Top of the World: photos from Nepal

[Vertical Freedom]

rescue (frost bite & altitude sickness) 'Barutse' 18,011' @ 4oC, Sulo Khumbo region 4 x PAX & tons of cargo AS350B3+ - Nepal
http://i1104.photobucket.com/albums/h338/rotors99/P1030981.jpg

[Vertical Freedom]

WoW what a view, overflying 'Pokhara' East to West looking North - Nepal
http://i1104.photobucket.com/albums/h338/rotors99/P1030779.jpg

[Vertical Freedom]

WoW I can touch the blades of this wild aerial mountain mule. "Ulleri' 6,630' AS350B - Nepal
http://i1104.photobucket.com/albums/h338/rotors99/P1030893.jpg

[Vertical Freedom]

pick me, pick me; I wanna be a Rotor-Head 'Ulleri' 6,630' AS350B - Nepal
http://i1104.photobucket.com/albums/h338/rotors99/P1030903.jpg

[Vertical Freedom]

VNPK Pokhara airport 2,712' looking North - Nepal
http://i1104.photobucket.com/albums/h338/rotors99/P1030913.jpg

[Vertical Freedom]

on Approach to VNLK 9,500' Lukla, claimed to be the Worlds most dangerous airport, note the the upslope, plus one way strip. Nepal

http://i1104.photobucket.com/albums/h338/rotors99/P1030927.jpg

[Vertical Freedom]

rescue flight a tarn (corrie loch or glacier formed lake) looking from about 22,000' AS350B3+ - Nepal
http://i1104.photobucket.com/albums/h338/rotors99/P1030961.jpg

[Vertical Freedom]

rescue flight 'Barutse' base camp tents near tarn, Sulo Khumbo region, AS350B3+ - Nepal
http://i1104.photobucket.com/albums/h338/rotors99/P1030976.jpg

[Vertical Freedom]

http://images.ibsrv.net/ibsrv/res/src:www.pprune.org/get/images/smilies/thumbs.gif 'Ama Dabla' mountain (22,493') rescue mission completed, home bound viewed from about 21,000' AS350B3+ - Nepal :D
http://i1104.photobucket.com/albums/h338/rotors99/P1040014.jpg

[Vertical Freedom]

rescue flight 'Barutse' 18,011' @ 4oC, Sulo Khumbo region 4 x PAX & tons of cargo AS350B3+ - Nepal :cool:
http://i1104.photobucket.com/albums/h338/rotors99/P1030996.jpg

[Vertical Freedom]

:sad: flying across Nepal - 'beautiful one day - awesome the next' :D
http://i1104.photobucket.com/albums/h338/rotors99/P1030764.jpg

[Vertical Freedom]

view from Namche Heli-Pad towards Namche Bazaar & Ama Dabla Mountain, 11,561' @ 6oC, rescue flight 3 x pax + tons of bags, B206BIII. Nepal
http://i1104.photobucket.com/albums/h338/rotors99/P1040036.jpg

[Vertical Freedom]

Easterly view from Namche Heli-Pad, Sulo Khumbo region, 11,561' @ 6oC, rescue flight 3 x pax + bags, B206BIII. Nepal
http://i1104.photobucket.com/albums/h338/rotors99/P1040039.jpg

[Vertical Freedom]

climbing toward a low pass (19,900') for a rescue flight Mugu region AS350B3+, Nepal
http://i1104.photobucket.com/albums/h338/rotors99/P1040061.jpg

[Vertical Freedom]

rescue flight, 'Patarasi' 3 x pax + cargo 15,748' +2oC Mugu region, !350B3+ Nepal
http://i1104.photobucket.com/albums/h338/rotors99/P1040066.jpg

[Vertical Freedom]

flying North of Jumla VNJL for a rescue flight, AS350B3+ Nepal
http://i1104.photobucket.com/albums/h338/rotors99/P1040088.jpg

[Vertical Freedom]

flying North of Jumla VNJL for a rescue flight, AS350B3+ Nepal
http://i1104.photobucket.com/albums/h338/rotors99/P1040093.jpg

[Vertical Freedom]

on a rescue flight, the locals from Mugugaon, 14,173' @ 8oC, 5 x pax, AS350B3+ Nepal
http://i1104.photobucket.com/albums/h338/rotors99/P1040098.jpg

[Vertical Freedom]

on a rescue flight, the locals from Mugugaon, 14,173' @ 8oC, 5 x pax, AS350B3+ Nepal
http://i1104.photobucket.com/albums/h338/rotors99/P1040105.jpg

[Vertical Freedom]

'Mugugaon' rescue flight, 12,073' @ 8oC, 5 x pax, AS350B3+ Nepal :ok:
http://i1104.photobucket.com/albums/h338/rotors99/P1040147.jpg

[Vertical Freedom]

frieght flyin' longhaul N/W Nepal on a lucky clear day! about 11,000' climbing for pass a on a14,000' ridge before descendin' to Goti 7,221' A350B3+
http://i1104.photobucket.com/albums/h338/rotors99/P1040150.jpg

[Vertical Freedom]

long haul frieght flyin' N/W Nepal on a clear day! AS350B3+ Nepal
http://i1104.photobucket.com/albums/h338/rotors99/P1040152.jpg

[birrddog]

Anyone else want to ban Vertical Freedom from posting anymore awesome pics that make you jealous? :p

Awesome stuff VF, keep it up!

[Vertical Freedom]

long haul frieght flyin' N/W Nepal on a clear day! AS350B3+ Nepal
http://i1104.photobucket.com/albums/h338/rotors99/P1040160.jpg

[Vertical Freedom]

'Srinagar' freight flyin' 700kg grains + general cargo up, 800kg Ayurvedic herbs down,6,365' @ 140C, AS350B3+, Nepal
http://i1104.photobucket.com/albums/h338/rotors99/P1040163.jpg

[Vertical Freedom]

'Srinagar' freight flyin' 700kg grains + general cargo up, 800kg Ayurvedic herbs down,6,365' @ 140C, AS350B3+ Nepalhttp://i1104.photobucket.com/albums/h338/rotors99/P1040176.jpg

[Vertical Freedom]

now that's a seriously clean inversion layer, around 11,000' Nepal :ok:
http://i1104.photobucket.com/albums/h338/rotors99/P1040185.jpg

[Vertical Freedom]

someones home, Nepali alps
http://i1104.photobucket.com/albums/h338/rotors99/P1040188.jpg

[Vertical Freedom]

scenes during long haul frieght flyin' N/W Nepal on a clear day! AS350B3+ Nepal
http://i1104.photobucket.com/albums/h338/rotors99/P1040189.jpg

[Vertical Freedom]

on approach to 'Gothi' 7,331' between top of waterfall & mirror mount is the pad, N/W Nepal AS350B3+
http://i1104.photobucket.com/albums/h338/rotors99/P1040199.jpg

[Vertical Freedom]

'Gothi' freight flyin' 660kg grains + general cargo up, 770kg Ayurvedic herbs down, 7,221' @ 120C, AS350B3+, Nepal
http://i1104.photobucket.com/albums/h338/rotors99/P1040204.jpg

[Vertical Freedom]

scenes during long haul freight flyin' N/W Nepal on a clear day! AS350B3+ Nepal
http://i1104.photobucket.com/albums/h338/rotors99/P1040211.jpg

[Vertical Freedom]

scenes during long haul freight flyin' N/W Nepal on a clear day! AS350B3+ Nepal
http://i1104.photobucket.com/albums/h338/rotors99/P1040217.jpg

[Vertical Freedom]

scenes during long haul freight flyin' N/W Nepal on a clear day! AS350B3+ Nepal
http://i1104.photobucket.com/albums/h338/rotors99/P1040234.jpg

[Vertical Freedom]

'Kalaki' 7,076' @ 17oC; 400kg transformer + HydroElectric cargo AS350B3+ Nepal
http://i1104.photobucket.com/albums/h338/rotors99/P1040242.jpg

[Vertical Freedom]

'Kalaki' 7,076' @ 17oC; 360kg electrickery motor + HydroElectric cargo AS350B3+ Nepal
http://i1104.photobucket.com/albums/h338/rotors99/P1040307.jpg

[Vertical Freedom]

'Kalaki' 7,076' @ 17oC; 400kg transformer + HydroElectric cargo AS350B3+ Nepal
http://i1104.photobucket.com/albums/h338/rotors99/P1040248.jpg

[Vertical Freedom]

