Top of the World: photos from Nepal

[Vertical Freedom]

http://i1104.photobucket.com/albums/h338/rotors99/1087DB2A-123E-4446-85C9-A9A4DFAA5D0A-1244-000000A260970D1E_zps97265617.jpg

http://i1104.photobucket.com/albums/h338/rotors99/45F51AFD-2369-4997-8CA9-8F17ED71BFFB-1244-000000A232E2AB77_zps7bc8f19f.jpg

[Vertical Freedom]

VNMG blowing hard yippeee :*

http://i1104.photobucket.com/albums/h338/rotors99/E0B8D753-A1F6-470A-890F-3A1CFF815050-1244-000000A2953AEC5A_zpsf802df27.jpg

http://i1104.photobucket.com/albums/h338/rotors99/D172C117-56E1-4CD6-8AAD-7979656149E0-1244-000000A2A341E502_zps95855b54.jpg

[Vertical Freedom]

inside the Khumb on Sagarmatha @ 22,500' -1.6oC :eek: :bored:

http://i1104.photobucket.com/albums/h338/rotors99/B9E3E5E8-8BC0-4168-B623-B3FDA7EA2740-1244-000000A1E7A608B4_zpsbdf019a4.jpg


http://i1104.photobucket.com/albums/h338/rotors99/BFA046A4-569D-4914-B07B-3FA95358AD21-1244-000000A1CBEF5B78_zpsae40b076.jpg

[Vertical Freedom]

Italian Pyramid Meteorological Station above Lobuche ~ 16,500' :rolleyes: SoluKhumbu ;)

http://i1104.photobucket.com/albums/h338/rotors99/ADA9BFF7-EBE6-45D2-85E6-128522287961-4435-000002649202319B_zpsf435c46d.jpg

http://www.pprune.org/KT-LK-Gororksheph-Lobuche-LK LK-Lobuche-SB-LK LK-KT

[Vertical Freedom]

Namche Bazaar - Trukking Yaks :eek: move over or else :8

http://i1104.photobucket.com/albums/h338/rotors99/3DC4414C-FCC9-4388-8E94-6E08825B43BB-4435-000002642029EE62_zps59f30acb.jpg

http://i1104.photobucket.com/albums/h338/rotors99/4FF9DCB4-A530-4788-9996-48E6AD3BD423-4435-00000264087845AE_zpse8efc46b.jpg

[Vertical Freedom]

David Breashears @ EBC :D

http://i1104.photobucket.com/albums/h338/rotors99/E65698D8-A2CE-4F3B-A577-39B7D4A79EB0-4435-00000264E187B102_zps3ce87ad7.jpg

DA high in Nepal :yuk: :\ :confused: landed Moon Station (Everest Base Camp) all the camp sites & Heli pads have broken down since the last season, due shifting glacier & here I am sitting on an upside down ice cream cone mound of rubble :eek: :bored: needed HOGE in & out :=

http://i1104.photobucket.com/albums/h338/rotors99/9888C7CA-A4B2-4171-9F48-BBA76CB0913C-4435-00000264AF08187A_zps40653b5b.jpg

couldn't throttle down from flight but still managed a quick snack :E

[Vertical Freedom]

http://i1104.photobucket.com/albums/h338/rotors99/D88F8F87-AEB9-4B5A-BA4D-2356DE0F69E6-4435-000002646C40D4EB_zps09789648.jpg

[Vertical Freedom]

http://i1104.photobucket.com/albums/h338/rotors99/66575F0C-574B-455D-A950-7148F68B9FDA-4435-000002645E412856_zps19cc2adf.jpg

[Vertical Freedom]

GoJuicin' up :}

http://i1104.photobucket.com/albums/h338/rotors99/59E72EDF-DE4B-4B9E-B517-D56A2F30B2CA-4435-00000264310210CA_zps3926318a.jpg

[victor papa]

Vertical Freedom, just to add to the intrigue please press select and + threw the DECU data until you get to mbars reading for interest sake if you take another VEMD photo so we can see your Q&H. It will be in the upper screen lower centre rectangle.

[Ye Olde Pilot]

Fantastic pictures again without all the bullsh*t.

No bonedomes,epaulettes or flying suits.

Just easy going flying like I discovered moving my fixed to rotary licence in Oz decades ago..

You make my day looking at your pictures.

Worthy of a tv slot to replace all the old boring same same police camera action stuff where the hero uniformed crew chase a spotty youth in a stolen car only for the court to let him go.

Looks like you don't go for the 'hero chopper captain' style?:ok:

[Vertical Freedom]

Hey Victor Papa

QNH was 1020 at the EBC pad. :ooh:

G'day Ye Olde Pilot

Thanks Brother. Yaar gold bars, stripes & BS don't make You a better Pilot, that stuff is for EGO massage ONLY. :yuk: The bars don't even work as a chick magnet :ooh: so why bother & spoil a nice white shirt in a dusty, dirty Helicopter? ;)

Always know where the wind is & do everything into wind except piss :D

Happy landings :ok:

[Vertical Freedom]

Dead Mountaineers Memorial Gate - 16, 147' @ 4 x POB + 137litres GoJuice :cool:

http://i1104.photobucket.com/albums/h338/rotors99/151196EB-9541-4FAA-814C-806A9327C1E9-4131-0000021F3EBDE398_zps524d0f5c.jpg

[Vertical Freedom]

climbing in the 'Khumb' to cross the Lhoste - Nuptse pass (just over 3,000' more to climb) :confused: :\ :eek: :suspect: :ouch:
http://i1104.photobucket.com/albums/h338/rotors99/8D8FFD3F-F34A-4A16-94E7-0299156D3BE4-4131-0000021F6E4C49B5_zps85d7bb00.jpg

[Nubian]

Seems like you'd have good use of a 2D engine in your bird, operating so close to going into orbit....
It's a pain to do powerchecks in the lowlands with that thing, as you feel like breaking the soundbarrier just to get the bleedvalve to close:E

[Ye Olde Pilot]

Love the jeans and shoes.

Is that an oxygen line in the picture?

[Madbob]

VF - A tad more right pedal co-pilot the slip ball is not in the middle!

Or maybe you've bent the airframe:=.

MB

[Vertical Freedom]

Hey Yea Olde Pilot

Thanks Mate, Yaar it's comfortable/practical dress code here, gold bars & stripes don't help You up here....come to think of it; doesn't help anywhere except for thy ego :*

At these altitudes definitely sucking on O2, but that what You see is my iPhone charger cord hehehe :)

-------------------------------------------------------------
Hey Nubian

What a dream that would be here........to have Your problems; getting the bleed valve closed ;)

Happy Landings :cool:

[Vertical Freedom]

http://i1104.photobucket.com/albums/h338/rotors99/1BD487EE-EDAB-4595-95A2-CB26AA162216-4131-0000021F2E7EE9D6_zpse3bb55cb.jpg

[Vertical Freedom]

roof top landing Namche Bazaar ;)

http://i1104.photobucket.com/albums/h338/rotors99/085F4E92-8AFF-4AAB-9BE4-BB5533CCB716-4131-0000021F17F0DCC5_zps721aff06.jpg

[Vertical Freedom]

Hey madbob

Sorry to disappoint You Mate but; Helicopters are flown in TRIM not balance :yuk: :(

In 'balance' flying is for the stiff-wingers :8

[fadecdegraded]

VF top thread and excellent photos keep them coming.

Madbob get a life, half a ball 3/4 at most who cares and more realistically if you have spent any time in mountains on the the click of a photo the ball can be off the clock, a bit of turbulence is all it takes, dont get much of that in the circuit!!!!
Anyway good stuff VF to be honest if i had not seen some of the cockpit photos of the JR i would not have thought they could even go that high its all good, the B3 is awesome but still again hats off you are working it to its limits where you are.
i work in PNG and have had the B3 up pretty high on aeromag (15000)DA a few years ago but heaps of on board recording gear so no landing or hovering but great machines none the less.
keep the photos coming they are great

FD

[Ye Olde Pilot]

I guess the locals get used to living at the elevation VF?

Would I be right in thinking you've done the trips so many times no need for calcs?

[Vertical Freedom]

Good morning fadecdegraded & madbob

Yep always on the performance limits high up here & more, so flying in trim makes a huge difference & yep in that picture she was actually in trim, string flying down the middle of the window split :D :O :ooh:

Hey Yea Olde Pilot

My calculation at remote high pads is done when I pick her up & see what margin there is (if any) :ooh: look outside at the T/O profile needed & decide then to GO, or offload something, or :ok: For landing at high pads I pull her back to 25-30knots (ETL) at the pad elevation, see what power she requires to hold height & that's the same power exactly which she'll be needing to HIGE arrived at the pad :confused: so I know just how easy & relaxed I can be.............or how fast & precise that approach needs to be, or :bored: :eek: :=

Happy Landings :cool:

[Vertical Freedom]

Grande International Hospital H progressing :ok: :D :)

http://i1104.photobucket.com/albums/h338/rotors99/DCDA723A-2CFC-444C-852E-A03C23F9083B-2099-000000DE22BC9016_zpsa3a80c7d.jpg

:D :D :D

http://i1104.photobucket.com/albums/h338/rotors99/AF725BA9-1F5F-4186-AA19-C1351C57C1E1-2099-000000DE1A9A2196_zpsc468102e.jpg

sorry about the poor quality, was busy on a ****ey day :yuk:

[Vertical Freedom]

Rescue Flight ParaGlider accident

http://i1104.photobucket.com/albums/h338/rotors99/FCFA29D7-41A5-4DAF-93EB-9A58479A811E-2099-000000DE3AD2A6E3_zpsa61fcb27.jpg

[Vertical Freedom]

Kathmandu Kit Kat's :p

http://i1104.photobucket.com/albums/h338/rotors99/8DE1E86B-1A2C-483A-BF11-5ABEBAEAF75B-4464-0000020D1ED38E4F_zpsabe00cef.jpg

http://i1104.photobucket.com/albums/h338/rotors99/7BF5FCB9-E07C-4A73-BC80-4C46BA3FD3C3-4464-0000020D092E62E4_zps491798fa.jpg

[Phil Space]

I've just been watching a trashy UK reality show,Sky Cops, with contrived
adventure so your pictures are like a breath of fresh air.

You are one lucky pilot in I suspect a great team.

[Vertical Freedom]

Namche Bazaar - Rescue :cool:

http://i1104.photobucket.com/albums/h338/rotors99/75DCD63A-662F-49F7-9D9B-2B855ADFDEDF-6100-00000312B8B977EC_zpsa7e1971a.jpg

http://i1104.photobucket.com/albums/h338/rotors99/1E4BB398-8590-435B-BB76-AF598195D655-6100-00000312A20C2EA2_zps34ed815c.jpg

http://i1104.photobucket.com/albums/h338/rotors99/8916BB6B-A7E2-4D05-92AA-30EF89B40A0C-6100-00000312C7FD6B22_zpsebd4cddc.jpg

http://i1104.photobucket.com/albums/h338/rotors99/3BBB65BF-FDF1-4242-8449-C2E00E29E8DB-6100-000003129A2C8EFF_zps3dfef80f.jpg

[victor papa]

Flying a Squirrel with the ball dead centre people outside will think you stupid as you will look like a crap going forward and on the inside you will get seasick. First thing you taught during conversion-dont fly the ball in the middle. As long as the woolometer is between the windows stuff the ball-lol

[Vertical Freedom]

victor papa (http://www.pprune.org/members/180666-victor-papa) Affirm Brother :ok:

[Phil Space]

How the hell does any global trashy tv show using helicopter adventure footage better this thread?

