Two hours ago I had a very unpleasant experience. As I lifted to the hover and began to back out of a confined area I was stung between the fingers of my left hand by a HORNET!! I almost lost it. The pain was incredible and disorientating. I landed and killed the f****** thing. My hand is now hideously swollen and sore. I didn't see it or feel it on the collective until it stung me. I have seen them before under the canvas cover but not in the cockpit.
My helmet was stored in the aircraft and I hate to think what would have happened if it had been in there.
Just a thought. Check your helmet before you put it on particularly if you leave it in the aircraft.
Insects are on my preflight list now.
I'm still shaking - literally.