In 1975 I flew down to Illesheim near Frankfurt in a British army Gazelle. While waiting for the drivers to do whatever it is that drivers do I was offered a front seat ride in a Huey Cobra going on airtest. I made small talk with the pilot and asked about the autorotation characteristics. Ok he said here we go we've just been shot down.
At that point I spoted the difference between American and British army pilots.
British pilots had practice engine failures, Americans got shot down.
Remember Vietnam had only just finished and the Americans had real combat time. My deepest respect and thanks for the best flying day I ever had.
Mind you the German army pilot who took us for a ride in a CH53 at Soest and was clearly a frustrated Messerschmitt pilot gave it a good good run for the money and that also sticks out as a memorable day.
Last edited by ericferret; 22nd Feb 2013 at 19:55.