Police,Camera,Action etc but all focussed on drunks/kids stealing cars and motorbikes and a slap on the hand from magistrates:ugh:

The pictures on this thread say it all.

Skilled pilots flying choppers in difficult terrain every day without the bullsh*t.

Keep them pics coming Vertical Freedom.

Total magic:ok::ok:

[22clipper]

From B models on their sides like fish out of water to the 'kit kats', your job is not lacking in variety squire. How long you been there now?

[turboshaft]

I think I just figured out what VF gets up to when he's stuck up a mountain in IMC... .:suspect:

Third baby is born onboard a Fishtail Air helicopter (http://www.corporatejetinvestor.com/articles/third-baby-born-onboard-fishtail-air-helicopter-219)

(Probably one too many Kit Kats! :E)

[Savoia]

I think I just figured out what VF gets up to when he's stuck up a mountain in IMC... :suspect:

Sssshh ... turboshaft! A pilot's shenanigans should never be spoken of! ;)

Congratulazioni .. to the parents. :D

[Phil Space]

Here is the baby picturehttp://www.corporatejetinvestor.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/10/Fishtail-Air-baby-on-board.jpg

This little person will have a great web picture to recall.

Congrats to the crew.

[Vertical Freedom]

Hey 22clipper

6yrs+ in the Himalaya's, 2.5 in Nepal :*

==============================

G'day turboshaft

Been there down that, check out; :ok:
http://www.pprune.org/6965863-post296.html

==============================

Savoia

It's too late, the pussies out of the bag :O :O :O

Land back Happy always :)

[Vertical Freedom]

Mingma Chhamji Sherpa 😮🌞 :p
WonderWoman, Teacher, Helicopter CrewWoman, Mountain Guide & Hard Rocker :ok:

http://i1104.photobucket.com/albums/h338/rotors99/5A3B80AA-C5F0-4B06-A028-6E742DE9DD1A-4523-00000274A7000DCB_zps558b7336.jpg

[Vertical Freedom]

Tyangboche Monastery :) 'Om Mane Padme Hum'

http://i1104.photobucket.com/albums/h338/rotors99/5EB1EE1E-DD01-4CE6-B197-528499B60C1D-5006-000002BB09F13F9C_zpsd394469c.jpg

[Vertical Freedom]

Khumjung 12,402' :\

http://i1104.photobucket.com/albums/h338/rotors99/706D0421-246A-4FAE-8FFC-641EBB971B0E-4084-0000024618D29721_zps76a7c07e.jpg

[Vertical Freedom]

Phakding 8.765' :ok:

http://i1104.photobucket.com/albums/h338/rotors99/23ABA270-46E0-489D-8876-3024E1B9C9CA-4084-00000245920E0144_zps9c496241.jpg

http://i1104.photobucket.com/albums/h338/rotors99/B280FAD7-7F5E-41BF-A21F-3D2F3111AB0D-4084-000002458AEF8075_zps8d05f743.jpg

[Vertical Freedom]

Pangboche 12,795' lowest landing spot under the cloud base := :yuk: :{

http://i1104.photobucket.com/albums/h338/rotors99/1511A330-837B-476C-A050-32B03F3E59A4-4084-00000245782511FF_zpsba4c03c3.jpg

[Vertical Freedom]

http://i1104.photobucket.com/albums/h338/rotors99/6869DCA3-A543-4706-B498-09B5EA6D19A2-4084-000002452DB90494_zps9682335d.jpg

[Vertical Freedom]

http://i1104.photobucket.com/albums/h338/rotors99/628E15E5-E670-43CD-85F0-F7CF9481DB2B-4084-0000024534ECE97A_zps7da10330.jpg

[Vertical Freedom]

http://i1104.photobucket.com/albums/h338/rotors99/0EF4B7F6-9645-46F8-8E29-796C18205226-4084-000002454D25D5E5_zps480afce2.jpg

[Vertical Freedom]

Smee again KTM :D

http://i1104.photobucket.com/albums/h338/rotors99/EF85FBF0-043A-406D-84BC-BEB2D990484E-4084-000002455745C7A8_zpsaa055203.jpg

[Vertical Freedom]

Master Operator Todd :cool:

http://i1104.photobucket.com/albums/h338/rotors99/015EE954-932C-4B6C-A1E0-1E90EC823DA6-4084-000002455E7BA3E8_zpscef66214.jpg

[Vertical Freedom]

Jon Magin :p (Mad Dog) :rolleyes:

http://i1104.photobucket.com/albums/h338/rotors99/64BFAA0C-2164-42F7-A771-AFED71F60D8D-4084-000002456CA5772E_zps17e94531.jpg

[Vertical Freedom]

Pee & tea quickstop :ooh:

http://i1104.photobucket.com/albums/h338/rotors99/ABE002E5-B450-4619-BF9F-8E26C04613B7-4084-00000245A649D92C_zps92057f82.jpg

[Vertical Freedom]

trying get closer to Earth's surface through a hole in the clouds, descending 3,000+fpm through 18,000' - Dudh Pokhari (Milk Lake) & Gokyo village below :eek::eek:
http://i1104.photobucket.com/albums/h338/rotors99/BECD5414-C6D2-44B6-BC0A-436EE0DB1ED0-4084-00000245B4FEA0D7_zps955ebecb.jpg

[Vertical Freedom]

Stowaway from Lukla - Kutie Mutly :p

http://i1104.photobucket.com/albums/h338/rotors99/FFB9D67D-4852-4B24-B62A-F1A19178AFF9-3470-000001EBD42F1A03_zps0dd76591.jpg

[Encyclo]

Hey VF,

Great way to keep the choppa clean :D

Does it work with just animals :8

[Ye Olde Pilot]

I see you have a Teton 520 gyro camera underslung there.
http://www.wired.com/images_blogs/gadgetlab/2013/04/GSS-C520_small-300x293.jpeg

Would I be right in thinking there is a tv company shooting what you do?

[rotorrookie]

So did you have the Teaton Gravity boys there with you making heliskiing/snowboard film?
Heliskiing with supplied oxygen must be ultimate for them :}

[Vertical Freedom]

Yar the Teton Lads Tod & Brian 'ROCK' great fun team & super professional :cool:

http://i1104.photobucket.com/albums/h338/rotors99/B9592201-C5C9-4399-B3D8-0BE35868363F-5006-000002BB22D119C9_zps8625c233.jpg

[Vertical Freedom]

http://i1104.photobucket.com/albums/h338/rotors99/CA711E84-C71F-481F-81F8-E52BE364DEBC-5006-000002BB105AAD13_zps5570c501.jpg

[Vertical Freedom]

Ama Dablam Base Camp 15,377' - refueling & staging location for the mad SnowBoarding near to the Mingbo-la Pass :ooh:
http://i1104.photobucket.com/albums/h338/rotors99/2DED311B-7253-4F38-8F7F-025A40FF88A0-5006-000002BB3FBA3B36_zps66fbc66b.jpg

[Vertical Freedom]

Ama Dablam Base Camp 15,377' - refueling & staging location for the mad SnowBoarding near to the Mingbo-la Pass :bored:

http://i1104.photobucket.com/albums/h338/rotors99/55765022-7A30-45BA-A6A6-272466FE6B37-5006-000002BB4687775F_zpse99ef984.jpg

[Vertical Freedom]

Ama Dablam Base Camp 15,377' - refueling & staging location for the mad SnowBoarding near to the Mingbo-la Pass :ooh:

http://i1104.photobucket.com/albums/h338/rotors99/4ADF87DF-F82E-42E3-AD32-67F635F5910C-5006-000002BB53DDEC7F_zps25d060d2.jpg

[Vertical Freedom]

http://i1104.photobucket.com/albums/h338/rotors99/BBE172C2-C172-4CAD-82CF-19E3818AF538-5006-000002BB6DC6FE2E_zpsb9392d8a.jpg

[Vertical Freedom]

one of the SnowBoarding Mountaineers seen here traversing the knife edge to the launch spot :eek: ~21,000' :uhoh:
http://i1104.photobucket.com/albums/h338/rotors99/3FF41A68-B046-4EA1-9D7F-A931CE05213B-1493-0000008E0F45DCB9_zps2a0cb5b3.jpg

[Vertical Freedom]

Ama Dablam - 23,000' & Sagarmatha (Everest) - 29,211' seen in the background :mad:
http://i1104.photobucket.com/albums/h338/rotors99/FD853431-6DF4-406D-8A9B-FF7FCAE7C7DC-5006-000002BB61066A6C_zps904eec56.jpg

[Vertical Freedom]

http://i1104.photobucket.com/albums/h338/rotors99/C8C77273-EAA7-4827-A22A-734CAC23CD88-1493-0000008DE947A7EA_zps88d1ea57.jpg

[Vertical Freedom]

http://i1104.photobucket.com/albums/h338/rotors99/68202F5C-CC75-4567-B7E5-026F785739B3-1493-0000008DCAE6B265_zpsfcb1eb35.jpg

[Vertical Freedom]

http://i1104.photobucket.com/albums/h338/rotors99/E23EAD78-0784-458B-A977-9641CD99E38C-1493-0000008DB068C3E9_zps0d05e504.jpg

[Vertical Freedom]

SnowBoarder, Mountaineering Athletes climbing the Sharks tooth flute (lower left) :p :8

http://i1104.photobucket.com/albums/h338/rotors99/BA3200AF-C861-4DEA-9FA3-B56075EEDD33-5006-000002BB84FB9F7C_zpsa6c6803f.jpg

[Vertical Freedom]

SnowBoarder, Mountaineering Athletes climbing the Sharks tooth flute (centre lower left) near to Ming-Bola pass :E :eek:
http://i1104.photobucket.com/albums/h338/rotors99/103525DD-D3EB-4765-8552-3FAC45042BFA-5006-000002BB8EAFF1EE_zps3bf87aec.jpg

[Vertical Freedom]

pee, tea & petrol stop - Ama Dablam base camp :p :uhoh:

http://i1104.photobucket.com/albums/h338/rotors99/B2E00C98-80E4-4524-9703-9040F7CC9CBD-5006-000002BBAB22DC95_zps3f088461.jpg

[Vertical Freedom]

SnowBoarding, Mountaineering Athlete in position for the Big One (top centre right) :ouch: :suspect: :ooh: flying past @ 35knots descending ~22,400' :eek: :\ :O

http://i1104.photobucket.com/albums/h338/rotors99/E23EAD78-0784-458B-A977-9641CD99E38C-1493-0000008DB068C3E9_zps1384f415.jpg

[Vertical Freedom]

the Extreme Team ;) :D

http://i1104.photobucket.com/albums/h338/rotors99/0A866270-7E38-43D8-9973-23499F323F80-3470-000001EBC942CD68_zps45e8f18f.jpg

[Savoia]

Fantastico ! :D

[John Eacott]

VF, who were the snowboarders?

