As my 'name' indicates, I am a 'usedtabe' Royal Marines Helicopter Pilot.
I trained in 1965 on Chipmunk, Hiller 12b, B47 Sioux and then converted to the Westland Scout.
Flew a tour in Aden on the Sioux, and then in the UK/Norway/Africa/Europe/Canada followed by a Qualified Helicopter Instructor (QHI) course. Instructed on Sioux and Scout.
Became the RM member on the Gazelle Intensive Flying Trials Unit, and subsequently converted pilots onto the Gazelle.
Retired from the RM in 1977 and flew AB205s in the Sultan of Oman's Air Force for 3 years.
Joined the Royal Air Force flying Gazelle, but lost my medical cat. in 1981, and re-branched into Supply. Ended with 4,000hrs.
Now I watch from my garden the Police Heli working over Dorset, the training/working helis flying out of Bournemouth Airport, Chinooks out of RAF Odiham, the Coastguard, the Navy from Yeovilton, and Gazelle/Lynx out of Middle Wallop, and wish them all safe trips! (but why is my house a navigation turning point?)