EOLs
Sure agree ... a great piece of 'theater flying' by Mike and an absolute joy to see his precision handling. Just a pity the finished product as broadcast included too many clips where Mike was NOT in autorotation, but that is the film business as we all know.
I would still take the view that where a precision target landing is necessary, especially when surrounded by obstructions, the 'constant attitude' method is more likely to be successful.
Going back to the MD 500 EOL demonstrations. I agree with 500 that neither approached anything like what can be achieved by a type experienced handler. I teach and expect my pilots to make a zero ground speed touch down at anything other than max AUW or L & V wind conditions.
Some pruners might know of the 2005 WHC event, where I attempted to touch down 'skids on' to coincide exactly with Ravel's famous 'last bar slide into A Major' finish to his Bolero. The manoeuvre occupied precisely 13 seconds from 400 feet to skids on the ground. Don't ask me why I keep such useless facts in my head!
And lovely to see dear old G-SHCC floating around, the second of Starline Helicopters SH series Jetrangers which was sold to that affable Welshman Gwyn Humphries circa 1988 ... and as we all love original registrations here, the others 206s in the series being, SHBB, SHJJ, SHRR, SHVV and the Mark Thatcher SHZZ. Take care all and a really, merry and happy Christmas. God bless us ... everyone!
Dennis K.