Top of the World: photos from Nepal

[Vertical Freedom]

Namaste Peter3127

Yep seen that one, it is not so clear, but as I mentioned; my gut feeling is - Yes they did land & give the summit of Sagarmathji a kiss.:eek:

I believe if she is ultra light she does have the grunt to do!! :cool: they removed many things from the A/C = all anti-vibration devices including the anti-vibration head on the mast, seats etc etc etc so she was not a std certified A/C anymore :ooh:

Happy Landings :ok:

VF

[Peter3127]

VF - When doing that see saw dance on the top I could not help but think I would want the ship biased towards going over the front. At that DA the thought of having to chuck in pitch and pedal if it started to slide backwards is pretty scary.

Without going all herbal it seemed a little bit disrespectful to land there given the significance of Sagarmatha to the locals.

[Vertical Freedom]

Namaste Peter3127

Yes its not a pretty landing & yep I would be in that cause on the fwd edge?? :yuk:

Happy Landings :cool:

VF

[Vertical Freedom]

djcY0EF9aiw

[Vertical Freedom]

Can someone please help & guide me through how to embed a YouTube video??

Many Thanks

VF

[meloz]

Cut and paste the link.

Meloz

[Senior Pilot]

Can someone please help & guide me through how to embed a YouTube video??

Many Thanks

VF

Two options:

1. Cut and paste the url of the YouTube video into your post.
2. Select the number/letter string after the 'v=' in the url, and paste it into the http://images.ibsrv.net/ibsrv/res/src:www.pprune.org/get/images/youtubefinalng6.gif YouTube link.

[Savoia]

Everest Helicopter Rescue Saves National Geographic Photographer (http://news.nationalgeographic.com/news/2012/04/120428-everest-rescue-helicopter-photographer-world-science/)

Vertical Freedom at work .. perhaps?

[nuthin]

Just curious what the highest altitude you will shut down and restart each machine?

[Vertical Freedom]

Namaste
Not my pic on Nat Geo.
Just landed twice at 21,400' temp. was -5oC WoW pic coming soon.:O:eek:
Highest shut down we do is 16,209' Lobuche B3 is proven to start up to 18,000' but we are not game to try, toooooo many complications if she don't fire up:\
Happy landings
VF

[Vertical Freedom]

Climbing through 20,000' up the Khumbu Icefall (Western Cwm) - Recce flight to Everest camp 2, :eek: Ev Camp 1 center of pic, another 1,500' to climb yet :\ :eek::mad:
http://i1104.photobucket.com/albums/h338/rotors99/P1070530.jpg

[Vertical Freedom]

looking up Annapurna from Camp 1 just prior to an Avalance; Jai Shri Sagarmatha :eek:

http://i1104.photobucket.com/albums/h338/rotors99/foto4.jpg


looking from Annapurna Camp 1 = Avalanche; 4 x Climbers; swept away all survived without injury :\
Jai Shri Sagarmatha

http://i1104.photobucket.com/albums/h338/rotors99/foto3.jpg

Om Shanti Shanti Shanti
http://i1104.photobucket.com/albums/h338/rotors99/foto-1.jpg

bigger picture of where the Avalanche occurred - Annapurna

http://i1104.photobucket.com/albums/h338/rotors99/foto5.jpg

[Vertical Freedom]

Avalanche Survivor Rescued from Everest Camp 2, back at EBC, prior to Medevac to VNKT - Teaching Hospital, He is now OK

http://i1104.photobucket.com/albums/h338/rotors99/P1070507-1.jpg

[Vertical Freedom]

climbing the Khumbu Ice-fall (Western Cwm) suckin O2 & watchin' for wind changes, up here You can't have any tail winds :{
http://i1104.photobucket.com/albums/h338/rotors99/P1070595.jpg

[Vertical Freedom]

WoW - awesome :cool:
http://i1104.photobucket.com/albums/h338/rotors99/P1070542-1.jpg

[Vertical Freedom]

Climbers heading for Everest Camp 2
http://i1104.photobucket.com/albums/h338/rotors99/P1070544.jpg

approaching EC2 on the left, landing site just in front of the camp
http://i1104.photobucket.com/albums/h338/rotors99/P1070546.jpg


short final - EC2, don't land on a Crevasse :uhoh: 21,450' @-5oC
http://i1104.photobucket.com/albums/h338/rotors99/P1070552.jpg

[EHMboy]

It's been said before many times - but just truly awesome photos! Inspriational stuff!!!

[Jet Ranger]

-50 C in May :eek:

[315B]

Definitely not -50 celsius, you misread -5

[spod66]

The pictures from/of helicopters are great.

However, the two pictures "looking from Everest Camp 2" with the red circles identifying climbers (posts 512, 513), the following one of the avalanche (post 514), and the picture of the Crosshair Couloir (post 516), are of Annapurna, taken by Tunc Findik. See a stunning report of the circumstances at The Day the Mountain Fell….Part 1 | Don Bowie (http://www.donbowie.com/the-day-the-mountain-fell-part-1-2/).

Why do you claim "3 still lost"? From the above website, "You may not believe this, not only did all the climbers survive this avalanche, but not one was hurt. Not even a little."

[Vertical Freedom]

Namaste spod66

The Sherpa we picked up from EV2 was definitely swept away in the Avalanche & injured. That is what their insurance had informed to us. When he was picked up, 3 were still missing, but as at now???? I don't know, we are not in direct comms with the Climbing groups, we get a call from their insurance if a rescue needs to be mobilized.

Happy landings

VF

[spod66]

VF, I understand there was a rescue you participated in on Everest, but I wonder why you associate it with photographs of a different incident on Annapurna. As you know, those mountains are not adjacent. *That* is where the confusion is. Would you consider editing your earlier posts to reflect this?

I, and thousands of others, really appreciate what you do.:ok:

[Vertical Freedom]

Namaste Aviators

I recently posted some pix of an Avalanche which were sent to me by a Trekker who claimed they were from the Everest region. Where there was a recent Avalanche. After thoroughly cross-checking I can confirm those Avalanche pix where in fact from the Annapurna region, between Camp 1 & 2, Nepal.

The picture I posted of the rescued Sherpa from Everest Camp 2 was swept away in an Avalanche on the Lhotse side of the Khumbu Ice-fall, abeam Everest Camp 2,. He was blown some 300meters down slope by the Avalanche & was thrown into a Crevasse from where he was miraculously located & then rescued by Climbers Patrolling for survivors. After being stabilized he was picked up by Helicopter & flown to VNKT. He is recovering well.

Any inconvenience or offense from incorrect information is regretted from my side. Labels on the posted pix have now been corrected.

Happy landings :ok:

VF

[Vertical Freedom]

escaping from Everest Camp 2 HLS, overflying the Climbers :ok:
http://i1104.photobucket.com/albums/h338/rotors99/P1070571.jpg

Everest Camp 2 what a view WoW :eek:
http://i1104.photobucket.com/albums/h338/rotors99/P1070580.jpg

leaving Everest Camp 2, 21,450' descending back to EBC, about to overfly Everest Camp 1 :eek:
http://i1104.photobucket.com/albums/h338/rotors99/P1070589.jpg

[Capt Fathom]

What's happened? No photos for over a month! :confused:

[India Four Two]

Capt Fathom,

Thanks for the post. I hadn't seen this thread before. I've just spent over an hour going through all 27 pages!

VF, great pictures. I notice helicopters from different companies. Do you freelance or do they all belong to the same parent company?

