As an LAC/SAC rigger in the mid 70's some very kind QHIs must've had a bet on how I'd do when they taught me to fly Whirlwinds. At the closure of Tern Hill I could just about do most things except the final landing back on camp.
Possibly the only naturally left-seated Helicopter pilot at the time.
First exciting trip: Across and through the valleys of Snowdon - Whirlwind front seat.
Fastest exciting trip: 20ft and 120 knots across the fields of Gloucestershire hanging out the side of a Huey (I was the Crew Chief) and doing plenty of "Wingovers" to go around Pylons - almost smelling the Corn roasting as we passed. Lifting to clear roadside bushes and traffic.
Most proud - Landing at Conningsby in a Huey - they could hear us 10 miles out and it attracted my mates!
Strangest: Doing the Nurburgring circuit in the back of a Chinook.