And how many vertical feet: I assume that they survived ;)

Very :cool:

[Ye Olde Pilot]

Awesome pictures.

There are not many pilots on the planet who fly in this exciting environment in a low key way.

No flying suits,epaulettes,bone domes or tinted visors.

How long does it take for newcomers to adjust to the altitude?

[Hawkeye0001]

No flying suits,epaulettes,bone domes or tinted visors.

How long does it take for newcomers to adjust to the altitude?

... or attitude, for that matter. "Om." ;)

[nomorehelosforme]

Enjoy your lifestyle and the buzz that goes with it! I assume you own a white shirt with gold stripes!

[belly tank]

Hi mate, got your pics i was in Canada with my wife a few days ago honeymooning:E:E.These ones are amazing mate! great shots. chat soon.

BT:ok:

[Vertical Freedom]

Savoia - thanks Broh ;)

John Eacott - the 'Teton' team same guys from the 'Art of Flight' minus Travis Rice, this team was lead by Jeromy Jones. The jump spot was about 21,900' & the exit was about 18,000' :eek:

Ye Olde Pilot - hehehe white shirts & gold bars is for ego massage, not for Helicopter Pilots. Adjustment time......hmmmm million dollar question, depends on where You'd lived (height), fitness levels & mental stamina :}

Hawkeye0001 - OmOmOm :ok:

nomorehelosforme apparently :\


Land Happy always :)

[Vertical Freedom]

http://i1104.photobucket.com/albums/h338/rotors99/93A46FBF-1AD8-4642-B816-7256135D71AE-3470-000001EBE28FD4B8_zps8d78ca60.jpg

http://i1104.photobucket.com/albums/h338/rotors99/7E6B6383-34DF-4D5F-9C36-45FF1379C819-3470-000001EBE8EF7085_zps864b7c34.jpg

[Vertical Freedom]

Gorokshep Rescue :ooh:http://i1104.photobucket.com/albums/h338/rotors99/DE6540E1-221B-4291-B148-2FAE532A6E9C-8562-0000053ED88A302F_zps12783f0a.jpg

http://i1104.photobucket.com/albums/h338/rotors99/BF16802D-AEEE-493B-98E8-CC40A59E312B-8562-0000053EE0E4A4BE_zps03da5d28.jpg

http://i1104.photobucket.com/albums/h338/rotors99/CCC2E4C3-3022-4F49-A271-3DCD4CFCE9EB-8562-0000053EC2810A27_zps911417e4.jpg

[Vertical Freedom]

Duglha 15,092' - snow + sleet + ice = icing conditions :confused: :ooh: got some ice forming on the blades causing some vibration lasting about 30secound :mad: :\ :uhoh:

http://i1104.photobucket.com/albums/h338/rotors99/5C1F0712-2732-460B-B885-CE4EF51D8577-8562-0000053EBB7C723B_zps9763e93a.jpg

http://i1104.photobucket.com/albums/h338/rotors99/912449E9-60B3-4999-AB5B-E38F7840B510-8562-0000053EB27B6029_zps46f60fc2.jpg

[Ye Olde Pilot]

Love the burning and turning while unloading.

The health and safety brigade would have a field day in the UK.

It looks like you push those machines to the limits.

[Vertical Freedom]

G'day Ye old Pilot

Yep it's written in our Ops. Man. that provided the machine is proven set down on stable ground, ground idle, frictions ON & hydraulics OFF, we can exit the machine to expedite turn around + increase general & Tail Rotor safety :hmm: Yep pre take-off & landing checks above 9,000' - geni off, nose cocked off to give more lever to pull up := :ok: max limits on most missions here :sad: 1mm from the triangle for 5seconds on most escapes :yuk:

Happy Landings :)

[Vertical Freedom]

💋KissingKopters💋 :p

http://i1104.photobucket.com/albums/h338/rotors99/EFEDCA08-C468-4246-BF56-674AAC92D45B-12932-000008C6CAA3DA1A_zps0291b592.jpg

[Peter-RB]

Namaste VF

on your post of pictures 1328 the first picture.... at the rear of the Heli level with the tail winglet I can just make out a yellow and black item is that a cable or is it one of those sky high catenery type walkways over the valley, was that hatching done for your sighting or is it a standard sort of thing done in Nepal..?
But what else can we all say, fantastic views from your daily mobile office seat !! :D

Stay Safe VF

Peter R-B
Lancashire

[Vertical Freedom]

Brother Peter; you've got keen eyes, (so has my Girlfriend) :ok: it's a Buddhist prayer flag, strung above the village below ;) great as a wind sock :p

Happy Landings :D

VF :cool:

[Vertical Freedom]

Benkar 9,037' - 1 x pax + 30kg Cargo/potato + 38usgal GoJuice = 1hr flt time to KTM :8

http://i1104.photobucket.com/albums/h338/rotors99/4DDC8757-528C-4711-B720-94F8C6A6F519-13561-00000904EC9CA91F_zps1ea64f98.jpg

[Vertical Freedom]

http://i1104.photobucket.com/albums/h338/rotors99/AFC4512D-958C-4CF0-830C-8998206AA996-13561-00000904E4FB188F_zps66d91cae.jpg

[Vertical Freedom]

http://i1104.photobucket.com/albums/h338/rotors99/4C44C0FC-3DA2-403D-A8A7-80AF689DB83B-13561-00000904DCAA2B62_zpscba62b56.jpg

[Vertical Freedom]

cuppla beasties @ VNKT (unusual to see such a big bird as a 747 here :eek:)

http://i1104.photobucket.com/albums/h338/rotors99/EE5885A1-8787-441F-82C9-E8E9E1570E88-12932-000008C70BE7FCF2_zpsd356c07b.jpg

[Vertical Freedom]

****e weather flying.....monsoon lingering on :yuk:

http://i1104.photobucket.com/albums/h338/rotors99/91BA34E0-F62D-4D0E-932C-13FC68C56B1E-12932-000008C6F517C628_zpsa959a8ee.jpg

[Vertical Freedom]

Manaslu valley, getting a bit better :uhoh:

http://i1104.photobucket.com/albums/h338/rotors99/A5F8BFDC-A102-4364-A1CA-214598A8BB84-12932-000008C6EA6A894E_zps1e972b15.jpg

[Vertical Freedom]

Sama 11,660' - 3 x PAX + 45usgal GoJuice + 50kg cargo :rolleyes: :{ :8

http://i1104.photobucket.com/albums/h338/rotors99/303F36C6-EA11-4EA9-918F-156BE15B70B8-12932-000008C6DF479902_zpsbd10cff3.jpg

http://i1104.photobucket.com/albums/h338/rotors99/95C513D9-BC97-4129-93A2-E52D02647731-12932-000008C6D63F96CC_zps1a155099.jpg

[belly tank]

Nice pics mate,

Was that an Atlas air cargo 744 in the pic?. take care chat soon.:ok:

[Vertical Freedom]

Hey belly tank.....thanks Broh;)

Yep it was :ok: :bored: that 747 looks too big for our dispersal area & the taxiways, :eek: talk about overhang :ooh:

Happy Landings always :)

[Vertical Freedom]

http://i1104.photobucket.com/albums/h338/rotors99/73C80691-A63B-42FD-9C05-76BCF20BEA3A-19406-00000CF5138C067E_zps6e2d310c.jpg

[Vertical Freedom]

http://i1104.photobucket.com/albums/h338/rotors99/A6334F33-19E6-491B-9099-ABE4F8AC5561-19406-00000CF50AEB7D1F_zpseff03841.jpg

[Vertical Freedom]

http://i1104.photobucket.com/albums/h338/rotors99/4C21F21E-0DE4-45CF-BCC1-299C93A0B868-19406-00000CF4D8F8B926_zps3df3050c.jpg

[Vertical Freedom]

http://i1104.photobucket.com/albums/h338/rotors99/8269A6D6-8FCB-4022-9F7A-D5D6B3B5DFD3-19406-00000CF4D21B9FB7_zps33448149.jpg

[Vertical Freedom]

KissyKissy :uhoh:

http://i1104.photobucket.com/albums/h338/rotors99/254EE5EA-17BB-4A0F-BEB7-35B1CE4D5E93-22325-00000EE9F90A4479_zps11d1165c.jpg

VNKT

[Vertical Freedom]

http://i1104.photobucket.com/albums/h338/rotors99/873BDE9F-0C0E-4D6F-B6DF-F7C0FAB8E1A0-22325-00000ED7F00E5EB0_zps2b946fd4.jpg

climbing through 21,400' lookin' up the Western Khum's moran

[nomorehelosforme]

Given an unlimited budget what would you replace your current machine with( in a similar class) I'm aware of your extremes and what your current machine does, just curious, and sorry can't fund a replacement!

Keep safe and keep the great pictures coming.

[toptobottom]

#1348 - very WOW!!

[Ye Olde Pilot]

All his pictures are very wow:O

Forgot to ask you VF...Are you an ex Aussie muster pilot?