[Limeygal]

VF

Just found this thread. Thank you so much for posting these wonderful photos. You are truly fortunate to work in such a beautiful location. Visited Nepal in the early 1980s and loved the country and the people. Thanks for reviving some lovely memories.

[wdew]

Crikey !!!
I stumbled into this thread and 2 hours later I am just finished. Thanx for sharing your world and stunning photos. Make sure you do a book one day as I will buy it.
Godd bless ya.
Thanx again for sharing, you could just as well have not put in the effort and time:ok::D

[Vertical Freedom]

VNLK another body recovery from Sagarmatha (Everest) very bad season for loss of life this last climbing season :oh:

Image link (http://i1104.photobucket.com/albums/h338/rotors99/IMG_0425.jpg)

[Vertical Freedom]

Hilsa 12,345' @ 20oC 6pax + 90litres gogo juice + 120kg cargo, AS350B3+ ;)

Image (http://i1104.photobucket.com/albums/h338/rotors99/IMG_0586.jpg)

[Vertical Freedom]

Humla district road building Ladies approx. 10,000' - just as it is in Nepal :ok:

Image 1 (http://i1104.photobucket.com/albums/h338/rotors99/IMG_0629.jpg)

Image 2 (http://i1104.photobucket.com/albums/h338/rotors99/IMG_0640.jpg)

[Vertical Freedom]

Rescue flight 'Sertung' 6,663' @ 27oC C206BIII; 4 pax + 25kg cargo + 40usgal, Nepal :cool:
http://i1104.photobucket.com/albums/h338/rotors99/IMG_0459.jpg

[Vertical Freedom]

Surke HLS 7,350' busy parking spot due monsoon rains stopping us landing up at Lukla ;)
http://i1104.photobucket.com/albums/h338/rotors99/IMG_0403-1.jpg

[ecureilx]

VF: if you need a simple tool to resize the pictures, look up irfanview

Open source and it helps you to trim / resize with simple key strokes - like CTRL+R to resize ..

Keep up the good work .. your pictures are superb, as always ..

[Vertical Freedom]

Kalika 7,800' @19oC Ayurvedic Herb Trukking, 500kg cargo +3 pax + 125litres gogo juice, AS350B3+ - just as it is in Nepal

Image 1 (http://i1104.photobucket.com/albums/h338/rotors99/IMG_0684.jpg)

Image 2 (http://i1104.photobucket.com/albums/h338/rotors99/IMG_0681.jpg)

[Savoia]

VF, welcome back!

As Ecureilx mentioned, you need to re-size the photos as they are throwing the page width out. You can manually adjust the size of any photo prior to uploading onto whichever photo-host you use.

Regarding the photo in #534 .. are these aircraft attending the annual Bharal Derby? ;)

[Vertical Freedom]

Namaste

Thanks for the update re sizing problem, it should be now sorted :ok:

hehehe nope just a jammed heli parking space due weather :eek:

Happy landings :p

VF

[Vertical Freedom]

Just as it is in incredible Nepal :}
http://i1104.photobucket.com/albums/h338/rotors99/IMG_0776.jpg

[Vertical Freedom]

Yay finally a break in the monsoon :cool:
http://i1104.photobucket.com/albums/h338/rotors99/IMG_0770.jpg

[Limeygal]

Happy to see you back-I was beginning to worry about you. Thanks for the fabulous pics.

[Vertical Freedom]

Gamgadhi 7,218' @ 25oC 6 pax +105kg cargo + 220lts go juice, AS350B3+:O
http://i1104.photobucket.com/albums/h338/rotors99/IMG_0799.jpg
http://i1104.photobucket.com/albums/h338/rotors99/IMG_0792.jpg
http://i1104.photobucket.com/albums/h338/rotors99/IMG_0804.jpg

[Vertical Freedom]

Rara Lake 9,777' Nepal's largest lake :):)
http://i1104.photobucket.com/albums/h338/rotors99/IMG_0790.jpg

[Vertical Freedom]

Money transport by Helicopter how much ???? $3milUS WoW :eek:
http://i1104.photobucket.com/albums/h338/rotors99/IMG_0756.jpg

[Vertical Freedom]

Jajarkot 3,949' @34oC 5 pax + 220kg cargo + 240lts gogo juice, AS350B3+ :uhoh:
http://i1104.photobucket.com/albums/h338/rotors99/IMG_0737.jpg

[Vertical Freedom]

VNSK :suspect:
http://i1104.photobucket.com/albums/h338/rotors99/IMG_0722.jpg

[Vertical Freedom]

Simikot local Ladies building the new Heli parking area away from our Stiff-winger Brohdas :ok:
http://i1104.photobucket.com/albums/h338/rotors99/IMG_0728-1.jpg

[Vertical Freedom]

VNSK Simikot viewed from around 10,200' :ooh: this shot is whilst trekking :eek:too steep an approach from here to be comfortable, we would dive in from behind that hill R on the river valley & hook L for a straight in with 8-15 knots 2o'clock off the nose to the apron blowing dust n **** over those Ladies & other workers on the apron :{ :mad::ugh::mad:
http://i1104.photobucket.com/albums/h338/rotors99/IMG_0700-1.jpg

[Vertical Freedom]

VNRR _ Rara airstrip @ 9,100' note the bent fixed-wings. Nepal is without doubt one of the more challenging places in the world to fly, with the highest terrain in the World, amongst the worst weather, ultra high turbulance & highest high temperature density altitudes, crap vis :{ ❤✈ Jai Shiv Shankarhttp://i1104.photobucket.com/albums/h338/rotors99/IMG_0808.jpg

[Aser]

Vertical Freedom (http://www.pprune.org/members/286435-vertical-freedom), time to think about buying a GoPro cam! :ok:

[Vertical Freedom]

VNRR note the second bent Fixed-wing :hmm:
http://i1104.photobucket.com/albums/h338/rotors99/IMG_0811.jpg

[Savoia]

VF: Can I second Aser's recommendation that you buy a GoPro (http://gopro.com/) cam (the latest model is the Hero 2).

The camera can be mounted virtually anywhere (as you'll see when you check out the mounting options) and would be the ideal compliment to your spectacular images.

[Vertical Freedom]

Dunai 7,152' 24oC AS350B3+ 6 pax +125kg cargo + 280lts gogo juice, best way to keep the locals away from the Tail-Rotor :hmm:

http://i1104.photobucket.com/albums/h338/rotors99/IMG_0844.jpg
http://i1104.photobucket.com/albums/h338/rotors99/IMG_0837.jpg

[Vertical Freedom]

Mugugaon rescue flight 11,035' @ 20oC 5 pax + 95kg cargo + 280lts gogo juice, AS350B3+ :hmm::suspect:
http://i1104.photobucket.com/albums/h338/rotors99/IMG_0876.jpg
http://i1104.photobucket.com/albums/h338/rotors99/IMG_0926.jpg

[Vertical Freedom]

WoW just as it is peering out the perspex office window :ooh:http://i1104.photobucket.com/albums/h338/rotors99/IMG_0948.jpg

[Vertical Freedom]

Darchhula - bank run, 3,919' @33oC 5 pax + 160kg cargo + 320lts gogo juice, AS350B3+ :*http://i1104.photobucket.com/albums/h338/rotors99/IMG_0731-1.jpg

[Vertical Freedom]

Monsoon flooding; Nepalgunj plains :mad:
http://i1104.photobucket.com/albums/h338/rotors99/IMG_0959.jpg

[Vertical Freedom]

WoW another day another Dollar less tax ;)
http://i1104.photobucket.com/albums/h338/rotors99/IMG_0966.jpg

[Vertical Freedom]

Darchhula footy oval 3,876' @34oC 5 pax + 250kg cargo + 210lts gogo juice :)
http://i1104.photobucket.com/albums/h338/rotors99/IMG_0954.jpg

[Vertical Freedom]

VNJL rescue flight appendicitis :{
http://i1104.photobucket.com/albums/h338/rotors99/IMG_0963.jpg

[Vertical Freedom]

Monsoon rains eeehh:ooh:
http://i1104.photobucket.com/albums/h338/rotors99/IMG_0968.jpg

[Vertical Freedom]

aaaah this is the life...fabulous views during breaks in the monsoon :E
http://i1104.photobucket.com/albums/h338/rotors99/IMG_0982.jpg
http://i1104.photobucket.com/albums/h338/rotors99/IMG_0984.jpg
http://i1104.photobucket.com/albums/h338/rotors99/IMG_0978.jpg

[Limeygal]

Money transport by Helicopter how much ???? $3milUS

They are very trusting with all that money! Don't see any guards.

