World Helicopter Championships 2008
Can someone explain me the reason and background for doing such "World Helicopter Championship"? What does the title "World Champion" mean? As i have seen there are only 7 nations involved, all from Europe. What is the reputation of this cup?
As i learned there a two groups divided into "seniors" with more than 250 flighthours and "juniors" below this experience.
They are doing some special flights like navigation, slalom and putting a load into a window.
What does a pilot qualify for this event? Why there are no pilots from the other countries?
The "Junior World Helicopter Championship" took place between only two countries with 4 crews.
The "Freestyle World Champion" was made between only 4 pilots.
Dennis, you lost an easy earned "World Champion" title! Sure such a mighty title will decrease your insurance rates and personal sponsors are on the phone all the day
As i learned there a two groups divided into "seniors" with more than 250 flighthours and "juniors" below this experience.
They are doing some special flights like navigation, slalom and putting a load into a window.
What does a pilot qualify for this event? Why there are no pilots from the other countries?
The "Junior World Helicopter Championship" took place between only two countries with 4 crews.
The "Freestyle World Champion" was made between only 4 pilots.
Dennis, you lost an easy earned "World Champion" title! Sure such a mighty title will decrease your insurance rates and personal sponsors are on the phone all the day
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Have a look here all is explained: http://www.fai.org/rotorcraft/system...rules_2008.pdf
Also http://www.britishhelicopterteam.co.....asp?id=385698
Also http://www.britishhelicopterteam.co.....asp?id=385698
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Whc 2008
Ref the WHC event at Eisenach ... The September issue of LOOP will cover the event as a report. The Brit team did especially well to get a third place always bearing in mind the Ruskies are virtually unbeatable in all the tests and have been since I first took part in 1973!
My article will say that in one section, the Russians were scoring 299 points out of a maximum of 300. You can't get a lot more perfect than that!
Our two ladies did us really proud so read the LOOP article for four pages of info and pictures.
A major difficulty is the Russian team treat the event as a military task and at a guess, I'd say they spend perhaps four or five times airborne practice as is possible for a UK team.
The odd thing is that the WHC event never seems to attract the right number of countries. No Yanks, Far East, Ozmen or Afica. A few years back the Americans did come over but it seems that since any available sponsorship is minimal ... location costs become prohibitive. All a bit sad, because to see fifty or sixty different make helicopters in one place at a competitive event makes for a great helicopter occasion and watching the Russian pilots slickly manoeuvre the clunky old Mil 2s around and through the various 'gates' always makes me wonder how they fly so well.
For some reason the 'Freestyle' doesn't attract a worthwhile entry at all. Seldom more than a dozen, and just 4 at Eisenach. Why? The event is open to any pilot, anywhere in the world.
Quentin Smith and myself have been the only civvy Brits that have participated in any of the last eight events, plus the serviceman Andy Berryman (gazelle) a few years back.
The next 'worlds' are in Russia 2011. If I'm still on my perch, I'd like to have another good go ... so how about some of you guys out there with access to the right heli, thinking right now about preparing a good Brit entry. Let's make it a real World Championship event for once.
While on the site, a really big thanks for all the wellwishers following my daft episode in Utah. The fall-out was that the long time insurers were not able to offer display cover for my WHC 2008 entry, hence the last minute change of heli type.
Nevertheless, a great experience flying over what was once Russian 'Cold War' territory ... plus the huge Beers they served outside the team hotel in Eisenach!
Safe flying to all.
Dennis Kenyon.
My article will say that in one section, the Russians were scoring 299 points out of a maximum of 300. You can't get a lot more perfect than that!
Our two ladies did us really proud so read the LOOP article for four pages of info and pictures.
A major difficulty is the Russian team treat the event as a military task and at a guess, I'd say they spend perhaps four or five times airborne practice as is possible for a UK team.
The odd thing is that the WHC event never seems to attract the right number of countries. No Yanks, Far East, Ozmen or Afica. A few years back the Americans did come over but it seems that since any available sponsorship is minimal ... location costs become prohibitive. All a bit sad, because to see fifty or sixty different make helicopters in one place at a competitive event makes for a great helicopter occasion and watching the Russian pilots slickly manoeuvre the clunky old Mil 2s around and through the various 'gates' always makes me wonder how they fly so well.
For some reason the 'Freestyle' doesn't attract a worthwhile entry at all. Seldom more than a dozen, and just 4 at Eisenach. Why? The event is open to any pilot, anywhere in the world.
Quentin Smith and myself have been the only civvy Brits that have participated in any of the last eight events, plus the serviceman Andy Berryman (gazelle) a few years back.
The next 'worlds' are in Russia 2011. If I'm still on my perch, I'd like to have another good go ... so how about some of you guys out there with access to the right heli, thinking right now about preparing a good Brit entry. Let's make it a real World Championship event for once.
While on the site, a really big thanks for all the wellwishers following my daft episode in Utah. The fall-out was that the long time insurers were not able to offer display cover for my WHC 2008 entry, hence the last minute change of heli type.
Nevertheless, a great experience flying over what was once Russian 'Cold War' territory ... plus the huge Beers they served outside the team hotel in Eisenach!
Safe flying to all.
Dennis Kenyon.
Yeah the russians seem to be unbeatable, because they got the most chances to train this few specific exercises. If i'm not wrong this competition is first hand a question of money, support and time, but founded of course on good pilot skills. OK, not unconventional in this world
Sorry to say in respect, not a fair and really open competition for me and sure the reason for the irreducible interest and participators. The FAI should stop it or improve the show. A "Helicopter Junior World Champion" in the FAI annuals out of only 4 pilots from 2 countries is crazy and not in line with the impressive FAI history and sense with hundred member countries.
Dennis, i hope you will solve your insurance trouble! All the best
Sorry to say in respect, not a fair and really open competition for me and sure the reason for the irreducible interest and participators. The FAI should stop it or improve the show. A "Helicopter Junior World Champion" in the FAI annuals out of only 4 pilots from 2 countries is crazy and not in line with the impressive FAI history and sense with hundred member countries.
Dennis, i hope you will solve your insurance trouble! All the best
Last edited by tecpilot; 6th Sep 2008 at 20:18.
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WHC Photos
Buttocknurdler - Enstrom as below.
Many thanks to Dennis and all the crews at Eisenach - the pictures have been used in a number of places and it was a most enjoyable few days in Germany!
Merry Christmas and Happy New Year to all
Many thanks to Dennis and all the crews at Eisenach - the pictures have been used in a number of places and it was a most enjoyable few days in Germany!
Merry Christmas and Happy New Year to all
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The Brit team did especially well to get a third place always bearing in mind the Ruskies are virtually unbeatable in all the tests and have been since I first took part in 1973!