[JanetFlight]

WOW....OMFG...so many years after PPRUNEing here and this is the first time i just discovered this "OTT" Thread....Words are meaningless to describe such pics...GREAT!!!!!! Tanx for sharing with all of us VF...Cheers from the old Lusitania shores ... :ok::D:ok:

[fijdor]

Na, he is an ex-Canadian logging pilot :ok:

JD

[Vertical Freedom]

Hey nomorehelosforme hmmmmm for work below 10,K' probably a JetBox with a C20R, above & heavy lifting there's only 1 option the; AS350B3e :eek:

Hey toptobottom Thanks Brother ;)

G'day Ye Olde Pilot shhhhhhhh don't tell anyone :hmm:

Namaste JanetFlight Thanks heaps :O

Morning fijdor Bzzzzz nah, but I'd love to fly there :ooh:

[Vertical Freedom]

Birth place of Gautam the Buddha :cool:

http://i1104.photobucket.com/albums/h338/rotors99/C8DBCC4E-9CBD-4DEE-BA29-1944D664C21B-22325-00000ED7B15A0A49_zps12025e1c.jpg

http://i1104.photobucket.com/albums/h338/rotors99/35EEE50C-2BE6-49A7-A6DA-89F09B40E81B-22325-00000ED7A0009F7A_zpsb766b386.jpg

http://i1104.photobucket.com/albums/h338/rotors99/4ACAFD08-D87E-425B-9930-21060472CB12-22816-00000F4457FEA22C_zps6f9a4d8c.jpg

http://i1104.photobucket.com/albums/h338/rotors99/18B09F69-B532-4322-91C1-B4D48A552959-22816-00000F446A464EB5_zps1a300d04.jpg

[Vertical Freedom]

little H :\

http://i1104.photobucket.com/albums/h338/rotors99/FB46AB6A-FA6C-4E3C-8E19-AA9A38C8FCA4-22325-00000ED799628460_zps59cd92f1.jpg

[Vertical Freedom]

no flies on me :hmm:

http://i1104.photobucket.com/albums/h338/rotors99/26F04CE7-099B-49EA-A603-B9B5EA9AF1CA-22325-00000ED7CD50968C_zpscc7fb95e.jpg

[Vertical Freedom]

the Nepali Aerial Yaks prepping for another day :ooh:

http://i1104.photobucket.com/albums/h338/rotors99/5009436E-6173-4B07-A45F-66D53AFD4542-22816-00000F449C12395A_zps04918bb7.jpg

http://i1104.photobucket.com/albums/h338/rotors99/db6fbaf4-4244-4732-959f-657305528b09.jpg

[Vertical Freedom]

http://i1104.photobucket.com/albums/h338/rotors99/C10044C3-2AFE-4280-9581-F139D1A444D8-22816-00000F448BBFDB45_zps22a3e1e7.jpg

[Vertical Freedom]

Namche Bazaar HeliPad with Simrik's AS350B3e, tail rotor hanging off the pad well clear of the i factor :8 :D

http://i1104.photobucket.com/albums/h338/rotors99/2EF44254-421D-4471-A75B-3E501E7F75DD-22816-00000F44BA619BF6_zpsad8452a4.jpg

[nuthin]

Hi VF

My employer is discussing the idea of trading the L4 I have as a base machine for a 350BA. Dont laugh.
80% of my work is less than 10000' and the 20% that is can be done with less than gross weights and any emergencies that require higher loads to higher altitudes can be covered with either a c20R equipped 206 or a 350B3.

My question is how useful were the Bs and BAs before the last one was rolled up? Did the 206 outshine them as far as useful loads to say 10-12000?
Looking at the books and previous experience I would say the BA is gasping above 6000.

This is just at the discussion stage now and my preference is to keep the L4 as its a great all rounder that I know stays here in this location.
I am dubious of calling in a B3 from other work during an emergency situation.
My customer base cannot yet support the cost of the B3 as a permanent base machine but that is certainly the goal one day.

Any input appreciated.

[Vertical Freedom]

VNLK Lukla Solukhumbu :D :} :p descending out of 17,000' crossed Kote pass in the JetBanger :ooh: :eek:

http://i1104.photobucket.com/albums/h338/rotors99/B84E60FD-A0EA-4A47-987D-39A743444893-23871-00000FB49E6D09DE_zpsbb896032.jpg

http://www.pprune.org/http://i1104.photobucket.com/albums/h338/rotors99/9F49477A-5E0A-4C91-81F4-2F8D7550F806-23871-00000FB4C9D2774B_zpsc842e15e.jpg (http://s1104.photobucket.com/user/rotors99/media/9F49477A-5E0A-4C91-81F4-2F8D7550F806-23871-00000FB4C9D2774B_zpsc842e15e.jpg.html)

http://i1104.photobucket.com/albums/h338/rotors99/6A7290AF-CA92-404E-9658-7389490EDE3C-23871-00000FB4C3B2E8AA_zps50279ef9.jpg

http://i1104.photobucket.com/albums/h338/rotors99/BA7EEB94-4830-4CF5-B823-858591C9D810-23871-00000FB4A70C0C67_zpsf70d0118.jpg

[Vertical Freedom]

Kote 12,884' @ 19oC Rescue - 3 x PAX + 45kg Cargo + 18usgal GoJuice :ouch:

http://i1104.photobucket.com/albums/h338/rotors99/04DCF135-ED1F-4652-A84F-0BA1802FB025-23871-00000FB4F4DF81DF_zps9a66fd54.jpg

http://i1104.photobucket.com/albums/h338/rotors99/48C51499-98A0-4B68-86D1-5464F7E81B6D-23871-00000FB4D4BEFC60_zps4dce646d.jpg

:ooh: :ok: :D

[Vertical Freedom]

G'day nuthin

Hi VF

My employer is discussing the idea of trading the L4 I have as a base machine for a 350BA. Dont laugh.
80% of my work is less than 10000' and the 20% that is can be done with less than gross weights and any emergencies that require higher loads to higher altitudes can be covered with either a c20R equipped 206 or a 350B3.

My question is how useful were the Bs and BAs before the last one was rolled up? Did the 206 outshine them as far as useful loads to say 10-12000?
Looking at the books and previous experience I would say the BA is gasping above 6000.

This is just at the discussion stage now and my preference is to keep the L4 as its a great all rounder that I know stays here in this location.
I am dubious of calling in a B3 from other work during an emergency situation.
My customer base cannot yet support the cost of the B3 as a permanent base machine but that is certainly the goal one day.

Any input appreciated.

Brother the BA is a gret machine which will carry more than a 206B always below 10,000', But at a higher $$$price. Nearing the usefull breathing ability of the B & BA the 206 will lift the same at 16,000'ish so up there is the same working load. the 206B with C20R will outperform the B & BA. Working usefully up to probably 18-19,000' :ooh:

Stick to the L4 & bolt on the HA tail rotor blades (same as the 407) & You'd have almost a 407 doing the same work at higher altitudes, so its the cheaper option. :D

The B3 is the dream machine, more power than You can use, responsive, forgiving, the ultimate sporty beast :cool:

Happy Landings ;)

VF :ok:

[nuthin]

Thanks VF

The L4 has the HA tail rotor and it is very nice. Same authority you get use to with the 350 but still likes to point into wind like any Bell.

[Vertical Freedom]

VNGK - disused Gorkha airstrip from the JetBanger :zzz:

http://i1104.photobucket.com/albums/h338/rotors99/A3F6341E-EBE6-4009-AB5B-100409247452-2313-0000012565581818_zpsfd57c90c.jpg

[Vertical Freedom]

Chhomrong 7,200' @ 30oC - 2 x PAX + 2 x Crew + 38usgal GoJuice + 35kg Cargo :sad: :E :confused:
http://i1104.photobucket.com/albums/h338/rotors99/D0620EEA-D945-4A52-959E-2138F8E12CBC-2313-00000125706E105D_zpse5112432.jpg


http://i1104.photobucket.com/albums/h338/rotors99/26D45FA0-759D-43C7-87A9-C47334E90CE4-2313-000001257BD87435_zps7f90d3ed.jpg


http://i1104.photobucket.com/albums/h338/rotors99/D8EE84FC-4150-40CF-87C7-87D8DB0F3346-2313-00000125820E1D79_zpsff8511e9.jpg

[Vertical Freedom]

Annapurna South Base Camp - 13,600' @ 15oC - 2 x PAX + 2 x Crew + 14usgal GoJuice + 35kg Cargo :eek: :ok: :cool:


http://i1104.photobucket.com/albums/h338/rotors99/CC498C57-68BA-408D-B1F8-8817DAC5A1F6-2313-00000126C82B20B1_zpsb500ec34.jpg


http://i1104.photobucket.com/albums/h338/rotors99/53F0D28F-9DC0-46A9-B839-862B193D1DE3-2313-00000125AA16A23E_zps75ef63db.jpg


http://i1104.photobucket.com/albums/h338/rotors99/D721CE23-1029-496B-8297-31ADCDAAB6EC-2313-0000012596054625_zps5c2cc875.jpg

[Vertical Freedom]

in a JetBanger :eek: :ouch: :ooh:
http://i1104.photobucket.com/albums/h338/rotors99/4E428CD1-C33D-4B61-9584-DCC16B56CE22-2313-00000125B2C4AF91_zps84bcc7ac.jpg

[Gemini Twin]

Namaste VF,

There are helicopters and there are helicopters but your last series of pictures of the Jet Ranger really emphasis that this type is surely at the top of the list as far as successful designs are concerned. When one considers that it first entered service some sixty years ago and apart from the power plant upgrades the basic configuration is still there. It seems to work well in any role (although the original C18 powered machine had some limitations ;)).

I wonder if the new Bell SLS will do as well.

I really look forward to hearing that you are going to get a C20R, you above anyone should have one in the back if not for the extra performance then just to allow cooler running.

Here's to you VF , the best thread on PPRUNE!

[Ye Olde Pilot]

Here is a man happy in his job with no 'Look at me I'm a helicopter captain' nonsense.

No flying suit and bone dome visor Top Gun arrogance. I've seen so many 206 guys doing the helicopter hero attitude so the picture below sums up why I like VF and his approach to what I imagine is one of the toughest flying jobs on the planet.

A complete lack of corporate uniform/white shirt with epaulettes,hi viz jacket etc.

What we have here is a pilot who takes on a challenge day out and loves it.

I hope you have his picture on your wall VF...they don't come much better.
(Who did you muster with?? I reckon you probably pushed the R22 to the edge)
http://i1104.photobucket.com/albums/h338/rotors99/26F04CE7-099B-49EA-A603-B9B5EA9AF1CA-22325-00000ED7CD50968C_zpscc7fb95e.jpg

[Vertical Freedom]

http://i1104.photobucket.com/albums/h338/rotors99/0B69C02C-C2B2-4C0C-8F30-C9AAD4A335F4-2313-000001258BEB4081_zps45844c2c.jpg

[Vertical Freedom]

Hey nuthin
The L4 has the HA tail rotor and it is very nice. Same authority you get use to with the 350 but still likes to point into wind like any Bell. :ok: :) :uhoh:


G'day Gemini Twin - Mate the 206 capability truly is underrated. Ow please Lord deliver me a C20R so I may land at Base Camp (~19,000') :ooh:
Thanks for the positive words :) As for the SLS????? hmmmm next question :\ bring the 206 back into production ;)


Namaste Ye Olde Pilot hehehehe Brother I mustered in 47's & 269's - REAL (& safe) Helicopters :p
Here is a man happy in his job with no 'Look at me I'm a helicopter captain' nonsense.

No flying suit and bone dome visor Top Gun arrogance. I've seen so many 206 guys doing the helicopter hero attitude so the picture below sums up why I like VF and his approach to what I imagine is one of the toughest flying jobs on the planet.

A complete lack of corporate uniform/white shirt with epaulettes,hi viz jacket etc.

What we have here is a pilot who takes on a challenge day out and loves it.
The Kapitain Klown suite complete with gold tosser bars ain't gonna help the Pilot fly any better, just massage his/her ego & maybe pull some Chicks (maybe)? Here in this environment I; fuel/defuel, load/unload PAX, load/unload cargo, clean the machine, the windows, vomit & blood, do a DI, turnaround inspections, top up the oils, fuel filter change, put her to bed, oh & fly some too :{ the Helicopter Pilot's job is a dirty job where an Airline Pilot's attire is never appropriate, nor called for :=

Happy Landings ;)

[Peter-RB]

Namaste VF

Already been posted by others , and also in my view yours is the most interesting , live and totally honest thread on Pprune, your posts give people ambitions that no other posts and picture can do, what a totally delicate balance you play out daily in your astronomical flights.