[toptobottom]

What money?!

:E

[Vertical Freedom]

trusting with the $money?????? rePost #544 (http://www.pprune.org/7300247-post544.html) (permalink (http://www.pprune.org/rotorheads/483614-top-world-photos-nepal-28.html#post7300247)) hehehehe they are not so trusting; when we pick up the money at VNNG there is a bus & 2 cars filled with soldiers with loaded guns, then for the flight we have 2 soldiers, 1 officer in the front with a pistol & the other with machine gun in the back, then where ever we land we land inside either an Army or a Police compound with plenty of guns at the ready. :\ So with all that fire power - yes, they are trusting :ooh:

[gcpilot8]

Thats Nepal ;)

[Vertical Freedom]

My (what a) World :8
http://i1104.photobucket.com/albums/h338/rotors99/P1080475.jpg

[Vertical Freedom]

A rare day for Nepal, there are 10 days like this in a year :ugh::eek:

http://i1104.photobucket.com/albums/h338/rotors99/P1080416.jpg

[Vertical Freedom]

occupational hazard, a bent B, dont You hate it when the wind changes :mad: (not me flying) :p
http://i1104.photobucket.com/albums/h338/rotors99/P1040776.jpg

[wdew]

WELCOME BACK !!!!!

[Vertical Freedom]

Jetbox on Rescue flight ;) :cool:

http://i1104.photobucket.com/albums/h338/rotors99/P1080413.jpg

[Vertical Freedom]

Pokhra lakes :}
http://i1104.photobucket.com/albums/h338/rotors99/P1080378.jpg

[Vertical Freedom]

****i 7,808' @ 22oC 4 x pax, 110kg cargo, 25usgal go juice :oh:

http://i1104.photobucket.com/albums/h338/rotors99/P1080504.jpg
http://i1104.photobucket.com/albums/h338/rotors99/P1080505.jpg

[Vertical Freedom]

Namche bazaar & VNSB inbound to Pheriche for Rescue WoW what a fab day :D
http://i1104.photobucket.com/albums/h338/rotors99/P1080554.jpg

[Limeygal]

Hope pilot was OK?

[Vertical Freedom]

Namaste Limeygal

Yes Pilot & 1 pax were shaken but both OK, only the AS350B was a total write off:{

Cheers & Happy Landings :ok:

VF ;)

[jatt_pilot]

Hi there

i am in touch with a few companies in Nepal regarding jobs on the MI 172. was hoping for some idea on the T&C`s for a captain and a copilot. a rough idea on how much i could expect per month?

warm regards

[Savoia]

VF: You've repainted the Ranger! Well done.

[Vertical Freedom]

Namaste Savoia

Yep our Jetbox has a new coat of jam, otherwise same ole, same ole. :\
Good ship & fast, full fuel & me - 110/115knots in the cruise at 6,000'. :cool: She has the C20P donk, hmmmmm wish it where the C20R then I could pick up a rescue patient at 19,000', I am now picking 1 or 2 at 16,500' :eek: but only if the conditions are right. ;)

Happy Landings :ok:

VF

[Vertical Freedom]

trusty B2 engines :ok:.....NOT :mad:
Here is me, module 3 bearing disintegrated causing an catastrophic engine failure 3 seconds after the engine chip light came on. Weather was poor, low cloud base, I was flying 800'agl along the narrow Karnali River valley, had no where suitable to land so went for an extra....extra...extra 'range' auto; 90knots & Nr down to 270rrpm :eek: 50rrpm below the red line, otherwise I was going into the raging monsoon flooded river below :yuk:
I just made it onto the edge of this rice paddy field :cool: only problem was the rice paddy stone wall was in the wrong spot & I had no options for an alternate landing, the rock levy took out the skids during the slide on :( 5 pax all OK, 200 litres fuel, Pilot scarred emotionally but still flying :uhoh: machine repaired & flying again :D

http://i1104.photobucket.com/albums/h338/rotors99/P1050999.jpg

http://i1104.photobucket.com/albums/h338/rotors99/P1050955.jpg

http://i1104.photobucket.com/albums/h338/rotors99/P1050985.jpg

[hookes_joint]

With that terrain that surrounded you, you did a great job!! Best case scenario to have everybody walk away and an Astar that didn't light up in the aftermath..

[Phoinix]

Wow, a perfect save. The flooded river was a good motivation factor :)

[Aser]

good job! :ok:
:D:D:D

Regards
Aser

[topendtorque]

Top hole VF, top hole.

[Phoinix]

What went through your mind at the time of the failure?

I don't mean that american cliche "I thought I was gonna die..." but, did you think about the maneuver you need to perform, or did you just do what you are trained to do - automatically?

[Limeygal]

Glad everyone is OK VF

[Madbob]

VF - If you'd have been in the army/navy/air force you'd be looking at a well deserved "Green Endorsement" or even an AFC. Well done indeed.

Just a quick question for you. At what sort of density altitude/elevation did this happen? I shudder to think what effect a really high DA would have in an auto......I guess what might have been a brick, just becomes an even heavier brick.:eek::eek:

Kudos and hats off. :ok:

MB

[Capt.Gonzo]

:uhoh: Wow, well done! :D Good to hear that everyone is ok! :ok:

[Takeoff53]

Just found this thread, looked trough all the pictures with some tears in my eyes... 1983/1984 I worked in Kathmandu and Namche Bazar, constructing a power plant (this was before my flying activities). During my time in Nepal I had the chance to visit a lot of places in this beautiful country and now I got the chance to see them again from the air with your pictures. Thanks a lot!

Just a question: Do you have somewhere a closer shot showing Namche with some more details?

