the performance graphs.:ok:

VF :)

[Vertical Freedom]

'Ghorakhori' rescue flight, 4 x pax, 5,876' @ 27oC, Okhaldungha district, B206BIII, Nepal
http://i1104.photobucket.com/albums/h338/rotors99/P1010358.jpg

[Vertical Freedom]

Langtang village rescue flight, 3 x pax, 4 x backpacks, 11,770' @ 15oC, B206BIII, Nepal
http://i1104.photobucket.com/albums/h338/rotors99/P1010382.jpg

[Vertical Freedom]

'Kukurgar' 9,051' @ 27oC, Nepalhttp://i1104.photobucket.com/albums/h338/rotors99/P1010409.jpghttp://i1104.photobucket.com/albums/h338/rotors99/P1010408.jpghttp://i1104.photobucket.com/albums/h338/rotors99/P1010396.jpg

[arismount]

You say the Astar is burning 20% per hour above 10,000 MSL, I'll take your word for it, never having operated the aircraft that high.

But 6% isn't 33 minutes at that rate; it's 18 minutes. 9% at that rate is 27 minutes.

They say flying at high altitudes may impair math computations. Fly safely.

[Vertical Freedom]

Namaste Arismount,

Thanks for pointing that out; yep that was a typo applying the wrong formula after a few beers uploading pix late one night after a long days flying. Well we use O2 above 10,000; but it sure is HIGH.

The ECUREUIL (she is not astar) AS350B around 10,000' is burning 20%ph but above 13,000' is down to 15% (80-85lts per hour). So around 24 minutes of flight time at MCP. :eek:

Do everything into wind.;)...................except piss :*

Cheers

VF

[Vertical Freedom]

Chaurikharka school quadrangle up to 800kg internal loads 10,843' @ 14oC AS350B3+ Khumbhu region, Nepal
http://i1104.photobucket.com/albums/h338/rotors99/P1010931.jpg

[Vertical Freedom]

Khala Phatar salt lake 18,290' @ 9oC 3 x pax, AS350B3+ Nepal
http://i1104.photobucket.com/albums/h338/rotors99/P1020206.jpg

[Vertical Freedom]

office perks, bonus free extra O2 when Your just not gettin' enough, about 20,000' Nepal
http://i1104.photobucket.com/albums/h338/rotors99/P1010954-1.jpg

[Vertical Freedom]

yep its the 'Top of the World' another day in the office, AS350B3+ 20,000 @ -6oC, Nepal
http://i1104.photobucket.com/albums/h338/rotors99/P1010972.jpg

[Vertical Freedom]

glacier ice flow off Sagarmatha (Everest) looking to Tibet/China, 22,000' AS350B3+ Nepal
http://i1104.photobucket.com/albums/h338/rotors99/P1020068.jpg

[Vertical Freedom]

glacial flows around Sagarmatha - 22,000' AS350B3+ Nepal
http://i1104.photobucket.com/albums/h338/rotors99/P1020084.jpg

[Vertical Freedom]

Sagarmathar, the Mother of all God's - Everest, 29,215', Nepalhttp://i1104.photobucket.com/albums/h338/rotors99/P1020042.jpg

[Vertical Freedom]

Sagarmathar, the Mother of all God's - Mount. Everest, 29,215', Nepal
http://i1104.photobucket.com/albums/h338/rotors99/P1020050.jpg

[Vertical Freedom]

this is the Top of the World the closest Man can fly to God, Nepal
http://i1104.photobucket.com/albums/h338/rotors99/P1010985.jpg

[Capt.Gonzo]

@ Vertical Freedom (http://www.pprune.org/members/286435-vertical-freedom)

Great pics! (as always)

Why do you have two GPS?