''Bahari' 9,061' @17oC 600kg grains + general cargo up, 700kg Ayurvedic herbs down, AS350B3+ Nepal

http://i1104.photobucket.com/albums/h338/rotors99/P1040254.jpg

[Vertical Freedom]

veiw down below 'Bahari' 9,061' @17oC 600kg grains + general cargo up, 700kg Ayurvedic herbs down, AS350B3+ Nepal
http://i1104.photobucket.com/albums/h338/rotors99/P1040255.jpg

[Vertical Freedom]

'Bahari' locals, 9,061' - Nepal
http://i1104.photobucket.com/albums/h338/rotors99/P1040259.jpg

[Vertical Freedom]

'Kalaki' 7,076' @ 17oC; 360kg electrickery motor + HydroElectric cargo AS350B3+ Nepal
http://i1104.photobucket.com/albums/h338/rotors99/P1040299.jpg

[Vertical Freedom]

'Sarkighat' freight flyin' 700kg grains + general cargo up, 800kg Ayurvedic herbs down,6,365' @ 17oC, AS350B3+ Nepal
http://i1104.photobucket.com/albums/h338/rotors99/P1040289.jpg

[Vertical Freedom]

'Kalaki' 7,076' @ 17oC; 360kg electrickery motor + HydroElectric cargo AS350B3+ Nepal

http://i1104.photobucket.com/albums/h338/rotors99/P1040295.jpg

[Smokeyboy]

Hi VF! In post 5488, would the young gentlemen by any chance be Sujal? If so, we went to flight school together.

Kind regards,
T.Q. Norway

[Vertical Freedom]

Smokeyboy Yes it is Sujal, he is acting as my CoJo :D

[Vertical Freedom]

Healthy baby Boy born in-flight arriving at VNKT from VNSK, Nepal (Mum & Baby doing well)
OmOmOm
http://i1104.photobucket.com/albums/h338/rotors99/P1040558.jpghttp://i1104.photobucket.com/albums/h338/rotors99/P1040566.jpg

[Vertical Freedom]

Melchham 8,925’ @ 9˚C, AS350B3, 700kg Herb Haul, near Simikot, Nepal
http://i1104.photobucket.com/albums/h338/rotors99/P1040534.jpg

[Vertical Freedom]

‘Sarkideo’ 7,012’ @ 12˚C, 800kg Herb Haul, 40min flight time over a 14,000’ range, near Simikot, Nepal
http://i1104.photobucket.com/albums/h338/rotors99/P1040356.jpg

[Vertical Freedom]

‘Sarkideo’ 7,012’ @ 12˚C, 800kg Herb Haul, with a local elder toking on the chillum, near Simikot, N/W Nepal
http://i1104.photobucket.com/albums/h338/rotors99/P1040419.jpg

[Vertical Freedom]

Sun kisses the Nepali Himalayas, pre dawn flight, Herb Haul, 12,000?’ @ -18˚C, N/W Nepal
OmOmOm

http://i1104.photobucket.com/albums/h338/rotors99/P1040525.jpg

[Vertical Freedom]

:eek: coming over ‘Virgin Pass’ 11,000?’ descending into the HAZE :(:eek::ugh: N/W Nepal

http://i1104.photobucket.com/albums/h338/rotors99/P1040512.jpg

[Vertical Freedom]

‘Lake Rara’ 10,171’ Herb Haul, cruizin’ @ 12,000’ AS350B3+ N/W Nepal

http://i1104.photobucket.com/albums/h338/rotors99/P1040499.jpg

[Vertical Freedom]

between 'Lobuche' & 'Ghorokshep' rescue flight, 16,609' @ -12oC AS350B3+, Mtn. Lhotse seen in background, SuloKhumbu region, Nepal

http://i1104.photobucket.com/albums/h338/rotors99/P1040677.jpg

[Vertical Freedom]

Magnificent views from ‘Namche Bizarre’ Sulo Khumbu, Nepal
http://i1104.photobucket.com/albums/h338/rotors99/P1040833-1.jpg

[Vertical Freedom]

Incredible Nepal, beautiful one day, incredible the next, amazing views from ‘Namche Bizarre’


http://i1104.photobucket.com/albums/h338/rotors99/P1040844-1.jpg

[Vertical Freedom]

Rescue flight at dawn, slope landing, ‘Taksindo’ 9,843’ @ -4˚C, 5 x PAX, AS350B3+, Sulo Khumbu region, Nepal
http://i1104.photobucket.com/albums/h338/rotors99/P1040660.jpg

[Vertical Freedom]

‘Orsho’ 13,492’ -6˚C prepping for a photo shoot around Ama Dablam (seen in the background), Sulo Khumbu region, Nepal

http://i1104.photobucket.com/albums/h338/rotors99/P1040917.jpg

[Vertical Freedom]

Scenes around Sulo Khumbu, climbing through 18,000’ -23˚C AS350B3+, for a film shoot around Ama Dablam, Nepal
http://i1104.photobucket.com/albums/h338/rotors99/P1040945.jpg

[Vertical Freedom]

Sulo Khumbu region, climbing through 20,000’ -28˚C AS350B3+, film shoot around Ama Dablam, Nepal

http://i1104.photobucket.com/albums/h338/rotors99/P1040928.jpg

[Vertical Freedom]

Sulo Khumbu region, climbing through 21,000’ -308˚C AS350B3+, 'Sagar Matha' Prabu (Mt. Everest seen in centre back) Nepal
http://i1104.photobucket.com/albums/h338/rotors99/P1040890.jpg

[Vertical Freedom]

Ama Dablam film shoot, 22,000’ -29˚C AS350B3+, door open, camera man feeling cool, errr yep me too, Sulo Khumbu, Nepal

http://i1104.photobucket.com/albums/h338/rotors99/P1040941.jpg
http://i1104.photobucket.com/albums/h338/rotors99/P1040972.jpg

[Vertical Freedom]

Looking down from 23,000’ @ -31˚C AS350B3+ at the top of Ama Dablam 22,493’ Nepal
http://i1104.photobucket.com/albums/h338/rotors99/P1040961.jpg

[topendtorque]

VF,

I am constantly amazed at yout high OAT at lower altitudes, but here at 23K it's as if you're back in the freezer. Is that when you break through the inversion layer that the rules become normal again?

tet

[Vertical Freedom]

Namaste TET

Normal :rolleyes: hahahaha there seems to be no normal ISA days here? Flying at the 'Top of the World' we seem to have our own unique weather patterns??? Yes we are almost constantly having inversion layers. It is also winter now, hence the big chill :ok: lots more power :) but the Jet Streams are much lower so really BIG winds & even bigger turbulence :{

Always know where the wind is & do everything into wind except peeeee:yuk:

VF

[Vertical Freedom]

‘Namche Bazaar’ viewed from the Heli-pad @ 11,561’ & 7 days later. Ama Dablam in the distance, Sulo Khumbu, Nepal
http://i1104.photobucket.com/albums/h338/rotors99/P1040819-1.jpg

http://i1104.photobucket.com/albums/h338/rotors99/P1050051-1.jpg

[Vertical Freedom]

‘Namche Bazaar’ viewed from the Heli-pad @ 11,561’ & 7 days later. Ama Dablam in the distance, Sulo Khumbu, Nepal


http://i1104.photobucket.com/albums/h338/rotors99/P1040827.jpg
http://i1104.photobucket.com/albums/h338/rotors99/P1050053.jpg

[Vertical Freedom]

VNLK (Tenzing-Hillary airport at Lukla) 9,530’ @ -5˚C, rescue flight in another day of soup weather - Sulo Khumbu, Nepal
http://i1104.photobucket.com/albums/h338/rotors99/P1050049.jpg

[Vertical Freedom]

'Dingboche' early morning rescue flight, 14,148' @ -12˚C, 6 x PAX, AS350B3+, Sulo Khumbu, Nepal
http://i1104.photobucket.com/albums/h338/rotors99/P1050065.jpg

[Vertical Freedom]

Heli trucking with Intrepid Guide/Climber/Teacher/Aircrewoman - Mingma Maya Sherpa at the 'Namche Bazaar' Heli-pad 11,561’ @ -9˚C,Sulo Khumbu, Nepalhttp://i1104.photobucket.com/albums/h338/rotors99/P1050059.jpg

[bondu]

Vertical Freedom,
Just one word................AWESOME!!!!

bondu:D

[Vertical Freedom]

Namaste Bondu

Thanks, glad You are enjoying.......................more comin' soon, just need more hours in a day :cool:

Vertical Freedom

[Vertical Freedom]

VNMA 11,115' @ -14˚C Manang Valley, dumping fuel for the flight home after rescue, Nepal
http://i1104.photobucket.com/albums/h338/rotors99/AJI1.jpg

[Vertical Freedom]

'Thorang Phedi' 15,157' @ -20˚C rescue flight, Manang Valley, Nepal
http://i1104.photobucket.com/albums/h338/rotors99/AJI2.jpg

[B Sousa]

Certainly qualifies for "Mountain Time" on the resume.