[belly tank]

VF well done on the save, however I must disagree the B2 1D1 I've flown for 6 years has had nil problems has been one of the best engine I've worked with so far, touch wood!.....I'm sorry for your loss and a job well done mate. :ok:

[Vertical Freedom]

Thanking You all very kindly. :)

Actually the first thing that went through my mind was - 'oh but this can't be happening to Me'???? :yuk:

Then instinct took over when I realized there was no where to land but the river, but then the rice field came into view around the next river bend & by the Grace of God's hand I pulled the lever up beyond my training, beyond airmanship, experience, common sense, beyond the RFM limits & just kept dragging Nr down till the sight picture told me I was gonna get there, vibration was quiet severe. Nr was 250rrpm, 20 below the lower red line :}@ 90kts :(

I never had time to think more, I just knew that I had to get us onto the the ground in one piece, that was my duty, that was my job & today; that is still my job. Surviving emergencies to protect our pax & machine is just another part of our job requirement. :cool: We were on the ground 20seconds after the noise stopped :mad:

Happy Landings; Always :)

VF

:) Forced landing location was 6,673’amsl @ 28oC

[Jet Ranger]

Amazing:ok:

[Vertical Freedom]

Namaste Belly Tank

Globally there have been approx. 100 module 3 bearing failures on the AS305B2. Here in Nepal there have been 5 so far, of which 2 were inflight. :yuk::yuk::yuk::yuk: that is sickening & frightening :confused::uhoh:

There is an obvious problem with this bearing in the module 3 but Turbomecca are refusing to seriously address this issue. Is there are reall problem here with this engine??? 100 so far Globally - Yes......:mad:

OmOmOm

VF

[belly tank]

I'm presuming you've seen the AD:)

http://ad.easa.europa.eu/blob/easa_ad_2012_0071.pdf/AD_2012-0071_1

[heliduck]

Once you've got the tail & skids bolted back on, throw in an LTS101 for good measures.:ok:

[Vertical Freedom]

Hey Belly Tank

We have a power by the hour contract with Eurocopter Singapore so obviously they keep us all up to date. I checked they got that one.

Namaste Hellyduck

one operator here has done that swap. We too are considering as Turbomecca support :mad::mad:

Happy Landings :ok:

VF

[RVDT]

I'm presuming you've seen the AD

Of interest may be what laterite (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Laterite) is.

Probably hard to get away from it anywhere in Aus or anywhere between the 2 tropics!

This AD has been around for a while and the latest one covers the determination that the issue may be worse than expected.

Determining how much cr@p the engine has eaten and vibe checks are the solution until TU 360 is incorporated.

The rear gas generator bearing is a sensitive area on the Arriel and needs to be looked after appropriately.

First point - don't operate the engine like an Allison 250!

[robin303]

VF, Did they airlift that bird out and with what.

[Vertical Freedom]

Namaste robin303

Yes they used an Mi8 to airlift her down to VNNG :cool:

Happy Landings :D

VF

[rigidkid]

That is an unbelievable sight....what a photo....many thanks for sharing these and all your other snaps...just great:ok:

[mad_jock]

As a fixed wing driver I am suprised any of these machines can get off the ground due to the size of the bollocks of the pilots.

Cracking photo's keep them coming. And glad you got the burd on the ground and everyone safe.

[Savoia]

Mad Jock: How eloquently put! ;)

[toptobottom]

VF - A very lucky escape given the unforgiving terrain; good job on getting her down without pax injuries. Hopefully, that will be your only 'brown trouser' moment...

Looks like the tail has become detached from the fuselage as well as the skids being left behind a wall. What was the total extent of the damage? I'm surprised it's flying again so quickly :confused:

TTB

[rotorrookie]

that was close call, glad that you and all your pax are ok...
better be prepared, it can happen to anyone of us any day.:rolleyes:
p.s. good to know you can actually squeeze them that far down in the Nr range, something that you don't test on daily basis.:O

Came across your bird in Norway in May 2008, then it obviously had better day then the one in the field. assuming this is the only one with this trim
http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7256/7834029166_9673eef230_b.jpg

[FairWeatherFlyer]

Glad everyone walked away from that one and with the convenience of not needing to step down from the aircraft!

First point - don't operate the engine like an Allison 250!

What's the difference being referred to here?

[RVDT]

First point - don't operate the engine like an Allison 250!

Or an LTS for that matter.

I have seen so many operators doing just that.

Prolonged idling - progression from the 250 and or 101 and doing 2 minute run downs. Habit.

Not good due to low oil flow around the rear bearing and heat build up. This progresses to carbon buildup in the scavenge and vent. If the scavenge blocks it is possible for oil to migrate to the rear of the GG 2nd wheel. After that there is a good possibility of losing a turbine blade. 30 seconds is the required run down and then turn it off as any more is detrimental. There is a graph around somewhere that shows the temperature initially reduces in the area of the rear bearing then after 30 seconds it climbs again and does all sorts of strange things. If you have been idling run it up to flight again for a while then back to idle then shut down.

Any maintenance in the rear bearing area requires plenty of attention to details and procedures.

The bearing is after the 2nd wheel on the extreme right.

http://www.gg-pilot.com/ggupload/Expo11.JPG

ref the AD here is a picture of the buildup that comes off unevenly which causes the vibration and rear bearing failure.

http://www.tc.gc.ca/media/images/ca-publications/20_1.jpg

[toptobottom]

Do you know if this 'heat climb' problem during shutdown is peculiar to the B2 engine, or does affect other Arriel motors as well?

[FR8R H8R]

Thanks for all the posts and great photos. Glad you made that last one safely.

By the way, i really hate my job now.

Fly safe!

FR8

[rotorrookie]

Is this you VF? or your company? saw it on a news website, the story was "avalanche in Himalayas kills 10 climbers"
http://www.mbl.is/frimg/6/34/634401.jpg

[Savoia]

RR: If you check-out post #18 on this (http://www.pprune.org/rotorheads/472636-350-b3e-anyone-flown-one-yet.html) thread you'll see that the craft in question (9N-AJZ) was delivered to Simrik Air. She was at the Singapore Air Show in February prior to her delivery.

[DonQuixote23]

Truly epic pictures and what a :mad: of an auto-landing. Thumbs up for saving men and machine.

[Vertical Freedom]

Thanks for the positive remarks on my Auto. Sheesh I had not too many options; I had to walk away, we all had to walk away, as we all had too much more living to do :ok::ok::ok:

[Vertical Freedom]

Namaste

Manaslu avalanche update

On the 23rd September at around 4am a massive avalanche swept away camp 3 on Manaslu. To date there are 11 seriously injured all now received medical attention in KTM.

8 bodies have been recovered, I flew 6 missions to 21,529' at -3.3∘C to bring down 5 Blessed Bodies & flew 4 Sherpa Climbers up there to assist in the search. To date there are still 3 Mountaineers missing up on the Mountain, search efforts will continue today.

OmOmOm

🚁🚁🚁🚁🚁🚁🚁🚁🚁🚁🚁🚁

[bondu]

Fly safe, VF

bondu :)

[Vertical Freedom]

Good morning fellow Rotorheads

I have been too busy to post pix here, but I am posting pregularly on Face Book (too easy on the iPhone) so if You would like to catch the latest pix then please friend request me at : Steven Bruce Bokan

Cheers & Happy Landings always :ok::ok::ok:

VF :cool:

[Nigel Osborn]

VF

Well done on surviving that failure so well. I'm intrigued you took the rotor rpm so low below minima to range extend. Normally the factory flight manual limits are best, have you checked with AS if that was a good idea?

I think your photos are great, I only flew offshore in India & didn't have those views!

[belly tank]

have you checked with AS if that was a good idea?

Don't mean to be a prude Nigel and please don't take offense, but I think that was obviously proven to be a Great idea, proof in the pudding:D.

I understand your point, however VF was in the hot seat and I guess he did what he needed to do to preserve life/s. well done Steven

[Vertical Freedom]

Good morning Nigel & Belly Tank

Re my Auto following engine failure....Well I can say this much; the sight picture on the normal Auto numbers was putting me straight into the Karnali river which at that time of year (monsoon) is a raging torrent that would have been unsurvivable.:mad:

When I went to 100kts & bottom of the Nr green; the picture looked better but I was still going in the drink :{:{:{ then hmmmm (this may sound crazy to some people) I then broke all the rules; common sense, airmanship, experience, the RFM limitations..... I believe I was guided by the hand of God & just kept pulling up on the lever till I could see I was gonna make it. Vibration was severe. During the glide; common sense cut in for a moment & I lowered the lever wanting to get Nr back into the green but I lost the sight picture to my elected landing zone, :{ so, without thought or will, the lever went back to where God wanted it to be & was the ONLY position I believe where we were gonna make it......& we did. 5 x PAX all survived without a scratch:p & 1 x Pilot scarred for life :\ but still flying :ok::ok::ok::D:D:D

Happy Landings ALWAYS :cool:

VF

[albatross]

There is no such thing a "cheating" in an auto when you have but one place to go.
Well done!