[Vertical Freedom]

http://i1104.photobucket.com/albums/h338/rotors99/P1020161.jpg

Sagarmatha from the Khala Phatar salt lake 18,290' @ 9oC 3 x pax, AS350B3+ Nepal

[Vertical Freedom]

Capt.Gonzo (http://www.pprune.org/members/223468-capt-gonzo) 1 x company GPS, 1 x mine

[Vertical Freedom]

Sagarmatha from the Khala Phatar salt lake 18,290' @ 9oC 3 x pax, AS350B3+ Nepal
http://i1104.photobucket.com/albums/h338/rotors99/P1020157.jpg

[Vertical Freedom]

Sagarmathar, the Mother of all God's - Everest, 29,215', from 23,000' @ 11oC, AS350B3+, Nepal
http://i1104.photobucket.com/albums/h338/rotors99/P1020101.jpg

[Vertical Freedom]

Sagarmathar, the Mother of all God's - Everest, 29,215', from 23,000' @ 11oC, AS350B3+, Nepal
http://i1104.photobucket.com/albums/h338/rotors99/P1020110-1.jpg

[Vertical Freedom]

at 23,000' @ 11oC, pulling MCP whch is only sucking 105lpm the only speed to give me a descant climb is 45 knots but its a healthly 700' fpm roc, Nepal
http://i1104.photobucket.com/albums/h338/rotors99/P1020095.jpg

[Vertical Freedom]

Lobache from the air. Nepal
http://i1104.photobucket.com/albums/h338/rotors99/P1020217.jpg

[Vertical Freedom]

Hotel Everest View HLS view, 12,703' @ 18oC, AS350B3+ 4 x pax, Nepal
http://i1104.photobucket.com/albums/h338/rotors99/P1020240.jpg

[jemax]

VF thank you for the pictures truly wonderful, interesting to note that at 23,000 feet the summit of Everest is still just about a mile above you.

A couple of questions, what is the highest you have flown, I assume in the B3 and what is the highest landing, how marginal is the landing at that height?

Thanks Again

[Torque and temp]

VF: Very judicious move to have two parallel GPSes up there!

I guess you have a pretty decent survival kit/emergency pack along with you when flying in such a harsh environment. What kind of stuff do you carry onboard?

P.s. You should have your own Nepal Ops thread here!

[Vertical Freedom]

Namaste Torque & temp

I like to record my stuff on my own GPS, also good for flight planning from the bedroom :ok:
Just a basic survival kit, good for up to about 15,000' not higher, otherwise we are carrying too much weight.

We carry charter pax, rescue patients, mountianeering gear, mountaineers, general cargo both internal & sling, also do Human Cargo Sling rescues for difficult locations on the mountain :eek:

OmOmOm

VF :cool:

[Vertical Freedom]

Hey Jemax

Yes - Sagarmatha is still 6,215' straight up from my height of 23,000'. :8

23,000' is the RFM certified ceiling for this machine the B3+ :sad:

I have landed up to 19,000' in the B3+, if Your light she is not to bad for power but You have to be very careful as Your operating right on the gong limit, recording any exceedance, also your at the right pedal stop so no more tail-rotor authority left. & the controls are very mushy with the machine very very unstable up here. :*

The B; I have taken to 14,000' setting up for a zero/zero touch down as no HIGE power & running take-off as we where very heavy, The B2 up to about 16,000' & same deal there often less than HIGE so approaches have to be spot on for a nice clean light flop down & a very judicious cushion creep departure to the edge of the pad/cliff then fall off into the gorge to get airspeed as once Your off the pad & out of the cushion its only down from there till You have that magic 35-45 knots then your heart starts pumping again :ok:yippee & climbing again :ooh:

Thanks for the compliments on my pix, I am very happy & grateful that You enjoy??? Thanks again for saying so, Your words inspire me to post more........ :D

We are preparing to conduct 'Mountain Flying Certified' courses soon for experienced PPL, CPL & ATP Pilots who want to expand there skills into these extreme flying techniques, starting next year. Conducting commercial ops, Cargo Sling & Human Cargo Sling Rescue to 19,000' & higher if the candidate is up to speed. All on the AS350 family; B, B2, B3+ & B3e. More info when the course is approved & ready to start :)

:confused: Always know where the wind is...........& do everything into wind......:D except piss :O

VF :ok:

[Thud_and_Blunder]

Yet another happy punter here, thoroughly enjoying the pictures from Nepal. You might in turn be interested in the following link, BBC "Rivers of Ice" (http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-south-asia-15216875), which shows the changes to the glaciers in your part of the world over the last 80 years.

[Senior Pilot]

Namaste, Vertical Freedom;

You have certainly livened up our Rotorheads Around the World :cool:

Along with many others I look at your photos with a degree of envy for both the flying involved and the culture in which you live. If you have the opportunity to tell us more about where you live and some of the people that you meet in another thread, then I am sure that many of us would be intrigued :ok:

[handysnaks]

I was going to put a photograph of Turners Hill on here but I don't think I'll bother now!!;)

[311kph]

Vertical Freedom, pictures you post capture the essence of helicopter work in my book.

