Flew a Gazelle in the 1998 and 2000 (last one) MW airshow. I have a great pic of me flying in Air Forces Monthly magazine double spread on p 69 (Nov 2000 issue).
Certainly concentrates the mind and one can't have enough practises to ensure a "safe" display. IMHO i'm surprised we never had an accident. I don't know which was worse, trying to fly higher than the a/c next to you to avoid recirc or watching the ripple effect as a/c are jockeying for space and praying the a/c next to you moves as you do! One of my Lynx mates actually popped out the bottom after being squeezed out of the formation! I swear my blades over lapped on some of practises- underpants were like the starting grid of Brands Hatch!
Although it looks great hovering with 100 helos, in the avoid curve, contending with recirc 1/2 to 1 rotor span is asking for trouble!
