First ever Heli ride was in a Gazelle around 1986, scrounged a seat while working at a motor show on a golf course. The pilot lifted, hover taxied to the long fairway, then accelerated down it before turning speed into height. Just solid acceleration, no gear changes and a great view between my feet.
That was it.......
Now fortunate enough to earn a living behind a camera and get to spend time in planks and helis.
Other notable moments include a trip at night around New York in '98 in an AStar and last year spending time with HEMS. Never flown with anyone before who only found out roughly were they were going about 60 seconds before lifting, then had to work out exactly where once en-route.
Just a shame you can't hire one for the same money as a Cessna 172....
MS