[Vertical Freedom]

descending through 22,500' looking North towards Tibet, off Mt. Manaslu :D WoW :ok:
http://i1104.photobucket.com/albums/h338/rotors99/P1080871_zps24d54bc3.jpg

[Vertical Freedom]

view of camp 2 Manaslu descending recovering Blessed Bodies following a massive avalanche that swept away camp 3
http://i1104.photobucket.com/albums/h338/rotors99/P1080868_zps926ddb5e.jpg
http://www.pprune.org/%3Ca%20href=%22http://s1104.beta.photobucket.com/user/rotors99/library/%22%20target=%22_blank%22%3E%3Cimg%20src=%22http://i1104.photobucket.com/albums/h338/rotors99/P1080868_zps926ddb5e.jpg%22%20border=%220%22%20alt=%22Photob ucket%22/%3E%3C/a%3E

[Vertical Freedom]

note the massive cracks just awaiting another massive avalnche, Manaslu around 21,000'
http://i1104.photobucket.com/albums/h338/rotors99/P1080858_zpsc4674f2d.jpg

[Vertical Freedom]

Manaslu base camp @ 16,071' Samagaon seen in the background, autoing out of 22,000' VSI jammed hard up against 3,000'fmp
http://i1104.photobucket.com/albums/h338/rotors99/P1080848_zps6b69a214.jpg

[Vertical Freedom]

view from landed camp 3; 21,529' @ -3.3oC :( after the avalanche ;) controls are really mushy :eek:
http://i1104.photobucket.com/albums/h338/rotors99/P1080846_zpsd1aaf3f2.jpg

[Vertical Freedom]

WoW going doooown :ok::}
http://i1104.photobucket.com/albums/h338/rotors99/P1080843_zps5a92e20d.jpg

[DonQuixote23]

Again, these photos are just spectacular!

What is your job/position in Nepal? Hired by a local heli-company providing support and SAR for climbers? If you have already told your story here, please give me a link to the post :)

[Vertical Freedom]

Yep even a BK makes a fast quick stop arrival, heavy at Sama 12,000' ;)
http://i1104.photobucket.com/albums/h338/rotors99/IMG_2527_zpsd06730a8.jpg

[Vertical Freedom]

WoW the view above the clouds, 21,529' @ -3.3oC :eek::eek::eek:
http://i1104.photobucket.com/albums/h338/rotors99/IMG_2520_zps794d0dc4.jpg

[Vertical Freedom]

aftermath from the massive avalanche that swept away camp 3, recovering 5 Blessed Bodies that died here, the break line at the top of the avalanche can be seen here, 21, 529' :(:(:(
http://i1104.photobucket.com/albums/h338/rotors99/IMG_2519_zpsae49a91d.jpg

[Encyclo]

Dear VF :8,

Always impressed with your work, both at the controls and with a camera. One quick question on the last photo of this tragic (a local cardiologist died in this avalanche) event; how high is the wall left from the break?

With no visual references in the area, it's hard to get a sense of the height.

Thanks & keep up the great work :ok:

[Vertical Freedom]

Namaste Encyclo

Thanks for your kind words :O

The remaining wall left after the avalanche varied from nill to 300' high :mad:

The adventure continues..........................................:ooh:

Happy Landings..............always :ok:

OmOmOm

VF

[Vertical Freedom]

Mananslu Base Camp, Search & Rescue Ops :hmm:
http://i1104.photobucket.com/albums/h338/rotors99/IMG_2511_zps5201618d.jpg

[Vertical Freedom]

crashed fixed wing beside Jomsom airport, 2 survived, 17 dead - RIP
http://i1104.photobucket.com/albums/h338/rotors99/P1080827_zps8e32a0ff.jpg

[Peter-RB]

Hello and Good afternoon Vertical Freedom, from Sunny Lancashire,

Again a stunning few pictures of your everyday view from your mobile office window,

Despite the rugged beauty of that almost untouched area you fly in, death still awaits at every chance to steal the hearts and minds of thoses who dare to reach out to what looks like one of the last unfriendly frontiers.

Take care VF, many of us down near to Sea level read your posts.
My regards
Peter R-B Lancashire UK.

[Carbon Bootprint]

What Peter said. Thanks, VF, you're doing a fabulous job chronicling one of the most fascinating areas on the planet. I dare say many of us live vicariously through your adventures. :ok:

Safe flying,
CB

[Vertical Freedom]

Namaste Peter-RB & Carbon Bootprint

Thanks for Your comments.

Yes here in Nepal is amazing & probably amongst the more challanging places to fly thanks to ultra high landing elevations, DA (ISA +30oC) & crap weather :confused: we have some of the highest accident rates here for both Fixed & Rotory Winged aircraft's due to the mentioned reasons :\

So the adventure continues :p

OmOmOm

VF

[Vertical Freedom]

WoW factor Nepali style descending through 16,000' Aerial trukking ;)

http://i1104.photobucket.com/albums/h338/rotors99/P1080819_zpsf2fe52a2.jpg

[Vertical Freedom]

more WoW factor Nepali style ;)
http://i1104.photobucket.com/albums/h338/rotors99/P1080780_zps52b8acb4.jpg

[Vertical Freedom]

Pure Nepali beauty ;)
:cool:❤OmOmOm❤:cool:
http://i1104.photobucket.com/albums/h338/rotors99/IMG_1954_zps96755587.jpg
Ukan Khola 5,673' @ 33oC, 4 x PAX, 35usg, Jetbox BIII :ooh:

[Vertical Freedom]

Nepali WoW factor, on a rare fabulous Vis day, hmmmm make that double WoW :D:ok:
http://i1104.photobucket.com/albums/h338/rotors99/P1080784_zps6b224680.jpg

[10W]

Vertical Freedom

Stunning photos and you are doing a stunning job :ok:

[Vertical Freedom]

Thank You 10W :ok:
❤OmOmOm❤
VF

[surely not]

Terrific thread VF and the best on the site. Just amazing pictures and the scenery so spectacular.

I look forward to my regular fix of new pics on here......

[DonQuixote23]

My understanding of Nepal after this thread is a beautiful country with clear blue skyes. Far from the truth? ;)

[500N]

Another awesome photo. Thanks for posting.


My understanding after this thread is for a lot of people, having a talented pilot like VF around is a godsend :ok:

[Heli2Brasil]

Incredible pictures VF! And incredible flying as well!
I did a fair bit of flying in the Hindu Kush and your pictures made me remember how beautiful the top of the world is.

Many safe landings!

[cobaltfrog]

Guruji, Mero bicharma tapianko sabanda ramro manche ho! Shabash!

from an ex Gurkha Officer and Fleet Air Arm pilot now flying B3's!!

[gcpilot8]

Dear VF

Must be getting pretty busy there with the start of the trekking season and the influx of the tourists.