Total regards to you, :D

Peter R-B
Lancashire oh at 750ft amsl.....:ok:

[albatross]

Just curious but what oxygen system do you guys use? Portable or permanently installed?

[Vertical Freedom]

Namaste Peter-RB
Thanks Brother for those humbling words. 750' YIKES Mate that's nose bleed material :{ down on the 'Teray' (low plains) it goes as low as 350'amsl :*

Hey albatross
portable canola up the shnoz :confused: but I don't use it (as am acclimatised) except when landing above 20,000' :eek:

;) my Christmas wish is a C20R thrown in the back of my JetBanger :ooh: (please can anyone help, know anyone at Bell or Soloy?) :hmm:

Happy Landings :D

VF

[Vertical Freedom]

http://i1104.photobucket.com/albums/h338/rotors99/C10044C3-2AFE-4280-9581-F139D1A444D8-22816-00000F448BBFDB45_zps22a3e1e7.jpg

[African Eagle]

To add some perspective to comments made by Ye Olde Pilot et al, 1. Some pilots don't have any choice regarding what they can wear as this choice has made for them by the company they work for. 2. I would guess that over 50% of small to mid-size heli ops around the world are operated by crews who do not wear uniform so its not such a rare thing. In the US the majority of small operators wear regular clothing. 3. In certain situations/locations wearing a uniform can be helpful.

VF, you might like to read these (http://helicopterforum.verticalreference.com/topic/17049-206b3-with-a-c20r-conversion/) comments about the C20R conversion for the 206.

[Ye Olde Pilot]

African Eagle
To add some perspective to comments made by Ye Olde Pilot et al, 1. Some pilots don't have any choice regarding what they can wear as this choice has made for them by the company they work for. 2. I would guess that over 50% of small to mid-size heli ops around the world are operated by crews who do not wear uniform so its not such a rare thing. In the US the majority of small operators wear regular clothing. 3. In certain situations/locations wearing a uniform can be helpful.


Quite agree on the latter AE especially in countries such as Thailand where the uniform and the four bars carry weight even if you are just flying a Cessna.
However the 'Kaptain Klown' outfits (as VF describes them so well) worn by a lot of minor charter ops pilots are just there for the sake of telling the public there is a qualified person in the front seat.

Imagine if the North Sea flight deck had to reveal that captain x is on board today with 3,000 hours but my co-pilot captain Y will be doing the landing and he has 250 hours!

The flying suits and bone dome/visor kits worn by UK police ops are just there for the tv reality shows.

I've never seen that kit worn by a tv crew in Oz with the camera guy hanging out the back.

Real pilots do not need the Top Gun kit.

[Vertical Freedom]

Namaste Ye Olde Pilot

Yaar agreed it's tough, but I am sure if the Pilot put the common sense, reality of the dirty job pressure on the Boss, then most of the uniforms would end up across the road with the Stiff-Wing School Jocks :ugh:

Hey African Eagle Thanks Broh :ok:

Land back Happy always :D

VF

[Vertical Freedom]

http://i1104.photobucket.com/albums/h338/rotors99/E043AF80-085E-4113-83F4-B1F171E31F7D-7064-000004C6F29DD6BA_zps161036e5.jpg

[Vertical Freedom]

http://i1104.photobucket.com/albums/h338/rotors99/78010CB0-09B8-4D47-8D7B-66ECE36F0CF3-7064-000004C702E0AD9E_zpsbf842488.jpg

http://i1104.photobucket.com/albums/h338/rotors99/AC68594C-066C-430F-B57A-30823444018C-7064-000004C71C576B52_zps727c7774.jpg

[Vertical Freedom]

VNSB Syangboche 12,500' Nepal's second highest airfield, highest working. 3 x PAX + 45kg Cargo + 38usgal GoJuice ~ running take-off :ooh: :eek: :E
http://i1104.photobucket.com/albums/h338/rotors99/0FB7EEA8-FFAA-49CF-A712-BE99D685205F-7064-000004C769A580C7_zps9840d0b8.jpg

[Vertical Freedom]

VNSB Syangboche 12,500' :cool: :D ;)

http://i1104.photobucket.com/albums/h338/rotors99/180E0413-FF1B-4D75-BD46-F9D5D2056AB6-7064-000004C757EB1768_zps171d9096.jpg

[Vertical Freedom]

Captain Aaron Oberlander & Me @ VNSB :8 :ooh:

http://i1104.photobucket.com/albums/h338/rotors99/FFCBE937-1ED7-4763-9570-9DB03F89CD4A-7064-000004C78DCD0AF5_zps21e5ee4f.jpg

[Vertical Freedom]

VFR on top :yuk: don't You hate that :{ :=
http://i1104.photobucket.com/albums/h338/rotors99/013E1905-9039-4932-A872-04B0A83923E3-2133-0000014405368788_zps98497be1.jpg

[Vertical Freedom]

Ghosaikunda Lake ;)
http://i1104.photobucket.com/albums/h338/rotors99/9B1132CC-FFB5-489A-8EE6-42C2307F2788-2133-00000143EA195540_zps6ba4dfaf.jpg

http://i1104.photobucket.com/albums/h338/rotors99/FED65ACD-FF5E-4AF2-AF36-8B919C85DB83-2133-00000143DB7010A1_zps11b99b67.jpg

[Vertical Freedom]

Kyanjing Gumpa 13,356' - 4 x PAX + 55kg Cargo + 28usgal GoJuice 😮~ cushion creep take-off :ooh: :D
http://i1104.photobucket.com/albums/h338/rotors99/F244756C-0117-42F2-8647-57C51C093212-2133-00000143D018ACCE_zps9019283e.jpg

[Vertical Freedom]

Sinuwa 8,300' Rescue :ooh:
http://i1104.photobucket.com/albums/h338/rotors99/FCC3C6A3-94AC-4FC7-869A-DE57D132BA16-2133-00000143C13DE9EF_zps1b7be339.jpg

http://i1104.photobucket.com/albums/h338/rotors99/183BEB27-C8DF-482A-A534-E144A5E1222A-2133-00000143B3B8FB4D_zpsc7ebd557.jpg

http://i1104.photobucket.com/albums/h338/rotors99/77770A7B-47F7-4A41-9400-2D97C3DFA7AA-2133-00000143AA25AB53_zps9789ff53.jpg

[Ye Olde Pilot]

How would you do a risk assessment on that landing site????

[African Eagle]

Real pilots don't do risk assessments.

[nomorehelosforme]

I would love a working environment, where risk ascessments arent part of day to day company policy, but within reason, without been too pollically correct, we sadly have to conform to various policies to keep ahead of corporate responsibility liabilities

[nomorehelosforme]

Personally like you choice of landing pads! Do you have them checked out before for suitability, or are these places for landing based on experience?

[Ye Olde Pilot]

I look at this thread every day and think VF will run out of new pictures.

I'm just amazed at everything he posts. It obviously takes the bush pilot/muster pilot persona to fly these sorts of missions day by day.

What's the interview for the job like VF?

It appears the company give you all the decisions on daily ops.
There must be a lot of jobs where you return to base.

By the way...I've found some gold braid:D
http://www.fishtailair.com/stylesheets/images/team-photo/stevan-bokan-bruce.jpg

[nomorehelosforme]

Can you please clarify your comments, are you questioning safety off flights? I'm not a Pilot but quite an experienced PAX, just curious?

Ok, I admit as a pax been told we are about to land at 8300 feet in a bush on the edge of a moutain might be quite interesting!

[Ye Olde Pilot]

Quite the reverse.

In this sort of flying zone the person best qualified to do the risk assessment is the guy flying the helicopter. Private pilots do it all the time.

If you check out VF on the internet and his pictures then you'll know you're in safe hands.

No need for as VF says "Kaptain Klown" outfits:ok:
(I've upset Silsoe Sid on another thread using that term VF and I don't think he is the sort of pilot to land here)

A white shirt with four rings does not make you a pilot.

[Vertical Freedom]

Hi Ye Olde Pilot.....risk assessment, is always done it's called a SWAT prior to landing EVERY time :rolleyes:

Hey African Eagle.....if You don't do a risk assessment You will very soon die in this profession (especially here) Real Pilot's who don't assess the pad first are nothing short of fools :{

G'day nomorehelosforme...naar Mate we check out the pad on arrival overhead, as safely & as close as possible to the patient ;)

Hello Ye Olde Pilot....interview??? what interview....there's the keys off You go :eek: Yep the decision to land is 'all mine' due weather or last VFR we often stay out in the local villages :D Shhhhhhh don't tell anyone about the 'bars' it was a Photoshop jobbie :oh:

Morning nomorehelosforme.....SWAT & etc is all part of CPL training, still being applied to stay alive 23 years later :cool:

Namaste Ye Olde Pilot...risk assessment's (should) be done by PPL, CPL, ATP alike. Just like mustering...............up Your PAX before the weather closes You in for the night :E

Land Happy Always & do everything into wind (except piss) ;)

VF

[Ye Olde Pilot]

Namaste VF

There is another thread going that suggests all helicopter pilots should wear the Top Gun bonedomes? Pictures of outback muster pilots with helmets.

Now you guys are pushing your luck every day so why no crash hats and visors with oxy?

[Senior Pilot]

Namaste VF

There is another thread going that suggests all helicopter pilots should wear the Top Gun bonedomes? Pictures of outback muster pilots with helmets.

There are no other threads suggesting that all pilots should wear helmets. If you continue to derail threads with your obsession about helmets and uniforms then such posts will be deleted.

The only one pushing his luck is you. Enough :=

[gcpilot8]

VF

While landing into those damp places in hills, have you ever encountered leeches??:}

Also, do you guys ever fly/rescue in the southern Terai part of the country as most pictures are from hill/mountain region except for Lumbini charter trip?

[Bushfiva]

I'm impressed by the number of footpaths in the photos: they're everywhere.