P.s. You should have your own Nepal Ops thread here!

I totally agree!!!
Give the man his thread!!!
Give the man his thread!!!
Give the man his thread!!!
:ok:

[Krishan]

Vertical Freedom, what's your real job? Scouting for the next Bond movie location? How come you always find yourself in some exotic place? Can't wait to see your pics. Thanks.

[Vertical Freedom]

rescue flight altitude sickness, Manang goan 13,350' B206BIII, Nepal :ok:
http://i1104.photobucket.com/albums/h338/rotors99/P1020278.jpg

[Vertical Freedom]

Pheriche goan rescue flight, 14,021' AS350B, Nepal
http://i1104.photobucket.com/albums/h338/rotors99/P1020291.jpg

[Vertical Freedom]

:D
http://i1104.photobucket.com/albums/h338/rotors99/P1020307.jpg

[Vertical Freedom]

:ok:
http://i1104.photobucket.com/albums/h338/rotors99/P1020321.jpg

[Vertical Freedom]

http://i1104.photobucket.com/albums/h338/rotors99/P1020329.jpg:eek:

[Vertical Freedom]

http://i1104.photobucket.com/albums/h338/rotors99/P1020318.jpg

[Vertical Freedom]

looking from Konde towards Namche Bazaar & in the middle; Shyangboche airstrip, the highest fixed wing runway in the World - 13,350' Nepal
http://i1104.photobucket.com/albums/h338/rotors99/P1020309.jpg

[Vertical Freedom]

Shyangboche airstrip, the highest fixed wing runway in the World - 13,350' managing fuel, AS350B3+ Nepal :ok:



http://i1104.photobucket.com/albums/h338/rotors99/P1020360.jpg

[Vertical Freedom]

Mende HLS, 14,218' & 14oC 4 x pax, AS350B3+, Nepal :ok:
http://i1104.photobucket.com/albums/h338/rotors99/P1020364.jpg

[Vertical Freedom]

Gokyo goan from the air, flying around 19,000'+ AS350B3+ Nepal :eek:
http://i1104.photobucket.com/albums/h338/rotors99/P1020369.jpg

[Vertical Freedom]

Gokyo goan from the air, flying around 19,000'+ AS350B3+ Nepal :ok:
http://i1104.photobucket.com/albums/h338/rotors99/P1020372.jpg

[Vertical Freedom]

Gokyo goan from the air centre lake, flying around 20,500'+ AS350B3+ Nepal http://images.ibsrv.net/ibsrv/res/src:www.pprune.org/get/images/smilies/eek.gif
http://i1104.photobucket.com/albums/h338/rotors99/P1020392.jpg

[Vertical Freedom]

Sagarmatha area in Solu Khumbu region, 22,000' AS350B3+ Nepal
http://i1104.photobucket.com/albums/h338/rotors99/P1020392.jpg

[Vertical Freedom]

Sagarmatha area in Solu Khumbu region, 22,000' AS350B3+ Nepal :cool:
http://i1104.photobucket.com/albums/h338/rotors99/P1020394.jpg

[Vertical Freedom]

Sagarmatha area in Solu Khumbu region, 22,500' AS350B3+ Nepal :cool:
http://i1104.photobucket.com/albums/h338/rotors99/P1020395.jpg

[Vertical Freedom]

Sagarmatha area in Solu Khumbu region, 23,000' AS350B3+ Nepal :ok:



http://i1104.photobucket.com/albums/h338/rotors99/P1020401.jpg

[Vertical Freedom]

Sagarmatha area in Solu Khumbu region, 23,000' AS350B3+ Nepal:ok:


http://i1104.photobucket.com/albums/h338/rotors99/P1020446.jpg

[Vertical Freedom]

Tengboche Monastery, 13,185' @ 18oC, AS350B3+ Nepal :ok:
http://i1104.photobucket.com/albums/h338/rotors99/P1020507.jpg

[Vertical Freedom]

Tengboche Monastery, 13,185' @ 18oC, AS350B3+ Nepal http://images.ibsrv.net/ibsrv/res/src:www.pprune.org/get/images/smilies/thumbs.gif
http://i1104.photobucket.com/albums/h338/rotors99/P1020546.jpg