Stay safe out there and keep the pictures coming :ok:

Happy Dashain:)

Jay Sambho:E

[Vertical Freedom]

Fellow Rotorheads...Thank You for Your kind words OmOmOm
Island Peak High Camp 19,985' - Rescue Flight, broken leg in 3 places :cool::ok:
http://i1104.photobucket.com/albums/h338/rotors99/Photobucket%20Desktop%20-%20Stevens%20MacBook%20Pro/a1/P1090344.jpg

[Vertical Freedom]

:eek::eek::eek::ouch::ouch::ouch::D:D:D
http://i1104.photobucket.com/albums/h338/rotors99/Photobucket%20Desktop%20-%20Stevens%20MacBook%20Pro/a1/P1090347.jpg

[Vertical Freedom]

the Doctor at Island Peak High Camp 19,985' trying to convince me to take him down too, but the conditions only allowed for 3 pax to be uplifted on this Rescue Flight, CAT 20kts gusting to maybe 45kts huge updrafts, scary down drafts & swirling :{:eek::confused: AS350B3+ ;):):ok:
http://i1104.photobucket.com/albums/h338/rotors99/P1090356_zpsb415f357.jpg

[Vertical Freedom]

WoW factor Nepali style :cool::ok::eek:;)
http://i1104.photobucket.com/albums/h338/rotors99/P1090225_zps42003db4.jpg
droppin' outa 20,000' for IslandPeak BaseCamp; which is @ 10,700' WoW but only 1/2nmile away :eek::eek::eek:

[Jet Ranger]

Fantastic, again !!! :ok:

JR

[rotorrookie]

is that slide window on the sliding door "EC" kit or aftermarket ??

[Vertical Freedom]

Namaste rotorrookie

after market :}:*:D;)

Happy Landings :ok:

VF

[Bertie Thruster]

VF, This thread is the best thing on 'Rotorheads'!

Thankyou. :)

[Vertical Freedom]

Blessed Body recovery from just below the summit of Pissang Peak Helipad here is 19,382' & Pissang Upper village 10,700' below 1 nmile away :eek::eek::eek:
http://i1104.photobucket.com/albums/h338/rotors99/P1090373_zps04d48c23.jpg

[Vertical Freedom]

Sherpa's loading a Blessed Body RIP from just below the summit of Pissang Peak Helipad here is 19,382' & Pissang Upper village 10,700' below 1 nmile away http://images.ibsrv.net/ibsrv/res/src:www.pprune.org/get/images/smilies/eek.gifhttp://images.ibsrv.net/ibsrv/res/src:www.pprune.org/get/images/smilies/eek.gifhttp://images.ibsrv.net/ibsrv/res/src:www.pprune.org/get/images/smilies/eek.gif
http://i1104.photobucket.com/albums/h338/rotors99/P1090366_zps1c2532d6.jpg

[500N]

VF

Hope these aren't too gruesome questions for this forum but
I was talking to a couple of people who have been on Everest
and the mention of the number of injuries / body's up there.

Who pays for these current rescues / body recoveries ?

Who pays if a body is brought down of a person who died a long time ago
5 + 40 years ago ?

In that situation would it be walked / carried down ?

.

[WLM]

VF

Thanks for the great photos; fly safe

WLM

[Vertical Freedom]

Thanks for the great feedback, many thanks to You all. It is these comments that encourage more pix postings. :ok::ok::ok:

As far as I am aware 99% of live or dead ultra high altitude rescues/recoveries are covered by insurance. Any death's above about 19/20,000' not flown out are never carried down, but left there for the Mountain Crows. :ooh::ooh::ooh:

Happy Landings:D:cool:;)

VF

[Vertical Freedom]

Inbound to Teaching Hospital from the East.....VNTR Tumlingtar seen en-route :bored:
http://i1104.photobucket.com/albums/h338/rotors99/P1090443_zps373b1354.jpg

[Vertical Freedom]

the A team at Sagarmatha (Everest) Base Camp :p Sherpa's Rock :ok:
http://i1104.photobucket.com/albums/h338/rotors99/P1090418_zps3b39169a.jpg

[Vertical Freedom]

Refueling at Sagarmatha (Everest) Base Camp following Everest Camp 2 Rescue, landed with 45litres, AS350B3+ :eek::ooh::suspect:
http://i1104.photobucket.com/albums/h338/rotors99/P1090411_zpsfe151946.jpg

[Vertical Freedom]

Everest Camp2 Rescue, loading 2 critical PAX, 21,654' @ -9oC AS350B3+ :eek::}:ooh:
http://i1104.photobucket.com/albums/h338/rotors99/P1090402_zpsd920ad80.jpg

[Vertical Freedom]

approaching a secret shortcut pass at 19,400' B206BIII :eek::eek::eek: What a Jetbox :ugh::ugh::ugh:
http://i1104.photobucket.com/albums/h338/rotors99/P1090394_zps8d4ccfcb.jpg

[Vertical Freedom]

now THAT's an inversion :E seen here about 14,000' :8
http://i1104.photobucket.com/albums/h338/rotors99/P1090377_zps3973bb3d.jpg

[Vertical Freedom]

climbing up Pissang Peak (21,100') for Blessed Body recovery :uhoh:http://i1104.photobucket.com/albums/h338/rotors99/P1090362_zps05f8dd81.jpg

[Vertical Freedom]

just below Pissang Peak Summit, view down the hill from the Helipad 19,382' :eek::eek::eek:
http://i1104.photobucket.com/albums/h338/rotors99/P1090373_zps04d48c23.jpg

[Vertical Freedom]

WoW that's a looooong way down, Helipad 19,382' village at 10,700' just 1 nmile away :yuk::=:oh:http://i1104.photobucket.com/albums/h338/rotors99/P1090374_zps11af7d4b.jpg

[Vertical Freedom]

Neuro Hospital Rescue flight KTM....Jetbanger's are GO :sad::O:(
http://i1104.photobucket.com/albums/h338/rotors99/Photobucket%20Desktop%20-%20Stevens%20MacBook%20Pro/a1/P1090448.jpg

[belly tank]

Post # 667 is a great shot VF:ok:

[DonQuixote23]

Great pics as always.
45 litres are good for how many minutes of flying in the B3?

[Vertical Freedom]

45litres depends on the altitude & temp Your flyin' at.
hmmmm around there maybe 16minutes, or a bit less at MCP :E

Happy Landings :ok:

VF

[Vertical Freedom]

Nepali WoW factor :ok:;):D
http://i1104.photobucket.com/albums/h338/rotors99/P1090471_zps8fbd27d7.jpg

[Vertical Freedom]

Jetbox are GO 'Kyanjing Gumpu' 12,807' 15oC - 4 x PAX + 32usgalhttp://i1104.photobucket.com/albums/h338/rotors99/P1090457_zps87565d19.jpg

[rotorrookie]

19.400' in a Jet Ranger, you must be very patient man and that nearly 9000' drop in 1 nm.... is that what you call steep approach? :E

[Vertical Freedom]

Hey Rotorrookie

hehehe that 19,400' pass in the JetBanger is only used when conditions are good & the load is MUCH less (1 or 2 pax) otherwise she'll never ever get there....even at 20kts :ouch:

AS350 high altitude work - back to Earth steep approaches are actually VNE dives with flat pitch... that end up as a flatish approach with no ROD on short finals to a quick stop over the pad (is the approach I prefer these days - no surprises & easier to manage on arrival)

:ooh::ooh::ooh::ok::D

OmOmOm :cool:
VF

[Vertical Freedom]

http://i1104.photobucket.com/albums/h338/rotors99/P1090479_zpsa75c0dc8.jpg;)
http://i1104.photobucket.com/albums/h338/rotors99/P1090460_zps2c10e8a1.jpg