[Vertical Freedom]

'Charikot' 6,496' enroute @ 9,000' to VNLK from VNKT Nepal :eek:
http://i1104.photobucket.com/albums/h338/rotors99/P1040943-1.jpg

[Vertical Freedom]

‎'Humkhola' 10,551' @ +5℃ Dam recce, Jomsom region, Nepal

http://i1104.photobucket.com/albums/h338/rotors99/P1050144-1.jpg

[Vertical Freedom]

‎'Humkhola' 10,551' @ +5℃ Dam recce, Jomsom region, Nepal :cool:



http://i1104.photobucket.com/albums/h338/rotors99/P1050147-3.jpg

[Vertical Freedom]

office views to Gokyo valley, scenes of frozen Tarns (glacial lake) 22,500' @ -30℃, 'Sagar Matha Ji' (Everest top right), Sulo Khumbu, Nepal
http://i1104.photobucket.com/albums/h338/rotors99/P1040877.jpg

[Flyting]

Is the traffic that bad in Nepal that you have to fit a bumber bar on the front... :}

Seriously though, what's it for?
The mirror bars I've had on my squirrels for slinging were quite different, thus the question....

[Vertical Freedom]

Sulo Khumbu region, another day gettin' some fresh air in the office, Nepal
http://i1104.photobucket.com/albums/h338/rotors99/P1040945-1.jpg

[Vertical Freedom]

Namaste Flyting

Yep the frame is for the mirror when we are slinging :ooh:

Happy Landings

VF

[Vertical Freedom]

'Kala Pathar' 17,373' @ -11℃ AS350B3+ ancient salt lake bed, now snow covered, below the majestic 'Sagar Matha ji' the 'Top of the World' Nepal

http://i1104.photobucket.com/albums/h338/rotors99/P1050069-1.jpg

[ecureilx]

VF, maybe a bit off thread .. but .. a mention of your flying conditions and more .. in this month's Readers Digest, Asian Edition (I couldn't find the Asian Link, so I added the UK link, same story .. )

Rescue at the roof of the world (http://www.readersdigest.co.uk/magazine/179-Reader%27s-Digest-Main/1625)

and a shameless link to the photo there .. :E

http://www.readersdigest.co.uk/images/stories/article_rescue.jpg

[Evil Twin]

It's about time Vertical Freedon had his own photo thread. The pics are awesome mate and I am seriously jealous.

[Vertical Freedom]

Namaste ecureilx & Evil Twin

Thanks i seen the article on the HCL, we do that in our Company when required. :ok:

Thanks for the compliments, not sure it warrant my own thread though :cool: will keep them pumping when time permits :O

Happy Landings

VF

[Vertical Freedom]

'Everest Panorama Hotel' 12,616' @ 5℃ B206BIII & AS350B3+, Sulo Khumbu, Nepal

http://i1104.photobucket.com/albums/h338/rotors99/P1050004-1.jpg

http://i1104.photobucket.com/albums/h338/rotors99/P1050008-1.jpg

http://i1104.photobucket.com/albums/h338/rotors99/P1050017-1.jpg

[Vertical Freedom]

'Dingboche' early morning rescue flight, 14,148' @ -18˚C, 4 x PAX, AS350B3+, Sulo Khumbu, Nepal
http://i1104.photobucket.com/albums/h338/rotors99/P1050062.jpg
http://i1104.photobucket.com/albums/h338/rotors99/P1050061.jpg

[Vertical Freedom]

Blah, yeach :mad: typical Mountain Rescue weather, :eek: no-one wants to be rescued in the sunshine??? :\ -18℃ Manang Valley, Nepal
http://i1104.photobucket.com/albums/h338/rotors99/P1050163.jpg
http://i1104.photobucket.com/albums/h338/rotors99/P1050177.jpg

[Vertical Freedom]

:{ washing day an amazingly clear day for Nepal :eek: rooftop views of the Mountains from my apartment in Kathmandu :D
http://i1104.photobucket.com/albums/h338/rotors99/P1050040.jpg

[Darren999]

@VF: Mate, your pictures are absolutely fantastic! and as expressed before I am very jealous! You do an awesome job! Well done.. Thanks for the pictures too I really enjoy seeing them..

I do have a couple of silly questions,
1. At the heights you work at, are there Oxygen requirements, issues?
2. You pick up 5/6 people at those high altitudes, how much fuel do you carry?
3. The performance of your helicopters seems amazing, I am amazed it picks up all those people at that height, do you ever just run out of power?

I would really like to see some pictures of Everest you have taken, what's the highest you have been up too?

I was at 12,000' and found that bloody spooky!!
Please keep the pics coming..
Fly safe!
D

[Vertical Freedom]

@VF: Mate, your pictures are absolutely fantastic! and as expressed before I am very jealous! You do an awesome job! Well done.. Thanks for the pictures too I really enjoy seeing them..Thank You Darren999, I appreciate Your feedback, will post more soon :ok:
I do have a couple of silly questions, there are no silly questions :E

1. At the heights you work at, are there Oxygen requirements, issues? of course there is, from 10,000' crew must be on O2 continuously. I have had no issues, but seen plenty of people with Altitude Sickness & it aint pretty coughing up blood & water from their lungs, :{
2. You pick up 5/6 people at those high altitudes, how much fuel do you carry? not much :} just enough to get to the fuel cache I dumped on the way up there, legally 20 mins in the tank, but I try for 30 mins
3. The performance of your helicopters seems amazing, I am amazed it picks up all those people at that height, do you ever just run out of power? never have enough power to tun out of :ugh: usually Ng limited in an AS350B3+, Nr limited in an B2 & B & T4 limited in a B26BIII. many high altitude take-offs require cushion creep technique to the cliff edge & then fall off to get airspeed to fly away :p

I would really like to see some pictures of Everest you have taken, what's the highest you have been up too? I have posted a few here already, the correct name for Mount. Everest is Sagar Matha (meaning the Goddess Mother of the Universe) :cool:

I was at 12,000' and found that bloody spooky!!You do get used to the spooky feel but then there is the sloppy feel of the controls, the lack of power, looking always for where is the wind coming from cause you need every once of help you can get. ;)

Happy Landings :cool: & always know where the wind is & do EVERYTHING into wind :ok: except piss, (unless your wearing gators :uhoh:)

VF

[Darren999]

Thanks VF I appreciate your explanations.
Keep up the good work! and fly safe!!!
Look forward to more pics and I will check out the Mount Everest shots!

Darren

[Helinut]

Speaking personally, I am hooked on this thread. I always look to see who has posted since my last visit and never miss if VF has added a post

[Vertical Freedom]

Namaste Darren999 & Helinut

Thanks Guys for the nice words. Next time I am flying around Sagar Matha will punch out a few more pix to post.

It is off season now & b..... cold so there are very few people (tourist types) here so we are having a break (Yah well earned one)

Feb end is the next season start, so I will post a few new pix then. Or maybe dig through my collection & post a few older pix???