[Vertical Freedom]

G'day Ye Olde Pilot, Yaar BoneDomes are a good thing, they do save lives. Wearing a CrashHat saved DS when he was flying IVIEW when he crashed a few months back ;) Uniforms well errr that's another story :yuk: Wearing a helmet is a personal choice, here it is not a requirement & so I opt for the comfort & go without :D

Hi gcpilot8 Yes Mate there are leaches everywhere, even with 2 legs :{ but I am more worried about the Village Idiots & the odd Yeti wandering around wanting to gnaw my leg off :ooh: :O We do occasionally go down to the Terai but as it is well serviced by roads; not much :ouch:

Happy Landings :)

[Vertical Freedom]

Chaurahatar 7,916' Rescue :cool: ;)
http://i1104.photobucket.com/albums/h338/rotors99/C01FA43F-87FB-48D8-BA5D-81EDF6EFE71C-5633-00000365C168C5DC_zps27757624.jpg
http://www.pprune.org/Chaurahatar 7,916' Rescue

[Vertical Freedom]

Grande International Hospital car park :uhoh:
http://i1104.photobucket.com/albums/h338/rotors99/A9B0A12A-1DF7-472B-98B9-AFA45403901B-5633-00000365D0873D7C_zps6c13b32c.jpg

on the roof :eek:
http://i1104.photobucket.com/albums/h338/rotors99/85006DA9-A59B-4A65-BBBD-E0868C5A1D77-5633-00000365DB03944C_zpscf57939c.jpg

[Vertical Freedom]

The Majestic 'Grande International Hospital' is now open for Helicopter Rescue Services :) :ok: ;)
http://i1104.photobucket.com/albums/h338/rotors99/6638D5BA-5C8C-4546-89E3-5F29CAAD9EAB-7302-0000041BA47A5FEE_zpsaa453a49.jpg

http://i1104.photobucket.com/albums/h338/rotors99/116DAE1D-2756-464C-BF27-8290595DC0F7-7302-0000041BB256BB2A_zps333d92c3.jpg

http://i1104.photobucket.com/albums/h338/rotors99/7AC00718-FE04-4B6F-A596-39F24A4E3F4E-7302-0000041BBA70E517_zps19fc6c45.jpg


:ok:

[Vertical Freedom]

Kirne 2,442' note the insane spaghetti of HT wires surrounding this pad :yuk:
http://i1104.photobucket.com/albums/h338/rotors99/A7BDE667-5A8A-4175-B20E-0D1FE0574015-7302-0000041C0CE50BBD_zps8e55b609.jpg

http://i1104.photobucket.com/albums/h338/rotors99/60FAB6BA-8BB2-4936-A87B-5BCB5858DA9C-7302-0000041C0117779F_zpsaccef56b.jpg

http://i1104.photobucket.com/albums/h338/rotors99/5E2E6E97-0E20-49B5-BC24-26A21C4071B2-7302-0000041BF194ECAC_zps41ebe77d.jpg


http://i1104.photobucket.com/albums/h338/rotors99/BBBE4A69-BA52-43C4-A873-264E5EFC1B35-7302-0000041BFAEFE449_zps748f7b62.jpg

[Vertical Freedom]

Vayoda Hospital roof-top H (Patient from Kirne) ;)
http://i1104.photobucket.com/albums/h338/rotors99/C16AB43B-E2E1-48CD-90E7-CE172D36C801-7302-0000041BC4C058D5_zps371f39a0.jpg

http://i1104.photobucket.com/albums/h338/rotors99/6AD1292E-88F5-4589-849C-537845234118-7302-0000041BCEAE7A93_zps2ea216b0.jpg

http://i1104.photobucket.com/albums/h338/rotors99/8D6D652E-77E8-495D-BAE0-E2D03EB31937-7302-0000041BE90A741A_zpsd08bb651.jpg

[Vertical Freedom]

http://i1104.photobucket.com/albums/h338/rotors99/8401FA6E-1677-4775-994A-410E010396EF-7302-0000041C2E27929C_zps77385db9.jpg

http://i1104.photobucket.com/albums/h338/rotors99/AEB45C1F-B1FE-4165-9BD0-B924A4527D88-7302-0000041C3EC6F1E3_zps343085b6.jpg
around 11,500' amsl :\

[Vertical Freedom]

Thupten Chholing Monastery :8

http://i1104.photobucket.com/albums/h338/rotors99/623EC1A9-296D-42F7-A1B5-2496058B5F79-7302-0000041C2060858F_zpsfdbbf0ef.jpg

[Vertical Freedom]

Namche Bazaar :cool:
http://i1104.photobucket.com/albums/h338/rotors99/143BF71B-576D-4543-AD01-6BE66996A94D-7302-0000041C6709B11F_zps10e018d3.jpg

[Vertical Freedom]

Monjo :)
http://i1104.photobucket.com/albums/h338/rotors99/1D24C070-F7CE-4798-884C-1F9004DE4AA8-7302-0000041C6FF43147_zpscedf5afd.jpg

[RotorBabe]

Awesome, thanks for posting such great pictures from my Nepal

[Savoia]

VF: Sorry to ask but .. I won't get any peace from my 9 year old unless I do!

He wants to know .. do you have a brother in the US who works in Hollywood?

https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/-gALfXMRKmMc/UnFlcxGWKZI/AAAAAAAAO8o/FpWuL7XwDcE/w347-h222-no/VF+%2526+BW.png

https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/-OddRWs_YHGo/UnFnKayzjvI/AAAAAAAAO88/6TevAcwU_2A/s33-no/Super+Smiley.png

[gcpilot8]

VF

Looks like you got a rockstar welcome at Grande Hospital. Nice pictures again.:ok:

Happy Landings:ok: and stay away safe from the leeches :E

[Vertical Freedom]

Namaste Savoia......Yes Mate it's true. Bruce is my real Brother (only from another Mother we never had) well errrr close enough. I am daily accused of being Mr Willis's stand-in double :ouch:

Morning Rotorbabe........Thanks :ok:

Hey gcpilot8.........thanks Broh & I will ;)

Do it all into wind whenever, where ever You can :cool: (except pee) :E

VF :)

[topendtorque]

I'm impressed by the number of footpaths in the photos: they're everywhere.

???????????:{

[Vertical Freedom]

Hurjil 3,900' precautionary landing due weather down in the Terai :p
http://i1104.photobucket.com/albums/h338/rotors99/331E77E3-D9A8-4746-890E-801448AC3858-2429-0000010F96CF0674_zpsd95db917.jpg

http://i1104.photobucket.com/albums/h338/rotors99/F0ED39EF-A005-4ED8-8BD5-88300C7F6476-2429-0000010F9FEAE827_zps3ef907cc.jpg

http://i1104.photobucket.com/albums/h338/rotors99/E146A59F-07D1-4ED1-8BC9-6B9BAF1C9D46-2429-0000010F8BD057B2_zps86dd0e4f.jpg

[Savoia]

Nepali politician not allowed to charter helicopters without government approval

KATHMANDU, Oct 31: The Election Commission (EC) has directed UCPN (Maoist) Chairman Pushpa Kamal Dahal not to use helicopters without prior consent from the EC during the election campaign.

In a statement on Thursday, the EC said that Dahal was found using helicopters without prior consent from the EC. “The EC decided to direct Dahal not to use helicopters without prior consent,” reads the statement issued by the EC Spokesperson Bir Bahadur Rai.

Republica (http://www.myrepublica.com/portal/index.php?action=news_details&news_id=63898)

[311kph]

Let's not get confused, I definitely see a girl in last pics, but please tell me that Jet Danger in background is running on idle, (hydraulics off - of course) heheh :E

Keep on VF, we're dreamin' it - you're livin' it !!! :ok:

[Hawkeye0001]

Well balanced. Just get out veeeery slowly... :sad:

[Ye Olde Pilot]

I see none of your aircraft have wire strike cutters. I guess like everything else
the risk assessment is done on the job.

[Fareastdriver]

There is a shot of the Top of the World from the other side.

In pictures: history of Chinese PLA - Xinhua | English.news.cn (http://news.xinhuanet.com/english/photo/2013-10/31/c_132846459.htm)

[Vertical Freedom]

Gamgadhi 7,1688' @ 24oC - 4 x PAX + 49usgal GoJuice + 15kg Cargo :uhoh:
http://i1104.photobucket.com/albums/h338/rotors99/A20A20DE-D62C-442A-AE93-0A190CAAF13D-3338-0000018CAB4BFFD0_zps2489c65c.jpg



http://i1104.photobucket.com/albums/h338/rotors99/4201036E-FC73-489E-ADC9-07F6CB385927-3338-0000018C9BD7982E_zpsc6282336.jpg

[Vertical Freedom]

Gorkha 3,300' ;)
http://i1104.photobucket.com/albums/h338/rotors99/315C1F59-29E6-4EA1-9718-3E70C64D1623-6674-00000293963FECE2_zpse41d02e9.jpg

[Vertical Freedom]

Flying this kind of extreme haze is ****e, scary & very serious, using the up-to-date terrain page to help see ahead. Forward Vis is zero, but You can see the ground through the chin bubble :yuk: :yuk: :mad: :yuk: :yuk:

http://i1104.photobucket.com/albums/h338/rotors99/E68E1479-1B4B-4106-B390-A4D2C86B5A1A-6674-00000293BAC79FC0_zps1217dc2e.jpg

[Vertical Freedom]

Shri Baburam Battaraiji exPM at VNSK waiting for the fog to lift :\ :ok:
http://i1104.photobucket.com/albums/h338/rotors99/398CCF94-6900-4F15-B2F5-9F3D0F5889DC-6674-00000293A1FA63DA_zpsa4f6f93a.jpg

[Vertical Freedom]

always land with skids aligned to something :ouch: :ooh: :eek:
http://i1104.photobucket.com/albums/h338/rotors99/C41B314B-A324-4EE1-B62F-1B61DC58B4B9-6674-00000293AF07646E_zpse30d1dd3.jpg

[Vertical Freedom]

Gandaki Hospital 2,939' - critical Patient transfer :8
http://i1104.photobucket.com/albums/h338/rotors99/5C16702E-838A-451D-B5F5-FFFB881B36AE-6674-000002938EDFB103_zps001fc331.jpg

[Peter-RB]

Namaste Vf,

Fear not I'll send ya a bag of carrots :eek:..... but in the meantime fly extra slow and careful in that stuff .:ooh:

Peter R-B
Lancashire

[Vertical Freedom]

Srinigar 6,517' @ 25oC :uhoh: 4 x PAX + 41usgal GoJuice + 15kg Cargo

http://i1104.photobucket.com/albums/h338/rotors99/DF061A76-9E27-4C27-9A70-F7EE4793D460-3338-0000018C8CEFE9E1_zps83b6da2e.jpg

http://i1104.photobucket.com/albums/h338/rotors99/3B629668-6759-4898-ABED-D9C5CD9721D7-3338-0000018C850762D8_zps9afb2697.jpg

http://i1104.photobucket.com/albums/h338/rotors99/D8CDD2DA-CF8C-451A-BB1D-BD72E7347576-3338-0000018C937EE05D_zps7b6402a2.jpg

[Vertical Freedom]

Dullu 4,600' ~ 4 x PAX + 17usgal Gojuice + 90kg Cargo :*

http://i1104.photobucket.com/albums/h338/rotors99/98266B39-BC82-45D6-85FF-5B8D3A0DAF75-3338-0000018C7C1FAA00_zpse00cb98a.jpg

[Vertical Freedom]

Hello Ye Olde Pilot (http://www.pprune.org/members/137959-ye-olde-pilot) ..................sadly they don't wish to opt for the cutter's. i've suggested many times, to CAAN also :{
-------------------------------------------------------------------------
Hey Hawkeye0001.........ground was a bit lumpy but she was stable...rockin' a tad on the heels but hey she was ;) all good
-------------------------------------------------------------------------
G'day 311kph......... naar Broh she was shut down for a more thorough assessment of the Native Wildlife :ok: merely weather related of course :ouch:yep hydraulics off always :}
Jet Danger
WHAT Danger??? naar only in the hands of the ill initiated & lacking in good practices :suspect:
-------------------------------------------------------------------------
Namaste Savoia............Pollies getting permission to use Helicopters :} hahahahahahahahahaha :mad:
-------------------------------------------------------------------------
Good Morning Peter R-B............we usually use legumes & beans in these parts :ooh:

Happy Landings :D

[311kph]

VF, regarding 'Jet Danger", I just can't help it. When the time came for me to switch to other types (212, 412, 206, R44,..), Gazelle already formed me and left other machines a VERY big shoes to fill.