[Vertical Freedom]

;):E:eek:
http://i1104.photobucket.com/albums/h338/rotors99/P1090481_zpsb70fb678.jpg

[Vertical Freedom]

:sad:;):ok:http://i1104.photobucket.com/albums/h338/rotors99/P1090474_zps182222b5.jpg

[Vertical Freedom]

the only mountain with the cloud formations is Sagarmatha (Everest) inbound to Namche Bizarre, descending out of 18,000' - Rescue :E AS350 :uhoh:
http://i1104.photobucket.com/albums/h338/rotors99/P1090501_zps9205cc32.jpg
in the V of the pass Khumjung & VNSB Syangboche airstrip is visible :p

[Vertical Freedom]

Doodh Pokhari (Milk Lake) at Gokyo 15,748'
Rescue flight :ok::rolleyes::ooh:
http://i1104.photobucket.com/albums/h338/rotors99/IMG_2683.jpg

[Vertical Freedom]

http://i1104.photobucket.com/albums/h338/rotors99/IMG_2685.jpg

[Vertical Freedom]

VNLK notorious Lukla airport, most dangerous in the World (they claim) hmmmm I've seen more scarey-er & dangerous here in Nepal, much more :eek::eek::eek:
the Jetbanger will depart with 4 pax + 60kg cargo + 35usgal GoJuice DA 11,820' :}:}:} hmmm cushion creep :uhoh::uhoh::uhoh:
http://i1104.photobucket.com/albums/h338/rotors99/IMG_2684.jpg

[Vertical Freedom]

WoW :E:E:E
http://i1104.photobucket.com/albums/h338/rotors99/P1090490_zpsdaa64582.jpg

[Vertical Freedom]

:D:O:ok::}:confused::eek::cool::rolleyes:http://i1104.photobucket.com/albums/h338/rotors99/P1090479_zpsa75c0dc8.jpg

[Soave_Pilot]

Are u always using oxygen at those altitudes? did hypoxia ever hit you?

Just being curios

Nice pics:ok:

[Vertical Freedom]

Namaste Soave _Pilot
errr lets say its always there in the machine to use:hmm::hmm::hmm:
http://i1104.photobucket.com/albums/h338/rotors99/IMG_2649-1.jpg
Ama Dablam summit viewed here from about 23,000' PAhttp://images.ibsrv.net/ibsrv/res/src:www.pprune.org/get/images/smilies/confused.gifhmm that's about 24,400' indicated on the GPS :ooh::ooh::ooh:

[Vertical Freedom]

Annapurna 3 :ouch::ouch::ouch:
http://i1104.photobucket.com/albums/h338/rotors99/IMG_2636.jpg

[Vertical Freedom]

Annapurna 2 :):):)
http://i1104.photobucket.com/albums/h338/rotors99/IMG_2634.jpg

[Vertical Freedom]

Lake Tilicho Highest lake in the World, overflying here at about 22,000' :*:*:*
http://i1104.photobucket.com/albums/h338/rotors99/IMG_2632.jpg

[Vertical Freedom]

Lake Tilicho - Worlds highest lake, overflying here at about 22,000' :ooh::ooh::ooh:
http://i1104.photobucket.com/albums/h338/rotors99/IMG_2630.jpg

[Vertical Freedom]

morning at Sama 12,000' waiting for winds below Mt. Manaslu after the big avalanche for search & maybe rescue :ooh::ooh::ooh:
http://i1104.photobucket.com/albums/h338/rotors99/IMG_2618.jpg

[Vertical Freedom]

Tyangboche Monastery - inbound to VNLK from GorokShep Rescue flt :ok::ok:
http://i1104.photobucket.com/albums/h338/rotors99/P1090524.jpg

[Vertical Freedom]

Rescue flight - Pheriche....... Nepali WoW factor always there :):):)


http://i1104.photobucket.com/albums/h338/rotors99/P1090520.jpg

[Vertical Freedom]

approaching Tyangboche Monastery - bound for GorokShep Rescue flt:confused::confused::confused: Ama Dablam on right, Sagarmatha (Everest) seen with all the clouds forming off Her :eek::eek::eek:
http://i1104.photobucket.com/albums/h338/rotors99/P1090514.jpg

[Vertical Freedom]

getting off the Mountain, cloud surfing :confused::confused::confused: searching for holes :yuk::yuk::yuk: not fun :eek::eek::eek:
http://i1104.photobucket.com/albums/h338/rotors99/P1090545.jpg

[500N]

VF

Re the Lake, it doesn't look frozen which surprises me.
Does it freeze over ?

Re "searching for holes", mmmm, you certainly lead an interesting life !


Thanks for taking the time to post the great photos, keep them coming.:ok:

[krypton_john]

Top of the World is why I log into pprune every morning - it is better than coffee!

How do you keep everything steady in the mountain air, flying one handed, while snapping these great photos?

[Tango123]

Thank you so much VF, for posting these photos :)

[Vertical Freedom]

Namaste

Thank You for the positive words re my pix, these encourage more :ok::ok:
Hmm Tilicho lake only freezes for the winter? :uhoh:

To take snaps I usually fly with the knees:{

Happy Landings always :D:D:D

VF

[Vertical Freedom]

Aerial Yaks at work VNLK :E:E:E
http://i1104.photobucket.com/albums/h338/rotors99/P1090527.jpg

[wdew]

If you ever publish these photos in a book or write a book I will be the first to order ! Spectacular.
Thanx

[500N]

+1

I agree, you would only need to publish the photos with a very small amount of text pertaining to location.

Apart from a large number of pilots, i think a fair few climbers and treckers would buy it solely because the images are so unique.

[WLM]

Hi VF

getting off the Mountain, cloud surfing searching for holes not fun

Wow mate, you are living on the dangerous side, and some the heights shown in your pictures, I really take my hat off to you

Fly safe :ok:

[Vertical Freedom]

Namaste VLM

Hmmmmm up here so close to satellites orbiting, if we wait for all nice & easy conditions, then we would fly maybe 20days a year & a lot more people would die........ a lot more.:ugh::uhoh::{

It's a balance between weighing up manageable risks to save lives :ouch:

Happy landings 🚁🚁🚁

VF 🌀🙏🌀

[Cleared-HOT]

Nice photos.

[10W]

Awesome ... every single photo. May your God go with you !! :ok:

[Old and Horrified]

Flying with your knees? I (4000 hours on fixed wing) have only once tried to fly a helicopter and found it almost impossible using my hands.

When I worked in Westland, I was told that one of the test pilots used to demonstrate flying a Gazelle with just his knees. I didn't believe him. I guess I was wrong.

Love your photos - keep them coming!

[spencer17]

Flying with the knees is a common thing when folding a map, taking photos or rolling a cigarette:E.

[krypton_john]

Perhaps not so commonly performed when flying through a turbulent Himalayan mountain pass at 18,000' :-D

[Vertical Freedom]

Good morning fellow Rotorheads

I was trained by 'Buck Ryan' & he made me fly with my knees, left hand, even body weight shifting. It's not so hard once You get used to it ;) gives more options & choices as to how to manage self & cockpit.