Tell then; Be Safe, be Happy & stay Healthy :cool:

Cheers'

VF

[Vertical Freedom]

Namche Heli-Pad, pic 1 on shallow fast approach, 2&3 on final, 4 sittin' on Namche Heli-Pad, lookin' back up the approach, AS350B3+, Sulo Khumbu, Nepal
http://i1104.photobucket.com/albums/h338/rotors99/P1040815-1.jpg


http://i1104.photobucket.com/albums/h338/rotors99/P1040817-1.jpg
http://i1104.photobucket.com/albums/h338/rotors99/P1040818-1.jpg



http://i1104.photobucket.com/albums/h338/rotors99/P1040824-1.jpg

[Vertical Freedom]

Rescue flight (east) outbound at 11,500' to get a 45 knot tail-wind, lookin' at Lamidada airfield, B206BIII, Nepal


http://i1104.photobucket.com/albums/h338/rotors99/P1050818-1.jpg

[Vertical Freedom]

modern EMS Rescue flight, 'Diktel' 5,397' @ 26°C, B206BIII, Nepal

http://i1104.photobucket.com/albums/h338/rotors99/P1050831.jpg


http://i1104.photobucket.com/albums/h338/rotors99/P1050837.jpg
http://i1104.photobucket.com/albums/h338/rotors99/P1050842.jpg

[Vertical Freedom]

Rescue flight (west) inbound at 6,500' to get less head-wind 25knots, lookin' at Ramechhap airfield & the Himalaya's, B206BIII, Nepal
http://i1104.photobucket.com/albums/h338/rotors99/P1050848.jpg

[Vertical Freedom]

'Lenticular' - cloud formations indicate BIG winds, & turbulance is just fightening in the ole' Jetbanger, enroute towardc Langtang Valley, Rescue flight, B206BIII, Nepal
http://i1104.photobucket.com/albums/h338/rotors99/P1050517.jpg

[Vertical Freedom]

'Lenticular' - cloud formations indicate BIG winds, flying up Langtang Valley, Rescue flight, B206BIII, Nepal

http://i1104.photobucket.com/albums/h338/rotors99/P1050522.jpg

[Vertical Freedom]

Kyanjing Ghompa 12,807' Rescue flight @ 1°C, 3 x pax, B206BIII, Nepal
http://i1104.photobucket.com/albums/h338/rotors99/P1050554.jpg

[Vertical Freedom]

Kyanjing Ghompa 12,807' Rescue flight @ 1°C, 3 x pax, B206BIII, Nepal
http://i1104.photobucket.com/albums/h338/rotors99/P1050555.jpg

[Vertical Freedom]

Kyanjing Ghompa 12,807' Rescue flight @ 1°C, 3 x pax, B206BIII, Nepal
http://i1104.photobucket.com/albums/h338/rotors99/P1050557.jpg

[Vertical Freedom]

Kyanjing Ghompa 12,807' Rescue flight @ 1°C, 3 x pax, B206BIII, Nepal
http://i1104.photobucket.com/albums/h338/rotors99/P1050560.jpg

[Vertical Freedom]

haaaah another day peering out the office window (if only it was like this everyday)
http://i1104.photobucket.com/albums/h338/rotors99/P1050566.jpg

[Vertical Freedom]

haaaah another day peering out the office window (if only it was like this everyday) :ok:

http://i1104.photobucket.com/albums/h338/rotors99/P1050570.jpg

haaaah another day peering out the office window (if only it was like this everyday) :ouch:

http://i1104.photobucket.com/albums/h338/rotors99/P1050582.jpg

haaaah another day peering out the office window (if only it was like this everyday) :cool:

http://i1104.photobucket.com/albums/h338/rotors99/P1050579.jpg

[Vertical Freedom]

approaching 'Laba' on R base, (check all the WIRES) for Heli-pad, Nepalhttp://i1104.photobucket.com/albums/h338/rotors99/P1050583.jpg

[Vertical Freedom]

Lake Rara 10,105' @ 2°C B206BIII, bad weather, haze, low cloud, high winds & turbulance, Nepal

http://i1104.photobucket.com/albums/h338/rotors99/P1050602.jpg

[Vertical Freedom]

'Laba' - 6,168' & 22°C, 4 x pax, Jetbox, Nepal

http://i1104.photobucket.com/albums/h338/rotors99/P1050588.jpg

[Vertical Freedom]

'Kattike' - 4,875' @ 24°C, 4 x pax, Jetbox, Nepal
http://i1104.photobucket.com/albums/h338/rotors99/P1050651.jpg

[Vertical Freedom]

'Kattike' party time, Nepal
http://i1104.photobucket.com/albums/h338/rotors99/P1050631.jpg

[Vertical Freedom]

Kattike - 4,875' @ 24°C, 4 x pax, Jetbox, Nepal
http://i1104.photobucket.com/albums/h338/rotors99/P1050669.jpg

[Vertical Freedom]

'Dipjunh' 5,116' @ 23°C, 4 x pax, Rescue flight, Nepal
http://i1104.photobucket.com/albums/h338/rotors99/P1050672.jpg
http://i1104.photobucket.com/albums/h338/rotors99/P1050676.jpg

[Vertical Freedom]

'teaching Hospital' 4,595' Rescue flight, Kathmandu, Nepal
http://i1104.photobucket.com/albums/h338/rotors99/P1050682.jpg

[Vertical Freedom]

'Mugugaon' - 11,035' -2°C Rescue flight, 3 x pax, Nepal

http://i1104.photobucket.com/albums/h338/rotors99/P1050694.jpg

http://i1104.photobucket.com/albums/h338/rotors99/P1050698-1.jpg

http://i1104.photobucket.com/albums/h338/rotors99/P1050700-1.jpg

http://i1104.photobucket.com/albums/h338/rotors99/P1050707.jpg

http://i1104.photobucket.com/albums/h338/rotors99/P1050709.jpg

http://i1104.photobucket.com/albums/h338/rotors99/P1050713.jpg

[Vertical Freedom]

'Barapokari' (pass to Manang Valley) elev. 10,288' outbound route rescue flight, A350B3, Nepalhttp://i1104.photobucket.com/albums/h338/rotors99/P1050740.jpg

[Vertical Freedom]

upper Manang Valley, rescue, 11,000' B3+ Nepal
http://i1104.photobucket.com/albums/h338/rotors99/P1050747.jpg

[Vertical Freedom]

hookin' up the Manang Valley, @ 12,800' Anusha Udas CoJo, B3+ :cool: Yeah :)http://i1104.photobucket.com/albums/h338/rotors99/P1050751.jpghttp://i1104.photobucket.com/albums/h338/rotors99/P1050758.jpg

[Vertical Freedom]

Rescue flt. upper 'Thorang Phedi' HLS 15,233' @ -7°C B3+, Nepal
http://i1104.photobucket.com/albums/h338/rotors99/P1050764.jpg
http://i1104.photobucket.com/albums/h338/rotors99/P1050761.jpg

[Vertical Freedom]

http://i1104.photobucket.com/albums/h338/rotors99/P1050783.jpghttp://i1104.photobucket.com/albums/h338/rotors99/P1050786.jpg
VNMA Humde airfield 11,110 +2C, fuel & chiya stop, B3+ Nepal
footnote: see the wind 40-50knots of the mtn behind the B3, here on the grd is 5-8knots on the B3nose 180 opp

[Vertical Freedom]

Teaching Hospital Rescue
http://i1104.photobucket.com/albums/h338/rotors99/P1050960.jpg
http://i1104.photobucket.com/albums/h338/rotors99/P1050956.jpg

[Vertical Freedom]

http://i1104.photobucket.com/albums/h338/rotors99/P1050967.jpg
Teaching Hospital Rescue, KTM, Nepal

[Vertical Freedom]

Neuro Hospital, 3.6nm N from VNKT, :ooh: 4,794' @ 24C, Nepal
http://i1104.photobucket.com/albums/h338/rotors99/P1050609-1.jpg

[Vertical Freedom]

Kattike - 4,875' @ 24°C, 4 x pax, Jetbox, Nepal
http://i1104.photobucket.com/albums/h338/rotors99/P1050619.jpg

[Vertical Freedom]

Lake Rara, Nepal's largest lake, & 4th highest major lake 10,105' - bad weather, haze, mist, low cloud, sago ice rain pellets, high winds & turbulence, Nepal
Rara lake West-Nepal, pictures/photos, trekking (http://www.rara-lake.com/)
Rara Lake, Nepal - YouTube
http://i1104.photobucket.com/albums/h338/rotors99/P1050603-1.jpg

[Royster74]

Those images are awesome Vertical Freedom! Thanks for sharing so many too!:D

[Vertical Freedom]

Mountain Squirrel or Mule :p 'Thyangboch' HLS, 14,370' - Nepal :ok:
http://i1104.photobucket.com/albums/h338/rotors99/P1020364-1.jpg

[Vertical Freedom]

First Helicopter landing on the Moon. Gorok Shep - 17'060' @ 8C, SuloKhumbu, Nepal
http://i1104.photobucket.com/albums/h338/rotors99/P1040671.jpg

[Vertical Freedom]

pinnacle approach, short final to Mount. Coonowrin :cool: (Crook Neck to the local Rock-climbers) H269, Glass house Mtns. Australia
http://i1104.photobucket.com/albums/h338/rotors99/P1010037.jpg

touch-down, sigh & go :p
http://i1104.photobucket.com/albums/h338/rotors99/P1010039-1.jpg

[Vertical Freedom]

Himalayan Rescue Association of Nepal- HRA (http://www.himalayanrescue.org/hra/index.php)
http://i1104.photobucket.com/albums/h338/rotors99/DSC_0328.jpg
http://i1104.photobucket.com/albums/h338/rotors99/DSC_0327.jpg

HCL (human cargo long-line) practice for slinging patients out from difficult terrain where we can't land - Nepal

[bast0n]

Could the moderators make a dedicated Nepal page where VF and others could post?