[Vertical Freedom]

Tengboche Monastery, 13,185' @ 18oC, AS350B3+ Nepal http://images.ibsrv.net/ibsrv/res/src:www.pprune.org/get/images/smilies/thumbs.gif
http://i1104.photobucket.com/albums/h338/rotors99/P1020550.jpg

[Vertical Freedom]

what??? a German Bakery here??? in one of the remotest & the highest region in the World; Tengboche Monastery, Solu Khumbu, 13,185' @ 18oC,AS350B3+ Nepal :cool:
http://i1104.photobucket.com/albums/h338/rotors99/P1020557.jpg

[Vertical Freedom]

aaahhhh yes good Italian coffee :) German Bakery,? in one of the remotest & the highest regions in the World; Tengboche Monastery, Solu Khumbu, 13,185' @ 18oC,AS350B3+ Nepal :eek:
http://i1104.photobucket.com/albums/h338/rotors99/P1020566.jpg

[Vertical Freedom]

Yakita Yak, don't look back? Ground & Aerial working Mules; Ecureuil & Yak ::eek: Tengboche Monastery, Solu Khumbu, 13,185' @ 18oC,AS350B3+ Nepal :ok:



http://i1104.photobucket.com/albums/h338/rotors99/P1020577.jpg

[Vertical Freedom]

Ground & Aerial working Mules; an Ecureuil & a Yak, both beautiful :D Tengboche Monastery, Solu Khumbu, 13,185' @ 18oC,AS350B3+ Nepal :cool:



http://i1104.photobucket.com/albums/h338/rotors99/P1020579.jpg

[Vertical Freedom]

Shyangoche airstrip, 13,350' during a quick refueling the weather just dropped in & we were holed in for the night, in the morning it was only -2oC, AS350B3+ Nepal :ooh:http://i1104.photobucket.com/albums/h338/rotors99/P1020587.jpg

[bondu]

Vertical Freedom - Awesome photos!!!!!! Probably the best set yet!!

bondu :ok::D

[Vertical Freedom]

Perfect early morning departure from higher altitudes but the valley's & KTM where in under a solid blanket of cloud & an inversion haze layer, hence a little stop over on a 13,900' hill till she cleared a bit. AS350 B3+ Nepal :{
http://i1104.photobucket.com/albums/h338/rotors99/P1020588.jpg

[Vertical Freedom]

Perfect early morning departure from higher altitudes but the valley's & KTM where in under a solid blanket of cloud & an inversion haze layer, hence a little stop over on a 13,900' hill till she cleared a bit. Nepal http://images.ibsrv.net/ibsrv/res/src:www.pprune.org/get/images/smilies/boohoo.gif
http://i1104.photobucket.com/albums/h338/rotors99/P1020589.jpg

[Vertical Freedom]

new Helipad, Namche Bazaar, 12,496' AS350B Nepal :cool:
http://i1104.photobucket.com/albums/h338/rotors99/P1020594.jpg

[Vertical Freedom]

rescue flight from a potato field, lower Namche Gaon, 3 x pax, 5 x back-packs, 11,640' @ 21oC, :\ AS350B Nepal http://images.ibsrv.net/ibsrv/res/src:www.pprune.org/get/images/smilies/cool.gif
http://i1104.photobucket.com/albums/h338/rotors99/P1020598.jpg

[flighttest-engineer]

Tahnk you very much - Vertical Freedom to give us the opportunity to be with you on top of the world.

Phantastic pictures http://images.ibsrv.net/ibsrv/res/src:www.pprune.org/get/images/smilies/thumbs.gif

[touring_pilot]

Great shots of Nepal. Last time i was there i had to walk in!

[Vertical Freedom]

rescue flight; Lho 11,551' @19oC, 5 x pax, AS350B, Nepal


http://i1104.photobucket.com/albums/h338/rotors99/P1030402.jpg

[Vertical Freedom]

rescue flight; Lho 11,551' @19oC, 5 x pax, AS350B, Nepal
http://i1104.photobucket.com/albums/h338/rotors99/P1030406.jpg

[Vertical Freedom]

Annapurna base camp, beautiful one day - perfect the next, AS350B, 13,644' Nepal

http://i1104.photobucket.com/albums/h338/rotors99/P1020914.jpg

[Vertical Freedom]

Annapurna base camp, beautiful one day - perfect the next :) AS350B, 13,644' Nepal


http://i1104.photobucket.com/albums/h338/rotors99/P1020907.jpg

[Vertical Freedom]

coming out of Manang pass its VFR on top & above 21,000' but below :confused: nil penetration possible, AS350B3+ Nepal :\http://i1104.photobucket.com/albums/h338/rotors99/P1020856.jpg

[estepo]

Vertical Freedom

Remarkable photos..... they somehow seem to get better and better.

