Red Bull Manoeuvres
The fabulous displays produced by the Red Bull team are surefire 'aerobatic' manoeuvres and well within the capabilities of the solid rotor head system ... indeed I was first treated to the display possibilities of the type, by Charlie Zimmerman and Herman Fuchs at Cranfield during the 1986 World Championship event, which Fuchs won. Charlie had won the previous two events.
Earlier in 1975 I flew with Zig Hoffman, again on the BO 105 when he performed the first full loop I had ever seen. It was largely due to him and his tuition, that I was able to develop a watered down display version on the Enstrom Shark at the 1978 Farnborough event.
Today however, I occasionally have mixed feelings when displaying various types. Over the years, I've had some highly experienced guys approach me suggesting that such flying isn't in the best interests of our industry, bringing with it a 'swashbuckling' element, hence my reluctance today to set up some kind of display tuition programme.
Overall I take the view that providing the required level of handling skill is present and the prospective DA has the right motivation, such flying does bring extra interest to the exciting world of rotary flying ... but I'm always listening for alternative views.
We've had a few heli display fatalities and I never want to see any more.
How do other pruners see the situation?
Safe flying to all,
Dennis Kenyon.