Not needed in my view. VF posts such amazing photographs of such quality, and makes those of us who used to grovel around below 15000 feet truly jealous.

What an amazing flying experience these chaps have and what skills they demonstrate that most of us can only dream about. I have had my share of arctic and european mountains but this lot takes the biscuit.

Roll on more wonderful photographs from VF and others. Why should they be sidelined because they are so much better than the rest of us, and have the luck to be flying at the edge of the world in helicopter terms.

I wish I was there......................D

[CYHeli]

The only thing needed to complement his photos is the story on how he went from a Hughes 269 / 300 at sea level in Queensland to an AS350B3 in Nepal!:D
But that's more appropriate on another thread.

[Thumpa1981]

I'm with you CY, love to know the storey of how you go from a 300 in QLD to a 350 in Nepal.

[bast0n]

The only thing needed to compliment his photos is the story on how he went from a Hughes 269 / 300 at sea level in Queensland to an AS350B3 in Nepal!

Probably could not hack the 269/300 at sea level so they sent him somewhere from whence they thought he would not return!!

Jealous - Moi? Oh yes...................Keep them coming VF...........D

[Brassed Off]

I really hope the comments of a few do not put off Vertical Freedom.

:ok: If you want as many as he can provide.

If you want to moan about them, beat them! I certainly can`t. Lets see yours.

Personally, I love his pictures.

[kneedwondean]

Keep posting VF.......

[Vertical Freedom]

VNKT - Tribhuvan International Airport, Nepal 4,400' http://i1104.photobucket.com/albums/h338/rotors99/P1060336.jpghttp://i1104.photobucket.com/albums/h338/rotors99/P1060149.jpg
foot note: this is not an ad for Antonov or Eurocopter :confused:

[Vertical Freedom]

'Yaketi Yak don't look back' :ok:
Heli truckin' 500kgs batteries; B3+ @ 14,042' -2C :8
somewhere on planet to Earth :O
http://i1104.photobucket.com/albums/h338/rotors99/P1060180.jpg

[Vertical Freedom]

drats I'm taken' 2nd valley on the left where most of the smoke is going, for a landing at @ 13,513', 8nm from here http://images.ibsrv.net/ibsrv/res/src:www.pprune.org/get/images/smilies/eek.gif Near smoke induced IMC conditions in places http://images.ibsrv.net/ibsrv/res/src:www.pprune.org/get/images/smilies/pukey.gif
http://i1104.photobucket.com/albums/h338/rotors99/P1060225.jpg

[patatas]

Keep posting VF... wonderful pictures. As mentioned before, don't let some few comments put you off posting those amazing pictures...

When this treat started years ago, nobody mentioned there was a limit number of pictures or a limit number of pages to be posted. The sky is the limit and your sky is higher than anybody else here...

Bring it on....:ok:

[Vertical Freedom]

climbing for the pass at 20,000' - 5 pax + 200lts fuel, AS350B3+
Clear air turbulence, 40+knots winds gusting ???
Yech it's bumpy, blades a slappin', pax chundering :yuk: but scenery is WOOOW Awesome :ok:
http://i1104.photobucket.com/albums/h338/rotors99/P1060201.jpg

[Vertical Freedom]

Rescue flight to 'Krak' 7,874' AS350B3+ Settin' up for an approach?? slope landing http://images.ibsrv.net/ibsrv/res/src:www.pprune.org/get/images/smilies/cwm13.gif 30knots upslope wind up here, wind shear at 50' above the HLS where there's 8-10knots downslope http://images.ibsrv.net/ibsrv/res/src:www.pprune.org/get/images/smilies/icon25.gifhttp://i1104.photobucket.com/albums/h338/rotors99/P1060018.jpg

[Vertical Freedom]

Rescue flight to 'Krak' 7,874' AS350B3+ 30knots upslope wind up 50' above the HLS, here its 8-10knots downslope http://images.ibsrv.net/ibsrv/res/src:www.pprune.org/get/images/smilies/icon25.gif
http://i1104.photobucket.com/albums/h338/rotors99/P1060025.jpg

[Vertical Freedom]

http://images.ibsrv.net/ibsrv/res/src:www.pprune.org/get/images/smilies/thumbs.gifhttp://images.ibsrv.net/ibsrv/res/src:www.pprune.org/get/images/smilies/thumbs.gifhttp://images.ibsrv.net/ibsrv/res/src:www.pprune.org/get/images/smilies/thumbs.gifhttp://images.ibsrv.net/ibsrv/res/src:www.pprune.org/get/images/smilies/thumbs.gifhttp://images.ibsrv.net/ibsrv/res/src:www.pprune.org/get/images/smilies/thumbs.gifhttp://images.ibsrv.net/ibsrv/res/src:www.pprune.org/get/images/smilies/thumbs.gifhttp://images.ibsrv.net/ibsrv/res/src:www.pprune.org/get/images/smilies/thumbs.gifhttp://images.ibsrv.net/ibsrv/res/src:www.pprune.org/get/images/smilies/thumbs.gifhttp://images.ibsrv.net/ibsrv/res/src:www.pprune.org/get/images/smilies/thumbs.gifhttp://images.ibsrv.net/ibsrv/res/src:www.pprune.org/get/images/smilies/wink2.gif
http://i1104.photobucket.com/albums/h338/rotors99/P1060186.jpg

[Vertical Freedom]

VNLK Lukla - Ecureuils at work
http://i1104.photobucket.com/albums/h338/rotors99/P1060205.jpg

[ecureilx]

VF:

foot note: this is not an ad for Antonov or Eurocopter

Pedantic: I looked for an Antonov, and only saw an Ilyushin 76 in the shades ;)

Keep the pictures coming, I do enjoy your view ..

[Vertical Freedom]

Ecureuil B3+ Muktinath lower HLS, 12,270' @ +2°C :ok:5pax+ 290ltres:bored:
http://i1104.photobucket.com/albums/h338/rotors99/P1060190.jpg

[Epiphany]

Haven't we seen those before?

[Widewoodenwingswork]

VF, is that a Pilatus Porter wrapped up in the blue tarpaulin in the background of that second last photo there?

[Vertical Freedom]

Namaste Epiphany, nope only took it last week. :)

Hey Widewoodenwingswork, Yep Pilatus :ok: there have been 3 stiff-wing prangs at VNLK in the past 1yr, quite a few else where as well :( Plank flying' here ain't easy, some of the odd sloped dirt strips, WoW its scary to watch & it sure not like landing on a big sealed Internationale airport :8 they get committed with no go around a long way out on appr. if the wind? conditions change then they crash, no secnd option, You gotta be good, but also the conditions are extreme &, &, they do lose a lot of planes here a year. very sad high loss of lives :(

Happy Landings :ok:

VF

[Vertical Freedom]

:= :uhoh: :{ :suspect: :sad: :( :yuk: :eek:http://i1104.photobucket.com/albums/h338/rotors99/P1010884.jpg

[Vertical Freedom]

Worlds 3rd highest runway? Note the Pilatus Porter rolling & after taking off as I overfly .....;)
http://i1104.photobucket.com/albums/h338/rotors99/P1010829.jpg
http://i1104.photobucket.com/albums/h338/rotors99/P1010832.jpg

[farmpilot]

The Dornier looks like it was from the Maldives

[Vertical Freedom]

Pokhara airport VNPK - WoW what beautiful view; amazing Nepal!
http://i1104.photobucket.com/albums/h338/rotors99/P1060484.jpg

[Vertical Freedom]

Pokhara - beautiful one day, perfect the next!


http://i1104.photobucket.com/albums/h338/rotors99/P1060458.jpg

on Rescue flight, views from my office 'Pokhara' - Nepal
http://i1104.photobucket.com/albums/h338/rotors99/P1060451.jpg

[Peter-RB]

Good morning Vertical,

Absolutely desolate yet magnificent photographs of your workplace, like many others I am spellbound by some of the wild and majestic places you are working in.

Just one question, we see a lot of the Squirrel, is that the best Heli for the/ your job , or is it just the one you have at the mo.

From my neck of the woods big hills reach 1500 ft AMSL, so I really do admire the ability to fly into and out of such LZs, and photograph as well.