[fijdor]

Totally agree with Peter-RB.

Keep them coming Vertical Freedom or anybody else, really nice photos.

JD

[Vertical Freedom]

rescue flight - Makteen, 4,081' @ 26oC 4 pax B206BIII, Nepal


http://i1104.photobucket.com/albums/h338/rotors99/P1020949-1.jpg

[Vertical Freedom]

smog & haze inbound from the West @ 500'AGL to VNKT, Nepal :eek:
http://i1104.photobucket.com/albums/h338/rotors99/P1030473.jpg

[Vertical Freedom]

rescue flight to 'Braga' (right in pic) looking at Manang gaon & lake, Manang Valley, Nepalhttp://i1104.photobucket.com/albums/h338/rotors99/P1030048-1.jpg

[Vertical Freedom]

rescue flight 'Braga' 11,380', Manang Valley, AS350B3+ Nepal
http://i1104.photobucket.com/albums/h338/rotors99/P1020831.jpg

[Vertical Freedom]

earth bound work horses - Tsum Valley, Nepal
http://i1104.photobucket.com/albums/h338/rotors99/P1020871.jpg

[Vertical Freedom]

rescue flight - 'Philim' Manasalu Valley, 4 pax, 5,272' @ 20oC, B206BIII, Nepal
http://i1104.photobucket.com/albums/h338/rotors99/P1030528-1.jpg

[Vertical Freedom]

rescue flight - 'Philim' - Manasalu Valley, 4 pax, 5,272' @ 20oC, B206BIII, Nepalhttp://i1104.photobucket.com/albums/h338/rotors99/P1030529-2.jpg

[Vertical Freedom]

A rare day with less haze looking North to the real mountains, visible form home, Kathmandu, Nepal
http://i1104.photobucket.com/albums/h338/rotors99/P1030427-1.jpg

[Vertical Freedom]

http://i1104.photobucket.com/albums/h338/rotors99/P1030378.jpg

[Vertical Freedom]

Thorang Pedi pass @ 20,000' into Manang Valley from Jomsom, B206BIII, Nepal
http://i1104.photobucket.com/albums/h338/rotors99/P1030350-1.jpg

[Vertical Freedom]

approaching VNJS Jomson airfiled, 8,800' rescue flight, B206BIII, Nepal http://i1104.photobucket.com/albums/h338/rotors99/P1030326-1.jpg

[Vertical Freedom]

Charang village, Mustang Valley, rescue flight, B206B3III, Nepal
http://i1104.photobucket.com/albums/h338/rotors99/P1030236-1.jpg

[Vertical Freedom]

Lomangthang village 13,751, Mustang Valley, rescue flight, B206BIII, Nepal
http://i1104.photobucket.com/albums/h338/rotors99/P1030182-1.jpg

[Vertical Freedom]

extreme conditions for farming, Kimaling Village, 14,108', rescue flight, B206BIII, Nepal
http://i1104.photobucket.com/albums/h338/rotors99/P1030313-1.jpg

[Vertical Freedom]

Annapurna Base camp, scenic charter flight, 3 x pax, 13,600' @ 8oC, AS350B, Nepal
http://i1104.photobucket.com/albums/h338/rotors99/P1030017-1.jpg

[Vertical Freedom]

Tribute to dead Mountaineers near Annapurna South Base camp, 13,600' Nepal
http://i1104.photobucket.com/albums/h338/rotors99/P1030021-1.jpg

[Vertical Freedom]

Annapurna Base camp, sacred Machapuchare Mtn in the background, scenic charter flight, 3 x pax, 13,600' @ 8oC, AS350B, Nepal
http://i1104.photobucket.com/albums/h338/rotors99/P1030027.jpg

[Vertical Freedom]

