BV, many years ago when CFS(H) was at Ternhill,all prospective helicopter pilots( volunteers or pressedmen) had to undergo a selection process in the `roofless` hangar;before the days of `simulators and x-box stuff that you guys play about with now,.There would be a table with 3 judges,usually the Staish,CFI,and OC Ops,all venerable helicopter pilots,of many years experience.Each candidate was issued with a pair of roller skates which you put on,stood in the middle of the arena,and then had to rub your stomach in a circular manner,whilst `patting` your head with your other hand.At the same time you were expected to `flow around the arena ` ,pirouetting gracefully,and alternately changing the direction of patting and circular movement of your arms. In the winter,as it was a roofless hangar,you were given ice skates,as rollers wouldn`t work; nowadays a skateboard would be used...
You were allowed 2falls and 1 submission,with the `judges marking for originality,artistic content,and freestyle..Only the best were of course selected to continue the helicopter course....
So ,next time you get offered a trip in a helo,just remember the skill and daring that helo pilots used to undertake and how priviledged you should feel.....!!!