Please keep em comming.

Peter R-B
Lancashire

[Vertical Freedom]

Namaste Peter

Thanks for your positive words. :D

We use AS350B & B206BIII to 16-17,000' the AS350B2 to 18,000' & the AS350B3+ till service ceiling of 23,000' ?? :eek:

For the higher elevation, high DA (ISA+30-40C) yes the Ecureuil's are best by a LONG shot :ok:

Happy Landings :cool:

VF

[Vertical Freedom]

flying above the moran - Khumbu Glacier. the jet streams are lower causing severe CAT (clear air turbulence) :ouch: with down-slope winds exceeding 50knots :eek:
On approach into Ghorok Shep village 'dry salt lake' for a Rescue, AS350B3+ :ooh:
http://i1104.photobucket.com/albums/h338/rotors99/P1060494.jpg

'Yamakharka' dropping off a documentary film crew on Blue Sheep hunting. Dorpatan district. 10,206' @ +8C, AS350B3+ cargo 500kg, 4 pax, 270ltres, + go go juice :)
http://i1104.photobucket.com/albums/h338/rotors99/P1060541.jpg

Sherpa Guides at 'Lobuche' HLS on Rescue flight, 16,207' @ 2oC, AS350B3+
http://i1104.photobucket.com/albums/h338/rotors99/P1060522.jpg

[Vertical Freedom]

early morning medevac from 'Ghorok Shep' 17,257' @ -8C, AS350B3+ :eek:
http://i1104.photobucket.com/albums/h338/rotors99/P1060514.jpg

'Tengboche' 12,598' Rescue flight @ 14°C, SuloKhumbu :cool:
http://i1104.photobucket.com/albums/h338/rotors99/P1060528.jpg

[Peter-RB]

Hey VF,

Re The picture of the Sherpa Guides at Lebouche,..... always stay friends with the Guy wearing Croc's he must be as hard as nails not to feel cold with those on..!

Thank you for your answer re the Heli, the size and the mightyness of some of those views really are stunning beyond belief, possibly not everyones cup of Whiskey, but for me that beats beaches anyday.

Many regards and stay safe up there:ok:

Peter R-B
Lancashire

[Vertical Freedom]

'Kyenjin Gumpa' 12,795' Langtang valley, Mountain Rescue training, AS350B3+http://i1104.photobucket.com/albums/h338/rotors99/P1060589.jpg

[ferrydude]

Female pilots challenge aviation, social customs in Nepal - TrustLaw (http://www.trust.org/trustlaw/news/female-pilots-challenge-aviation-social-norms-in-nepal)

[Vertical Freedom]

Yay go Nushie :D :ok: :) our very own Co-Pilot Anush Udas; climbing high & in trim all the way :cool: :p
http://i1104.photobucket.com/albums/h338/rotors99/P1050751.jpg

[Vertical Freedom]

spot the aerial Yak?? :eek: 'Kyenjin Gumpa' 12,795' Langtang valley, Nepal
http://i1104.photobucket.com/albums/h338/rotors99/P1060618.jpg

[Vertical Freedom]

brown outs, white outs, all common here :confused: :eek: :8
http://i1104.photobucket.com/albums/h338/rotors99/P1060636.jpg

[Vertical Freedom]

'Dogari' 13,225' @ +9oC, Dhorpatan district, AS350B3, 5 POB, 140kg cargo, 198litres go-juice.
http://i1104.photobucket.com/albums/h338/rotors99/P1060645.jpg

[Peter-RB]

Good afternoon VF,

Looking at the latest pictures raised two questions:-

1.where's the grass for those Bovines to eat Yak and Horse?,

2.Here in the UK we are told at 9000Ft and over you need Oxygen to sustain work loads and life, you seem to be/ are operating at much higher numbers than that magic 9k on what seems a standard days work, do you have Oxy inside the cab with you , and if so what about the Pax.

My regards

Peter R-B
Lancashire in deep blue skys and perfick sunshine

[Vertical Freedom]

Namaste Peter

1. surprisingly with the winter snow melt sprouts some grass for these cute Yaks to eat, when the monsoon strikes there will be tons for them to nibble on. there is live stock grazing up to 19-20,000' in summer then they go down for winter to around 10-11,000' but some places like Kyenjin have them there all year around feeding on stored fodder. :ok:

2. yep under CAN regs O2 is required by the Pilot above 10,000' but as one acclimatises the real need for it reduces, these days I am comfortable up to 17,000' without supplementary O2. :cool:

Nepalis are living as high as 19-20,000' feet all year round. We do rescues as high as 23,000'+ but we don't have the extra power to give O2 to our pax :confused:

Fly safe & happy landings ;)

VF

[ka26]

http://a3.sphotos.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ak-ash3/525250_265880793500191_100002348169998_608696_1643625385_n.j pghttp://a4.sphotos.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ak-prn1/562790_265882763499994_100002348169998_608703_1701594173_n.j pg

[Vertical Freedom]

'Gokyo' lake 15,617' @ -2oC, AS350B3+ Rescue flight, SuloKhumbu, amazing Nepal
http://i1104.photobucket.com/albums/h338/rotors99/P1060670.jpg
http://i1104.photobucket.com/albums/h338/rotors99/P1060671.jpg

[Vertical Freedom]

EBC (Everest Base Camp on the Khumbu ice flow) 17,520' AS350B3+, Khumbu valley :eek:
http://i1104.photobucket.com/albums/h338/rotors99/P1060658.jpg

[Vertical Freedom]

'Langtang Village' 11,286' @ +2oC, Rescue flight, 3 pax, 40kg cargo, 25usgal, Jetbox, :ok: Nepal
http://i1104.photobucket.com/albums/h338/rotors99/P1060684.jpg

[Vertical Freedom]

'Lisky' 3,543' @ +28oC Rescue flight, 4 pax, 60kg cargo, 42usgal, thick haze & turbulance, 1klm visibility, B206BIII
http://i1104.photobucket.com/albums/h338/rotors99/P1060677.jpg

[Vertical Freedom]

:ok: plenty of parking up here on the Moon :eek: 17,257' :D WoW :O

http://i1104.photobucket.com/albums/h338/rotors99/P1060653.jpg

[griffothefog]

VF,

Why are they called fishtail air?

Fantastic pics by the way, but dreadful paintwork on the a/c :{

Happy landings

GTF

[Thud_and_Blunder]

Grifo,

If you Google-image search Machapuchare, you'll see why the name Fishtail means something to people flying around Annapurna.

[Peter-RB]

VF,

Hi and Good evening from mist shrouded Lancashire,

the picture you posted with the Sq on the Snow looks just like any other picture...that is until I saw the men sitting and standing way off in the background, what a huge backing that brown hill makes then to be broken by that jagged lump of rock clawing it way up into the sky, the area you work is certainly a lot nearer to God than any of us mortals way down here in Lancashire,

Rarefied air and a casual landing and photoshoot, I dont think I would ever stop talking about that one trip and yet you post time after time with some totally stunning shots....I really do envy your daily views and LZs.

Stay safe..
my regards

Peter R-B
Lancashire

[Vertical Freedom]

VNSB - Shyangboche airport, Worlds 3rd highest @ 12,336' B206BIII 4 pax + 55kg cargo + 39usgal :confused: Pilatus Porter about to touch down :eek:

http://i1104.photobucket.com/albums/h338/rotors99/P1060802.jpg

VNSB - Shyangboche airport, Worlds 3rd highest @ 12,336' +2oC, B206BIII 4 pax + 45kg cargo + 40usgal. Amazing Nepal :cool:

http://i1104.photobucket.com/albums/h338/rotors99/P1060772.jpg

[Vertical Freedom]

Rescue Flight 'Kharpa' 4,350' @ 25oC B206BIII :uhoh:


http://i1104.photobucket.com/albums/h338/rotors99/P1060709.jpg

Rescue Flight 'Kharpa' 4,350' @ 25oC B206BIII :ok:


http://i1104.photobucket.com/albums/h338/rotors99/P1060714.jpg


Neuro Hospital KTM, Medevac Patient from Kharpa :(
http://i1104.photobucket.com/albums/h338/rotors99/P1060720.jpg

[R.OCKAPE]

4 pax + 55kg cargo

wouldn't be 4 big fat aussie pax at that altitude

[Vertical Freedom]

Namaste Rockape

:ooh: not sure how heavy the average aussie pax are? :\ Most trekkers/climbers are fit so generally 80kg or less :O & Nepali's mostly under 70kg :cool:

Happy landings ;)

VF

[Vertical Freedom]

'Chindada' Rescue flight, 4,137' @ +23oC, dust, haze, smoke, smog :hmm: & 4 pax + 25kg cargo + 40usgal :eek:
http://i1104.photobucket.com/albums/h338/rotors99/P1060689.jpg

[Vertical Freedom]

'Namche Bazaar' HLS 11,561' with an AS350B3 off-loading pax :rolleyes: with me in a holding pattern waiting to do the same in a B206BIII - WoW this is Nepal :8

http://i1104.photobucket.com/albums/h338/rotors99/P1060807.jpg

[Vertical Freedom]

WoW now that's an awesome suspension bridge, :eek: 'Kusma' near Pokhara, Nepal


http://i1104.photobucket.com/albums/h338/rotors99/P1060730.jpg

[Fareastdriver]

It must be Instant Vertigo crossing that bridge plus there will be some 120 kg joker who will swing it when you are halfway across.

