Fun, and an essential part of your training and ongoing practice.
The ability to visit off-airfield sites is one of the best things about helicopter flight.
Rule 5 - yes. Also, always -
always check and double-check for
poles, wires and
cables. I'm paranoid about 'em. Easy enough to remember when you are recce'ing and approaching the site - and
very easy to forget when departing. So watch out.
The other thing is:
never assume anything. I found this out after visiting - solo - a site that I had previously been into with an instructor. Put me on the receiving end of an irate call from the landowner - apparently just because the instructor had taken me there didn't mean it was OK to use that site myself.
Not whacking the tail rotor off anything also helps your afternoon go smoothly - I'm very pleased to report that I do NOT speak from experience on that one.
Great way to spend the afternoon though - does wonders for your scan and hover control. Beats pounding around the circuit, doesn't it ?