I must admit though, seeing that 'Amazing Helicopter Flying Snoopy' on Youtube together with 'Top of the World: photos from Nepal' thread here, I'm starting to slacken a bit... a lot.

One other thing. A little while ago you said:

Brother the BA is a gret machine which will carry more than a 206B always below 10,000', But at a higher $$$price. Nearing the usefull breathing ability of the B & BA the 206 will lift the same at 16,000'ish so up there is the same working load. the 206B with C20R will outperform the B & BA. Working usefully up to probably 18-19,000'What is the reason of this slow start (at low) but outperforming AS350 at the and (at high) of 206?
Is it a matter of it's engine , or it's rotor characteristics, or both?

I'm apologizing to you and others if I suffocated the thread a bit.

Thanks

[RotorBabe]

http://www.pprune.org/8129214-post1426.html

Comrade Baburam Battarai ex Nepali PM, Maoist Leader

hmmmmm keep those photos rolling of my country please, they're great, thanks to you I am seeing my country like I've never seen, nor ever will see :ok:

RB

[Vertical Freedom]

Namaste 311kph

the Jetbanger is one of the most under utilized machines at high altitude & DA, probably no one was game to push them where we do? :uhoh: oh & she (JetBox) is the safest Rotory machine ever built, bar none :D

Sure the B & BA is a bigger machine than the Jettie hence the higher carrying capacity, but as the DA & altitude goes up, they fall away very quickly, only to match the JetBox in performance at ceiling but at a much higher operating price :eek:

Cheers & always land back happy ;)

[Ye Olde Pilot]

There are some other expert pilots on other threads who would not venture in to your territory VF.

The pilot selection interview must be interesting with your company.

I guess your fellow pilots have to fit the same parameters?

What I'd give to spend a month with you guys:ok:

Do you feed engine / airframe info back to the manufacturers?

[gcpilot8]

VF

The hub is VNKT? Does that mean pilots are home every night? What is the schedule and day off like?

[Vertical Freedom]

Namaste Ye Olde Pilot.....................interview process is a bit like any other, but the best is; be at the right place at the right time :eek: I was poached :ooh: Throw us Your CV, there's always a chance :ok: AS for feedback, they don't seem to care much as with 14 Helicopters in country, we represent bugger all :O

-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Hey gcpilot8...................Yep KTM is the epicentre, but with weather etc. You could camp out anywhere. Schedule, schedule....what schedule? :rolleyes:

Cheers :)

[Vertical Freedom]

http://i1104.photobucket.com/albums/h338/rotors99/DSCN1045.jpg

[nomorehelosforme]

Just as a matter of interest how many hours do you fly in an average week?

[Peter3127]

Hey Steve - that is a great pic. Do you get to keep it? :-)

[Vertical Freedom]

Hey nomorehelosforme (http://www.pprune.org/members/352705-nomorehelosforme)

Depends on the season but 20 to 30 hours

------------------------------------------------------------------

Hey Peter3127 (http://www.pprune.org/members/320934-peter3127)

Hmmm wish, but one of our Engineers claimed him, I was just the livestock transportation driver

Happy Landings :ok:

[gcpilot8]

Hey VF

Must be busy hauling the ballot boxes for the recent election?:8 or were the private helicopter companies left out giving the exclusive rights to Nepal Army birds?

[Bellrider]

Hey VF!
Just for info, our company has very good experience with the new composite tail rotor blades for the Jetbox. we operate a fleet of 10 BH06 and 3 machines have the new one´s. ( Van Horn Aviation (http://www.vanhornaviation.com/) )
All pilots are really impressed from the " power plus" and the coolness of the blades operating in bad wind conditions.
Perhaps an option for your company to pimp up your Bell!
Greetings from germany.
Bellrider:ok:

[Ye Olde Pilot]

Any chance you can post some new pictures VF?

[Vertical Freedom]

Om Bellrider hehe I wish !!! yar I would love to have them VH blades - simply more Uummff :D http://images.ibsrv.net/ibsrv/res/src:www.pprune.org/get/images/smilies/thumbs.gif http://images.ibsrv.net/ibsrv/res/src:www.pprune.org/get/images/smilies/wink2.gif

-------------------------------------

Hey gcpilot8 the Army birds didn't get invloved? Only the Civi birds flew.....stacks of hrs! http://images.ibsrv.net/ibsrv/res/src:www.pprune.org/get/images/smilies/badteeth.gif http://images.ibsrv.net/ibsrv/res/src:www.pprune.org/get/images/smilies/bah.gif http://images.ibsrv.net/ibsrv/res/src:www.pprune.org/get/images/smilies/worry.gif

-------------------------------------

Happy Landings

[Vertical Freedom]

http://i1104.photobucket.com/albums/h338/rotors99/97FD529E-DED1-4688-B682-550F05980D7E-7302-0000041C5E21C778_zps37c4cb51.jpg

[Vertical Freedom]

http://i1104.photobucket.com/albums/h338/rotors99/Photobucket%20Desktop%20-%20Stevens%20MacBook%20Pro/untitled%20folder%202/422883F3-AC7B-4C68-89F7-F0554D45A95D.jpg

[Vertical Freedom]

Manang Gaon 11,452' @ 14ºC Rescue - 3 x PAX + 30kg Cargo + 40usgal GoJuice :uhoh: :bored: :)
http://i1104.photobucket.com/albums/h338/rotors99/Photobucket%20Desktop%20-%20Stevens%20MacBook%20Pro/untitled%20folder%202/8D141737-3A0D-463D-A4EA-7A661C3CC113.jpg

[Vertical Freedom]

http://i1104.photobucket.com/albums/h338/rotors99/Photobucket%20Desktop%20-%20Stevens%20MacBook%20Pro/untitled%20folder%202/A91C9FBD-02BF-44F0-B08B-66291CC10CE5.jpg

[Vertical Freedom]

http://i1104.photobucket.com/albums/h338/rotors99/Mobile%20Uploads/EC34DBF2-7B40-4716-A782-2DFD016B5358.jpg

[Vertical Freedom]

Khauraule 8,111' @ 21ºC - critical Rescue, 6 x PAX + 50kg Cargo + 240lts GoJuice ;) :D :ok:
http://i1104.photobucket.com/albums/h338/rotors99/Mobile%20Uploads/A0B25407-0EF3-4260-AA4F-F66971CC3429.jpg

http://i1104.photobucket.com/albums/h338/rotors99/Mobile%20Uploads/E7399D52-F5DB-4A48-BF64-434F5E3C1652.jpg

http://i1104.photobucket.com/albums/h338/rotors99/Mobile%20Uploads/3757B71F-2B30-4524-8F75-8D19505EE193.jpg


http://i1104.photobucket.com/albums/h338/rotors99/Mobile%20Uploads/B2133429-4388-4456-8077-3FEF13144329.jpg

http://i1104.photobucket.com/albums/h338/rotors99/Mobile%20Uploads/6D341AF0-6FAF-4CFC-8AAA-10F8836EFFA5.jpg

Tail-Rotor parked clear off the Heli-Pad - SAFETY FIRST :ok:

[Vertical Freedom]

http://i1104.photobucket.com/albums/h338/rotors99/Mobile%20Uploads/747F2A20-69EE-4CDF-92A4-69D5F931C080.jpg

[nomorehelosforme]

When you are collecting an emergency Pax for hospital etc how do you cope with the amount of friends and family that might insist travelling with the pax?

[Vertical Freedom]

Hey nomorehelosforme

That's easy = 4 seats, or 5 or 6, that's how many go, no questions, no discussion, no arguments, end of story :ooh:

Cheers to Life :ok:

[Vertical Freedom]

Panchdhare 7,654' Rescue :suspect: :ouch: :eek:
http://i1104.photobucket.com/albums/h338/rotors99/Mobile%20Uploads/380EC9B9-4F26-4032-A386-407251AF022A.jpg

http://i1104.photobucket.com/albums/h338/rotors99/Mobile%20Uploads/2414A803-68BE-4260-99C4-6506A963C159.jpg

http://i1104.photobucket.com/albums/h338/rotors99/Mobile%20Uploads/637A978A-1564-47D0-9BE8-85C18FD94995.jpg

[Vertical Freedom]

Astam 5,010' @ 22ºC - Rescue Flight = 4 x PAX + 35kg Cargo + 42usgal GoJuice :E :bored: :}

http://i1104.photobucket.com/albums/h338/rotors99/Mobile%20Uploads/C2DCD1A8-5308-498D-8169-ADB6CC5837FF.jpg
http://i1104.photobucket.com/albums/h338/rotors99/Mobile%20Uploads/8FA0CCC9-4D90-4960-B2D7-1DF7168078F4.jpg

http://i1104.photobucket.com/albums/h338/rotors99/Mobile%20Uploads/8344AA6F-52D1-4239-832B-95BD03C66699.jpg

http://i1104.photobucket.com/albums/h338/rotors99/Mobile%20Uploads/E3AB20C4-A298-4CAD-A316-B20557A76589.jpg

http://i1104.photobucket.com/albums/h338/rotors99/Mobile%20Uploads/3BE60A8C-E938-4803-8709-4EA12990DA14.jpg

http://i1104.photobucket.com/albums/h338/rotors99/Mobile%20Uploads/A793132B-71B2-457F-9441-0E3EEA61A541.jpg

http://i1104.photobucket.com/albums/h338/rotors99/Mobile%20Uploads/7ECAA5AC-90E5-40AC-A457-A368BF3F97C1.jpg

[Hawkeye0001]

VF: I see in a lot of your pictures that you set down your machine awfully close to those edges. Is that just a precaution so no one walks into the tail or because of terrain restrictions behind the perspective of the camera? Or perhaps just random conincidence?

Wish I had those ledges when each village I land in mobilizes a mob of 500 in anticipation of seeing an assumed helicopter crash first hand :sad:
Rotorbreaks wear out rather quick around here...

[Vertical Freedom]

Hey Hawkeye0001

I park the tail boom well off a ledge, for Safety First, it reduces the village idiot factor of some clown wondering into the spinning tail-rotor :eek: :hmm: & also sometimes due to rising ground, or a farming terrace step bringing those spinning main blades further away from a potential decap :yuk: :ok: :)

Om Shanti Shanti Shanti ;)

Happy Landings :D

[peter_lert]

Beautiful photos, many thanks. I first visited Nepal in 1980 (trekking in Khumbu, got as far as Kala Pattar). Nothing flying in those days but King's helicopter, UN Pilatus Porter, and a few (number continually decreasing due to prangs) RNAC Twin Otters. Various wrecked fuselages plus an intact Twin Pioneer used as goatsheds at Lukla (gravel strip in those days).