A question. There are mown patches about 100 metres from the ends of the bridge. Is that where they have put stay cables to stop it whipping in the wind.

[PapaechoIT]

:sad::sad:

What a bridge guys!
I'm not shure I'll have no vertigo walking on it...:sad:

Cheers,
PE :ok:

[Vertical Freedom]

HUH ??? my shoes need cleaning :eek:

http://i1104.photobucket.com/albums/h338/rotors99/P1070006.jpg

[Vertical Freedom]

Mu Gumpa - 13,123' 1 pax (petite) + 180kg cargo up, 2 pax & 25kg down, Tsum Valley, B206BIII :ok:


http://i1104.photobucket.com/albums/h338/rotors99/P1060938.jpg

[Vertical Freedom]

Tsum Valley B206BIII :)
http://i1104.photobucket.com/albums/h338/rotors99/P1060978.jpg

[Vertical Freedom]

:( don't like those under cast flying days :eek: about18,000' Jetbox :suspect:
http://i1104.photobucket.com/albums/h338/rotors99/P1070004.jpg

[Vertical Freedom]

Nile 11,352' shuttles from Mu Gumpa to make life easier :ok:
http://i1104.photobucket.com/albums/h338/rotors99/P1060958.jpg

[Vertical Freedom]

'Kongde' 13,708' -5oC stuck due weather, so of for lunch with the locals :ok: note the guy on the mobi wearing chappels in the snow :eek: Just as it is in Nepal :D

http://i1104.photobucket.com/albums/h338/rotors99/P1060904.jpg

[Vertical Freedom]

Mu Gumpa - 13,123' - Tsum Valley, B206BIII :8

http://i1104.photobucket.com/albums/h338/rotors99/P1060953.jpg

[Vertical Freedom]

hot & delicious lunches served in all kinds of weather by ;) Mingma :hmm:v@ Kongde Resort, SoluKhumbu, AS350B3+ - Nepal



http://i1104.photobucket.com/albums/h338/rotors99/P1060906.jpg

[Vertical Freedom]

Heli-Trukking 'Pheriche' 14,108' @ 5oC - Spectacular Nepali scenery :ooh:

http://i1104.photobucket.com/albums/h338/rotors99/P1060839.jpg

[Vertical Freedom]

Khala Patar 17,454' Mt Lhotse in front, Sagarmata ji (Everest) left centre, Nepali flying as it is in Heaven ;)
http://i1104.photobucket.com/albums/h338/rotors99/P1060858.jpg

[Vertical Freedom]

Khala Patar 17,454' Mt Lhotse in front, Sagarmata ji (Everest) above exhuast stack, Nepali flying as it is in Heaven http://images.ibsrv.net/ibsrv/res/src:www.pprune.org/get/images/smilies/wink2.gif WoW :D
http://i1104.photobucket.com/albums/h338/rotors99/P1060857.jpg

[Vertical Freedom]

:eek: climb baby climb baby, climb, climb, climb, :ooh: Jetbox in Nepal :ok:
http://i1104.photobucket.com/albums/h338/rotors99/P1060998.jpg

[Vertical Freedom]

centre stage Sagarmata ji (Everest) looking up through the Khumbu glacier :sad: does no get more Majestic than this :) AS350B3+ from about 23,000'
http://i1104.photobucket.com/albums/h338/rotors99/P1060874.jpg

[Vertical Freedom]

Ghorok Shep 17,252' :8 viewed from khala Patar 17,454' :ok: - Khumbu Valley, Nepal
http://i1104.photobucket.com/albums/h338/rotors99/P1060865.jpg

[Vertical Freedom]

centre stage Sagarmata ji (Everest) looking up through the Khumbu glacier (Western Cwm) does no get any more Majestic or closer to GOD than this. AS350B3+ viewed from 20,000' :ooh:



http://i1104.photobucket.com/albums/h338/rotors99/P1060871.jpg

[PapaechoIT]

:sad: A B206 giving +500 ft VS @ 17600 ft is veeeeryyy impressive! My damn' Robinson 22 giving not more than +700 ft @ 5000! :suspect:

Good shots at all VL!

Keep up the good posting :}

Ciao,
PE

[Vertical Freedom]

Namaste PE

Thanks for the pix compliments :D Yep we were light, 3 POB, 20-30kg cargo & 20usgals.:cool:

Happy landings

VF

[rjtjrt]

VF
Stunning photo's.
Much appreciated.
Please keep it up (not just the helo, but the posting of photo's).
Thanks.
John

[havick]

Vertical Freedom, do you guys operate only by day? Any night (NVG or un-aided), or IFR recoveries from rescues at all? Also do you winch or is it just helipad - helipad or airport?

Just curious as to what response capabilities they have over there. (not just the company you fly for but others also)

Cheers.

[Vertical Freedom]

Namaste rjtrt

Thank You for the compliments....more coming soon :ok:

Namaste havick

Nepali rules - single engine day VFR only. The places we go we cannot use a winch as it is too heavy, plus you need a crewman along also = more weight :{ so we gotta go supa light every where. NVG does not exist here (yet)?

Happy landings :ok:

VF

[Vertical Freedom]

Kongde 13,708' +2oC on a good day :D Sagarmatha (Everest) centre stage in the far distance creating her own weather, VNSB Shyangboche airstrip seen above Namche Bazaar lower left :ok:
http://i1104.photobucket.com/albums/h338/rotors99/P1070184.jpg

[Vertical Freedom]

Gokyo 15,617' +1oC, Dudh Pokhari (milk lake) beside the Ngozumba Glacier :8Rescue flight :ok: Just as it is in Nepal :eek:
http://i1104.photobucket.com/albums/h338/rotors99/P1070172.jpg

[Vertical Freedom]

:eek: WoW ......... Lukla VNLK here we come straight, over the pass from the Mera Valley dropping out 19,000' := Weeeeeeeee http://images.ibsrv.net/ibsrv/res/src:www.pprune.org/get/images/smilies/badteeth.gif

http://i1104.photobucket.com/albums/h338/rotors99/P1070284.jpg

http://i1104.photobucket.com/albums/h338/rotors99/P1070276.jpg

'

[compressor stall]

An interesting, different view of Lukla that is seldom seen. Fabulous pictures VF, don't stop. I look forward to your pictures every time I open this thread.

[206Fan]

Pictures are fantastic VF. Keep them coming :D

[Fareastdriver]

When I was a VIP pilot we had a policy of not descending in excess of 1,000 ft/min to reduce the possibility of our passengers suffering discomfort in their ears. Do you have a similar policy with regard to long descents?

[Vertical Freedom]

Thanks compressor stall, I hope Your name does not symbolize Your in-flight occurrences :eek: More pix coming soon :cool:

Happy landings

VF

[Vertical Freedom]

Namaste 206fan

Thanks Broh........more coming soon :D

VF

[Vertical Freedom]

Namaste Fareastdriver

Hmmmm 1,000' on the vsi, NO CHANCE, on those descents the needle is jammed hard up agianst the 3,000fpm rod, we don't fluff around we have many rescue missions to do, weather to watch, so when we can we go hard :eek:

Cheers & always happy landings

VF

[Vertical Freedom]

Wow..... another day peering out the perspex, as it is in Nepal ;)
http://i1104.photobucket.com/albums/h338/rotors99/P1070049.jpg

[Vertical Freedom]

Bharatan 6,335' @ 23oC - fuel drop before Rescue flight to Annapurna base camp North - Nepali scenery; perfect :ok:
http://i1104.photobucket.com/albums/h338/rotors99/P1070113.jpg

[Vertical Freedom]

inbound to Annapurna North for a Rescue :) my hands are cold :confused:
http://i1104.photobucket.com/albums/h338/rotors99/P1070141.jpg

[Vertical Freedom]

Annapurna base camp - North, just as it is in Nepal :D
http://i1104.photobucket.com/albums/h338/rotors99/P1070150.jpg

[Vertical Freedom]

Annapurna base camp North - 13,911' @ +3oc :O 480kg cargo up :oh: back = 4 pax + 95kg cargo + 120litres of gogo juice :ooh: AS350B3+ :8

http://i1104.photobucket.com/albums/h338/rotors99/P1070162.jpg

http://i1104.photobucket.com/albums/h338/rotors99/P1070158.jpg

[Peter3127]

There are some crackers in that lot VF!!!!!

