I lifted an R44 out the Boreal Forest last year. Although in a slightly more bent shape. Both occupants unfortunately killed. They fly fine in the cruise, but once rotor wash hits them on short final....same deal, putting it on a low loader with a cross wind. She went on no probs, but quite a work out and that's with over 10G hrs doing precision/production stuff. Also had the pressure of the RCMP, OPP and TSB looking on.That was probably the tenth A/C longline recovery for me.Mind you hadn't long lined in a couple of months as been on forestry spray. I agree Crab et al...you might have a few tho hrs doing strops ,decks and wets etc....but single pilot longline bit like IFR, if you haven't done it in a month or so, first couple of turns take a bit to get into. No SAS,auto hover and crew looking out the door. Anyways back at her on Boxing Day, be safe boys/girls....Merry Xmas!