Annapurna South Base camp, beautiful one day - amazing the next, AS350B3+, 13,644' Nepal

http://i1104.photobucket.com/albums/h338/rotors99/P1020788.jpg

[Vertical Freedom]

Mountain Guide Duncan, Mountain Pilot Steven & Mountain Aerial Mule AS350B3+ Nepal
http://i1104.photobucket.com/albums/h338/rotors99/P1020774.jpg

[Vertical Freedom]

another Mountain flying days scenery, everyday is different, cruising at 12,000' Nepal
http://i1104.photobucket.com/albums/h338/rotors99/P1030445-1.jpg

[Vertical Freedom]

approaching 'Lho' Sama Valley, Nepal
http://i1104.photobucket.com/albums/h338/rotors99/P1030399.jpg

[Vertical Freedom]

just cruizin' in the Jetbox, crossed Thorang Pedi Pass 20,000' 3-4 mins back on descent passing through 19,000 for a pad at 11,000', Manang Valley, Nepal
http://i1104.photobucket.com/albums/h338/rotors99/P1030373-1.jpg
http://www.pprune.org/9HJPF-DP9QB-BRYVN-AVCZ7-YAQ7H

[Vertical Freedom]

Machapuchare Mountain in the backdrop, most Holy Mountain in Nepal, AS350Bhttp://i1104.photobucket.com/albums/h338/rotors99/P1020992-1.jpg

[Vertical Freedom]

lookin' out at a surreall day :eek: there's maybe 50 days max a year this good? The rest of days; :mad::yuk::ugh::ouch::(
http://i1104.photobucket.com/albums/h338/rotors99/P1020981-1.jpg

[Vertical Freedom]

Hunters from the Hungarian 'Safari Club International' hunting Blue Sheep? 'Dhorpatan' 6 x pax, guns, ammo, booze, batteries, tents, kitchen sink & more; 9,927' @ 24oC, AS350B3+ Nepal

http://i1104.photobucket.com/albums/h338/rotors99/P1020760-1.jpg

[Thud_and_Blunder]

VF, lovely photos as always (although I'll keep my opinion of people who'll travel to kill exotic animals to myself). One question - when were those buildings put up at Annapurna Base Camp? Had the privilege of walking up to there in 1979 and nothing permanent was established then.

[Vertical Freedom]

Namaste Thud & Blunder, will agree with You totally on the animal hunters :E small consolation :rolleyes: it is Nepal's only Hunting reserve :{

Hunting Animals « Nepal Hunting Safari (http://nepalhuntingsafari.com/hunting/hunting-animals/)

Some Annapurna South Base Camp lodges & permanent dwellings are a there a good few years now, maybe 10?


The reserve extends over an area of 1325 sq. km and is the only hunting reserve in the country to meet the sports hunting needs of Nepalese and foreign hunters of blue sheep and other game animals. The higher elevations remain snow-capped throughout the year. Altitudes vary from 3000 m. to more than 7000 m. The flat meadows above tree line (4000 m), locally known as Patan, is divided into six blocks for hunting management purposes.
The reserve is surrounded by villages on all sides except the north. Local people depend on the reserve to meet their requirements for wood, fuelwood, fodder, and pasture. The refugee camp near the reserve headquarters has put more human pressure in the forest. Every year livestock grazing activities begin from February and last until October. More than 80,000 livestock enter the reserve

[bondu]

Awesome pics, VF!! Keep them coming and fly safe!!

bondu :ok::D

[Thud_and_Blunder]

Namaskar, VF, and dhanyabad(sp?) for the comprehensive reply. I'm glad I didn't have to carry any of those building materials up there on foot, mind!

[Vertical Freedom]

http://i1104.photobucket.com/albums/h338/rotors99/P1030810.jpgOn stand-bye rescue duty @ Ghara 5,789' AS350B (middle of pic) for runners across Nepal

[Vertical Freedom]

Early morning start for runner across Nepal. On stand-bye rescue duty @ Ghara 5,789' AS350B (middle of pic) http://i1104.photobucket.com/albums/h338/rotors99/P1030819.jpg

[Vertical Freedom]

rescue duty, Tadapani 9,278' AS350B - Nepal
http://i1104.photobucket.com/albums/h338/rotors99/P1030848.jpg

[Vertical Freedom]

rescue duty, Tadapani 9,278' AS350B - Nepal
http://i1104.photobucket.com/albums/h338/rotors99/P1030829.jpg