If you are lucky I will try and post one of the Eastern Grass at Moorabbin Airport. We have had a bit of rain and warm weather lately so the scenery is spectacular, particularly as the sun sets over the Direct Factory Outlet store ......:O

[Vertical Freedom]

Polish Mountaineers flown up to Sama -11,660' @ 8oC - for a bid to Manasalu from the North :ok:


http://i1104.photobucket.com/albums/h338/rotors99/P1070050.jpg

[Vertical Freedom]

sadly a body recovery from Sagarmatha (Everest) Camp One, 20,357' @ -5oC, AS350B3+ :uhoh:

http://i1104.photobucket.com/albums/h338/rotors99/P1070399.jpg

http://i1104.photobucket.com/albums/h338/rotors99/P1070393.jpg

http://i1104.photobucket.com/albums/h338/rotors99/P1070406.jpg

[Vertical Freedom]

Sagarmatha Base Camp - 17,490' @ +2.5oC. another days Blessings; Mountain Flying in Heaven !!

http://i1104.photobucket.com/albums/h338/rotors99/P1070200.jpg

[Vertical Freedom]

air-taxi, shuttles from Chhomrong 7,161' @18oC Jetbox :eek:

http://i1104.photobucket.com/albums/h338/rotors99/P1070321.jpg


Maachapuchre Base Camp - 12,205' @ 0oC, 4 x POB +35kg cargo + 20usgal, the ole Jetbanger :8

http://i1104.photobucket.com/albums/h338/rotors99/P1070334.jpg

http://i1104.photobucket.com/albums/h338/rotors99/P1070345.jpg

[Vertical Freedom]

VNPL - Phaplu airstrip 8,077' @ 25oC :\
http://i1104.photobucket.com/albums/h338/rotors99/P1070500.jpg

[Vertical Freedom]

climbing up the Western Cwm (21,000') towards Sagarmatha (Everest) Camp 1, note the Mountaineers climbing on the crevassed glacier ;) :eek:
http://i1104.photobucket.com/albums/h338/rotors99/P1070390.jpg

[Vertical Freedom]

touchdown Sagarmatha Base Camp (EBC) air-trukkin' :} from VNLK = 300kg cargo up. Down to VNLK = 2 x pax + 5okg cargo + 93litres gojuice
17,490' +3oC, AS350B3+

http://i1104.photobucket.com/albums/h338/rotors99/P1070372.jpg

http://i1104.photobucket.com/albums/h338/rotors99/P1070367.jpg

[Savoia]

SP: It must have taken you a little while to extract all thest images from the RATW thread!

Thanks for your continuing efforts (most of which go unnoticed) in tending the Rotorheads forum. :D

[davidja]

Namaste VF.

As with all your other viewers, I love your photos and envy your location. Would you be up for taking photos of the cleaners engineers, office staff, re-,fuelers and the general infrastructure that supports the company? Not just the odd photo but a whole package interspersed with your future photos as that would really give us a feel for your daily life The places you stay when you get stuck away from base, the whole lot! :ok:

[Vertical Freedom]

Air-Taxi services to everywhere - Nepal :8 B206BIII :oh: http://i1104.photobucket.com/albums/h338/rotors99/P1070300.jpg

[Vertical Freedom]

WoW my God; I could fly inside that crevasse :ouch:

http://i1104.photobucket.com/albums/h338/rotors99/P1070414.jpg

[Fareastdriver]

You have got your own thread. You can really go to town.

[SunderlandMatt]

Strong photos! :ok:

That's quite some coning angle you've got there too.

[touring_pilot]

Great pics! Just interested what camera you are using? Cheers

[Vertical Freedom]

Namaste touring_pilot

Thanks for the compliments. :)

Camera used is:

Lumix Panasonic DMC TZ20

just a small digital cheepie but does a great job. :D

Happy landings

VF

[Vertical Freedom]

VNPK - a rare & splendid view of Machapuchare in the Annapurna range :ok: trusty ole' Jetbox :eek:
http://i1104.photobucket.com/albums/h338/rotors99/P1070309.jpg

[Vertical Freedom]

Sagarmatha Base Camp (EBC) :uhoh: :eek:

http://i1104.photobucket.com/albums/h338/rotors99/P1070475.jpg

http://i1104.photobucket.com/albums/h338/rotors99/P1070466.jpg

[Vertical Freedom]

Gorok Shep as seen from the air, the ancient salt lake bed there is our dusty Heli-Pad, inbound to EBC :ugh:
http://i1104.photobucket.com/albums/h338/rotors99/P1070458.jpg

[Vertical Freedom]

scenes from the office :suspect:
http://i1104.photobucket.com/albums/h338/rotors99/P1070304.jpg

[Arrrj]

VF

Superb photos. :ok:

Must be amazing fun to fly around there on the good days, not so good on the others I suspect !

And, yep, I want a B3, please. Even though in Aus we don't have any significant land forms to fly over and justify the awesome performance !

Keep up the photos, very entertaining.

Arrrj

[estepo]

Good morning Vertical Freedom

Not quite sure why they've split the photo thread, but it's always a great privilege to see your photos, and I continue to look forward to seeing them.

All the best


Estepo

[nuthin]

forgive me if this has been asked already. I have looked at all 25 pages of
goodness.
Does the 206 have the C20B or a C20R?

Cheers

[Vertical Freedom]

Namaste nuthin

Our 206BIII has the C20J, so same performance as the B, just quieter (a little bit?) wish it was the R :ugh:

Happy Landings

VF

[nuthin]

we have an R equipped 206 here at Trans North in the Yukon that use to do most of the higher work but the high alt work goes to an L4 with the 407 tail rotor or the 350 B3.

Is icing an issue?

You mentioned the altitudes regarding the use of each
machine. Is there much leeway with what you would prefer to use?

I always thought the Nepalese military did the high altitude work there.
Thanks again

[Vertical Freedom]

Hey nuthin

the Nepali army don't go really high, nor do rescues, (except for their own) private companies do civilian rescues only :bored:

I think the L4 with the HA tail-rotor would work well here, but above 16,000' the B3 is the only way to go ;)

if given a choice I would always pick a B3+ anytime, every-time; huge power margin, comfort, speed; way to go :cool:

Happy Landings :ok:

VF

[Peter-RB]

Hey VF, Good evening from a very wet and windy Lancashire,

Every time I look at your picture's I see things that amaze me as to just how Vast some of those areas are, but also they seem to be totally lacking in any sign or mark left by mankind, some people may see it as barren and inhospitable, but I would give anything to spend just a week doing what you do.

Stay Safe.

My regards

Peter R-B

Lancashire

[ecureilx]

VF: didn't one B3 land on top of the Mount Everest ? :)

[Vertical Freedom]

Namaste ecureilx

Is that the label for a french laxative?? :mad:

Yes, apparently a B3+ landed on Sagarmatha.......but....the question is not so easy to answer. There are no witnesses execpt Aerospatiale personnel, they had no permission to land. So answer ???? :rolleyes:

My gut feeling is; yes, but maybe a slow fly past with a skid kiss on top??? Don't know. :8

I have flown up too.... errr, I cant say more than beyond the service ceiling 23,000' I can tell You she has ample performance to go hard MUCH higher. Having landed close to the service ceiling, which was almost 25,000' density altitude, she did than with ease.....pulling only 96 on the FLI to pick up, with 3 x POB & 85litres gogojuice. :eek:

My PPRuNer Friends; Thank You all very much Your inspiring compliments :D

Please ALWAYS know where the wind is !! :ooh: & ALWAYS do everything into wind....except piss :p

OmOmOm :ok:

VF

[Peter3127]

didn't one B3 land on top of the Mount Everest ?

Like this one?

Eurocopter AS350 B3 Everest summit landing - YouTube

:eek: