Was landing today in a PA-28, whilst a Kamov KA-32 (I think) with an underslung load was in the hover, approximately 50m lateral to the runway.
I seriously underestimated how much effect this helicopter would have on me, and had I been any closer would have struggled to recover the situation.
I now appreciate the rotor wash effect from helicopters much much much more.
http://www.aaib.gov.uk/cms_resources...3%20G-BPJT.pdf
iii) The dangers caused by rotor downwash generated by large helicopters when hovering close to an active runway have not been sufficiently researched. Although helicopter downwash and wake vortez is recognised as being hazardous it may be that such conditions associated with hovering helicopters are not widely appreciated.
Something of an understatement, I really wish i'd read this AAIB report before.