Thanks for the positive feedback :ok::ok::ok: greatly appreciated :D

Cheers

VF

[Vertical Freedom]

VNKT Tribhuvan International - Helicopter dispersal area, 4,400' :confused:
http://i1104.photobucket.com/albums/h338/rotors99/P1090631.jpg

[Vertical Freedom]

VNKT Tribhuvan International - Helicopter dispersal area, 4,400' :E
http://i1104.photobucket.com/albums/h338/rotors99/P1090628.jpg

[Vertical Freedom]

http://i1104.photobucket.com/albums/h338/rotors99/P1090625.jpg

[Vertical Freedom]

climbing for Thorang La pass - gotta reach 19,000' to cross, trusty ole Jetbox B206BIII :ooh::{:=
http://i1104.photobucket.com/albums/h338/rotors99/P1090613.jpg

[Vertical Freedom]

climbing for Thorang La pass - gotta reach 19,000' to cross, trusty ole Jetbox B206BIII :uhoh::ugh::8

http://i1104.photobucket.com/albums/h338/rotors99/P1090615.jpg

[Vertical Freedom]

views from the office, WoW an exceptionally clear day :cool:;):D
http://i1104.photobucket.com/albums/h338/rotors99/P1090593.jpg

[Vertical Freedom]

http://i1104.photobucket.com/albums/h338/rotors99/P1090572.jpg

[Vertical Freedom]

VNLD Lamidada airstrip 4,100' :}:bored::)
http://i1104.photobucket.com/albums/h338/rotors99/P1090546.jpg

[wdew]

Keep those pictures coming

[Limeygal]

Stunning :ok:

[Thone1]

VF,

I cannot get enough of your shots, especially looking at Sagarmatha from your point of view.

Thinking about the heights that you work at, I am truly amazed.

What´s the closest that you´ve flown around the top of Everest?

Tom

[Vertical Freedom]

Namaste Tom

Have flown heights up to the service ceiling of the AS350B3+ which is 23,000' PA that can be as high as 26,000' AMSL depending on the on the pressure that day. Landing often for Rescue around 20,000' to 22,500' & twice at 23,000'. Pretty serious up there though, you're truly limited with no margin to play with.:eek::eek::eek:

Happy Landings :D

VF :cool:

[before landing check list]

Can anyone tell me the job prospects for a 8500hr dual ATP (CAA and FAA) guy there? The scenery is stunning.

Thanks in advance

[cpt]

Thanks Vertical Freedom! a part of our corporation tends to forget so often that helicopters still can fly without an auto-pilot coupling !
I must admitt I'm feeling like a kid behind a Christmas shop-window when I look at your stunning pics ;) !

[soggyboxers]

VF, thank you so much for your stunning photographs of such a beautiful region of our planet. I love the mountains, but I spent my last few years as an aviator flying around the flatness of the Niger Delta and the roof of the squash court in my compound in Nigeria is about as high as I get most days now :sad: . One of the high points of my week now is looking at the photos posted by yourself and CO280fx each with their own different wow factor. It must be an amazing, almost spiritual experience flying so close to Sagarmatha: how did you get the photo on post #721? Have you ever thought about using something like a GoPro Hero or similar camera?

I love the Ecureil, but the last SE model I flew was the 350B2 and it must be wonderful to be able to fly a B3e in those fantastic mountains.

I used to do a lot of flying with my knees, especially in floppy-stick machines with no autopilot and, as you've said, it's quite easy once you get used to it.

Fly safe and, when you have the opportunity to safely do so, please keep your photographs coming :D:ok:

[Vertical Freedom]

OmOmOm

Work prospects here are hmmm well; 2,000hrs PIC Rotory, 1,000hrs turbine, 100hrs AS350 type, 1,000hrs Mountian. VR, Sling, Ag, low level all an advantage plus being comfortable with regular visibility at only Special Heli VMC to follow rivers, contours, trekking routes, passes etc. to get X-Country??

Happy Landings always!

VF

[PK SPI]

Two thumbs up for all pictures ! Excellent view, mate !

[Vertical Freedom]

Tengboche Monastery :ok:;)
http://i1104.photobucket.com/albums/h338/rotors99/P1000437-1.jpg

[Vertical Freedom]

http://i1104.photobucket.com/albums/h338/rotors99/P1050082.jpg

[Vertical Freedom]

Heli picnic VNJR Jiri airstrip :oh:
http://i1104.photobucket.com/albums/h338/rotors99/P1000894-1.jpg

[CO280fx]

I started following PPRuNe after finding your pics in the Around the World thread. Thanks so much :ok: and keep 'em coming! :D

[Vertical Freedom]

Koto Qutar 9,933' Rescue Flight 3 x PAX + 85kg cargo + 35usgal Go Juice :}:}:}

http://i1104.photobucket.com/albums/h338/rotors99/P1090697.jpg

[Vertical Freedom]

http://i1104.photobucket.com/albums/h338/rotors99/P1090667.jpg

[krohmie]

lot of WOW factor ...

BTW I´m just viewing a swiss documentary (2010/2011) about a jont venture between Swiss mountain rescue and Fishtail air.
Commentary is a little bit dumb (The Swiss teaching modern mountain rescue to the Nepals) but a lot of WOW factor in the videos.

Please keep this pictures coming

Fly safe
Thomas the aviation photographer

[Vertical Freedom]

Mera Valley residence :ooh::ok::cool:
http://i1104.photobucket.com/albums/h338/rotors99/P1090824.jpg

[Vertical Freedom]

Monjo :ok:;):O
http://i1104.photobucket.com/albums/h338/rotors99/P1090775.jpg

[Vertical Freedom]

Koto Qutar 9,557' @ 8oC - early morning Rescue flight, 3 x PAX + 85kg cargo + 38usgal GoJuice :confused::E:=
http://i1104.photobucket.com/albums/h338/rotors99/P1090697.jpg

[Vertical Freedom]

light haze :(:bored::rolleyes:
http://i1104.photobucket.com/albums/h338/rotors99/P1090729.jpg

[Vertical Freedom]

Pangboche - SuloKhumbu :ouch::ouch::ouch:
http://i1104.photobucket.com/albums/h338/rotors99/P1090807.jpg

[Vertical Freedom]

Pangboche new Helipad 13,585' @ 5oC with 18knots upslope wind. Rescue flight 3 x pax + 45kg cargo + 32usgal GoJuice :oh::eek::confused: Ama Dablam seen above Right :ok::ok::ok:
http://i1104.photobucket.com/albums/h338/rotors99/P1090817.jpg

[Vertical Freedom]

Siboche 9,985' Rescue flight :ok::D;)
http://i1104.photobucket.com/albums/h338/rotors99/P1090821.jpg

[Vertical Freedom]

Lamjura pass ~ 12,000' :eek::eek::eek:
http://i1104.photobucket.com/albums/h338/rotors99/P1090752.jpg

[Vertical Freedom]

haze, fog, smog & morning mist :*:}:\
http://i1104.photobucket.com/albums/h338/rotors99/P1090714.jpg

[Vertical Freedom]

http://i1104.photobucket.com/albums/h338/rotors99/P1090901.jpg

[Vertical Freedom]

http://i1104.photobucket.com/albums/h338/rotors99/P1090900.jpg

[Vertical Freedom]

http://i1104.photobucket.com/albums/h338/rotors99/P1090898.jpg

[Vertical Freedom]

Kyanjing Gumpa :ok::D:ok: 12,807' @12oC :cool::E:cool: 3 x PAX + 28usgal GoJuice + 22kg Yak Cheese in the ole Jetbox :bored::suspect::bored:
http://i1104.photobucket.com/albums/h338/rotors99/P1090894.jpg

[Vertical Freedom]

searching for my Rescue Patient, hmmmm beside the river in that gorge :(:(:(
http://i1104.photobucket.com/albums/h338/rotors99/P1090889.jpg