Any English speaking Mi - 24 Pilot's Out there ?

[Gunship]

Hi all,

I would like to hear from any English speaking Mi - 24 Pilots that is currently flying, or has flown, the Hind on this forum?

Any American or South African test pilot's on this forum ?

The Russian - and Natasha (voice activation) is getting to me http://www.pprune.org/ubb/NonCGI/frown.gif

All the best.

Gunship
;)

[Thomas coupling]

Why are you flying these...sounds interesting stuff...care to elaborate? Switch natasha off!!

http://www.gograph.com/Images-7298/AnimatedGif/redstar.gif

------------------
Thermal runaway.

[Gunship]

Hi Thomas,

No I would not mind talking about it - as long as it is on my terms and within my contract.

I fly the Hinds purely as - that is my job - sorry I am quite frank about it - I feel I do the same job as any other pilot. Somebody's got to do it !

Re Natasha - I wish I could understand Russian - I do not know where to select OFF.
The Hind is a very good heli, responds well etc but, VERY underpowered and purely made for runway to runway jobs. I like her speed 245 Km/h with full fuel and weapons and ± 275 km/h ground speed - empty or shall I say near empty..

We have used her previously into confined areas, to the utter amazement with Russian / Indian pilots that I have met.
One of the Indians has 2500 hours on the machine and has NEVER landed on anything than a runway.

We have changed our SOP's slightly after talking to them http://www.pprune.org/ubb/NonCGI/redface.gif

The cockpit is all but user - friendly ! The checks and Vital Actions are in a left / right / front / right / left - very uncomfortable sequence.

But then again - when you get used to it - what a pleasure.

Another interesting fact : The cmdr can not deliver ANY weapons from the back if the co-pilot (also called aviator or gunner) does not arm the circuitbreakers from the front cockpit. Call it : Typical Eastern doctrine ??

Well, enough for now, more maybe one day - I am still looking for anybody re RRPM settings before / during cruise / before landing... apparently you can set her up nicely for speed or fuel consumption (900 to 1100 litres an hour).

Any help will be appreciated :)

Cheers

Gunship
;)

[This message has been edited by Gunship (edited 13 February 2001).]

[Thomas coupling]

Thanks for that. Who do you work for, where are you based now?
Very rare to meet someone flying something we would have given our "hind" teeth to have engaged with during some conflict or other...

More...more!


http://www.gograph.com/Images-7298/AnimatedGif/redstar.gif

------------------
Thermal runaway.

[The Nr Fairy]

TC :

If you're desperate to see a real Hind, there's an ex East German one at the Helicopter Museum in Weston-super-Mud. If you ask nicely they might even let you sit in it, especially if you take your flying jam sandwich along.

[Thomas coupling]

Ooooh! Who wiggled your christmas tree then??


http://www.gograph.com/Images-7298/AnimatedGif/redstar.gif

------------------
Thermal runaway.

[The Nr Fairy]

TC :

No-one's rattled my tree, it's probably an attempt at gentle humour gone wrong because the Internet's in the way.

All I know is, if you fancy a look at a Hind in the flesh, then IHM have one. They also have a helipad, and if operational requirements permitted, they're most amenable to helicopters popping in. Also, when I was last there, the cockpit was open but you weren't allowed to sit in it but could stand on the step and sniff the aromas, as it were.

Hopefully this post will come across as intended !!

[Gunship]

Hi TC,

As explained - sorry man but duty calls (without being 007) so yes - Somewhere in North Africa - north of the equator.

I do fly for a legitimate government and YES - it is a great job and I wish everybody had an opportunity to fly / see the beast.

All the best !

Gunship
;)