Came back with two-place motorglider (57 foot wingspan, VW power) in 1985 for weather research expedition. Looked at logistics of shipping it from Germany, ultimately decided to fly it down (took 10 days). Based at Pokhara (also gravel strip in those days), worked up and down Kali Gandaki between VNPK and Jomosom / Manag measuring daily up- and down-valley flow in Kali G gorge. Could have landed Jomosom or Manang in emergency but not enough power to get back out; would have had to disassemble ship and hire teams of porters to carry out.

Now retired from air ambulance job in California (A109s, Bo105s, JetBoxes, King Air 200; company just starting to get EC135s when I left). Still have same model motorglider as in 1985 plus vintage pure glider, flying C421s part-time just to keep my hand in.

Thanks again!

[Vertical Freedom]

http://i1104.photobucket.com/albums/h338/rotors99/Mobile%20Uploads/DD643D87-682A-4BA3-B71C-9EDCCF742AC0_1.jpg

[Vertical Freedom]

ReFueling Stop @ VNLK :ok: fantastic service ;)

http://i1104.photobucket.com/albums/h338/rotors99/Mobile%20Uploads/DA7C19EE-19CA-4BB3-B1C5-AB9E559DF7B5_1.jpg

[Vertical Freedom]

http://i1104.photobucket.com/albums/h338/rotors99/Mobile%20Uploads/4187C2AA-7853-4D5C-9B17-1088A025C118.jpg

[Vertical Freedom]

Dingboche 14,200' @ 10° Rescue :oh:

http://i1104.photobucket.com/albums/h338/rotors99/Mobile%20Uploads/86FD8161-90D9-4C17-A550-9D0B2B53BF72_1.jpg

http://i1104.photobucket.com/albums/h338/rotors99/Mobile%20Uploads/0D187AFE-70A9-4238-B9A4-3AC7F9F77703.jpg

[Vertical Freedom]

Namaste peter_lert

WoW..............You've sure got some amazingly awesome experiences flying here in Nepal - I think much has changed since you've been here but I'm sure but the elevated landing sites, wild conditions haven't :bored:

Yaaar there's nothing like flying :)

Om :cool:

[Vertical Freedom]

HomeSweetHome :ok: 10,114' :hmm:
http://i1104.photobucket.com/albums/h338/rotors99/Mobile%20Uploads/C4FBD839-215C-4915-9D71-9ECE03A5E95C.jpg

http://i1104.photobucket.com/albums/h338/rotors99/Mobile%20Uploads/0DF8AA1A-2DD8-4573-B8DE-212A2B58CB60.jpg

http://i1104.photobucket.com/albums/h338/rotors99/Mobile%20Uploads/1540BC93-3AD6-4C2A-9658-4B9C380BA314.jpg

[Vertical Freedom]

http://i1104.photobucket.com/albums/h338/rotors99/P1060101.jpg
http://i1104.photobucket.com/albums/h338/rotors99/P1060109.jpg

http://i1104.photobucket.com/albums/h338/rotors99/P1060103.jpg

[Vertical Freedom]

& the days fly by - charter flight to Gaurgaon ;) :E :*

http://i1104.photobucket.com/albums/h338/rotors99/Photobucket%20Desktop%20-%20Stevens%20MacBook%20Pro/a1/2012/11/4_/CF03957A-116F-40D3-B718-03163D276324.jpg

http://i1104.photobucket.com/albums/h338/rotors99/Photobucket%20Desktop%20-%20Stevens%20MacBook%20Pro/a1/2012/11/4_/C5771467-CEBA-4EF3-95B7-ACEB99DDC677.jpg

[Vertical Freedom]

Goroksheph 17,019' @ 0ºC - 3 x PAX + 35kg Cargo + 120litres GoJuice :8
http://i1104.photobucket.com/albums/h338/rotors99/Photobucket%20Desktop%20-%20Stevens%20MacBook%20Pro/a1/2012/11/4_/749401D7-47E3-4E23-932A-5AA6D7AF4872.jpg

http://i1104.photobucket.com/albums/h338/rotors99/Photobucket%20Desktop%20-%20Stevens%20MacBook%20Pro/a1/2012/11/4_/204F0EF8-F287-48A0-9DF9-69D6A35034D6.jpg

http://i1104.photobucket.com/albums/h338/rotors99/Photobucket%20Desktop%20-%20Stevens%20MacBook%20Pro/a1/2012/11/4_/47337867-E509-4CEB-B94D-A622CF7E33CF.jpg

[Vertical Freedom]

Deboche 12,242' @ 12ºC - 5 x PAX + 65kg Cargo + 90litres GoJuice = AS350B3+ :ok:
http://i1104.photobucket.com/albums/h338/rotors99/Photobucket%20Desktop%20-%20Stevens%20MacBook%20Pro/a1/2012/11/4_/328CF879-FBB4-4402-94E1-8E462D882D93.jpg

http://i1104.photobucket.com/albums/h338/rotors99/Photobucket%20Desktop%20-%20Stevens%20MacBook%20Pro/a1/2012/11/4_/47A1AD63-31B0-474C-B4D1-4BF5E0D2D0CB.jpg

http://i1104.photobucket.com/albums/h338/rotors99/Photobucket%20Desktop%20-%20Stevens%20MacBook%20Pro/a1/2012/11/4_/6824F249-B7CF-463E-BC8C-C42E9C511CD3.jpg

[Nemrytter]

Great pictures, as ever! But I have a question: Why is the 'helipad' at Gorokshep raised up above the lodges?
I remember from my last voyage up there that there's a big 'H' on the large plain between the lodges and Kalapatthar, a natural landing site. Is that not in use any more? Maybe not such a bad thing as on my visit the area around the pad itself (but not the rest of the plain) was covered in big rocks. Didn't stop a few people from landing there though. :E

Hope to be using you guys to transport my equipment to Gorokshep next November, by the way. Looking forward to it already. :)

[Vertical Freedom]

Namaste Nemrytter

Thanks Brother :ok:

The (new) Gorksheph Heli-pad is now overlooking the village lodges on the ridge above the Western Kumbh moraine, the old pad, the dry salt bed was a major dust bowl hazard, really no fun to land, especially the T/O; dust out every time :mad: landed there 60+ times at least :{

Kalaphatar H-pad is still being worked :)

Look forward to catch You for a cleanser (or 2) up here soon OmOmOm

Happy Landings :D

VF

[Vertical Freedom]

Even more sexy with the doors off :ok: aerial work Surket area :O
http://i1104.photobucket.com/albums/h338/rotors99/Photobucket%20Desktop%20-%20Stevens%20MacBook%20Pro/a1/2012/11/4_/D9E21C12-892B-4416-AA00-2955C8BC2638.jpg

[Ye Olde Pilot]

The pictures show sunshine but the clothing suggests cold.

What's it like working there at this time of the year?

[Encyclo]

Dear VF Friend :)

Bell 206B sexy :confused:

1) Either you need new glasses
2) You have been working for toooo long, need a break

Always enjoy your superb pictures. Like to share them with friends not familiar with our business :cool:

Best Regards :ok:

[Vertical Freedom]

G'day Encyclo

Thanks Brother (from another Mother) for Your compliments :ok:

The Jettie is sexy :) & nope glasses not required :confused: yep I do need a break :uhoh: & the JetBox is still beautiful ;)

Cheers & Happy Landings :D

[Vertical Freedom]

the Bold & the Beautiful :}
http://i1104.photobucket.com/albums/h338/rotors99/Photobucket%20Desktop%20-%20Stevens%20MacBook%20Pro/a1/2012/11/4_/18E7D58A-23E4-4D52-86C7-24AE62DD8A79.jpg

this R44 parked up at Pokhara has not turned a blade for 2 years :ooh: now that's safety for You :ugh:

http://i1104.photobucket.com/albums/h338/rotors99/Photobucket%20Desktop%20-%20Stevens%20MacBook%20Pro/a1/2012/11/4_/1BFCE29A-01C6-4440-8E87-11E93E2F2C82.jpg

[Vertical Freedom]

The Presidential Supa Puma & the Sexy JetBanger viewed from VNSK tower :ouch:
http://i1104.photobucket.com/albums/h338/rotors99/Photobucket%20Desktop%20-%20Stevens%20MacBook%20Pro/a1/2012/11/4_/09538FE7-C6F2-497C-B354-B74C95993279.jpg

[Vertical Freedom]

Surket; peering out my room this morning at 10am - 300 meters visibility :mad:

http://i1104.photobucket.com/albums/h338/rotors99/Photobucket%20Desktop%20-%20Stevens%20MacBook%20Pro/a1/2012/11/4_/A5964565-2793-46FA-9B54-269B5F112676.jpg

[Vertical Freedom]

Chhudi 4,995' :*
http://i1104.photobucket.com/albums/h338/rotors99/Photobucket%20Desktop%20-%20Stevens%20MacBook%20Pro/a1/2012/11/4_/BEDDF568-FCBE-4750-A5D6-77EE28E783B2.jpg

[Vertical Freedom]

the crowd & the Jettie viewed from the Clock Tower :eek:
http://i1104.photobucket.com/albums/h338/rotors99/Photobucket%20Desktop%20-%20Stevens%20MacBook%20Pro/a1/2012/11/4_/9FEA9E94-F051-4984-AF94-6171C206F9C2.jpg

[Vertical Freedom]

My Engineer - Om Sheshtra :ok:
http://i1104.photobucket.com/albums/h338/rotors99/Photobucket%20Desktop%20-%20Stevens%20MacBook%20Pro/a1/2012/11/4_/C9D4D9E4-8749-495D-B944-F08D25B3DE25.jpg

[Dead on Time]

Greetings Vertical-Fright ;)

Love your photos, thanks for posting for all to see.

But can't help but think you are moonlighting for the Nepal Tourist Authority. Have become sufficiently motivated to visit a travel agency for fares to Nepal to come visit...:{:{;

best,

DoT

[Vertical Freedom]

Namaste Dead on Time

I wish I was getting kick backs, but am not :{

Most welcome, come on over & enjoy ;)

Happy Landings :ok:

[Vertical Freedom]

Malaki :bored:
http://i1104.photobucket.com/albums/h338/rotors99/Photobucket%20Desktop%20-%20Stevens%20MacBook%20Pro/a1/2012/11/4_/A2B22B63-99CF-4292-8ABA-3094CDAED6BE_1.jpg

http://i1104.photobucket.com/albums/h338/rotors99/Photobucket%20Desktop%20-%20Stevens%20MacBook%20Pro/a1/2012/11/4_/8A0C729B-3B8A-42CA-BADF-766D0D94CF1E_1.jpg

[Vertical Freedom]

Navistan river Helipad :8
http://i1104.photobucket.com/albums/h338/rotors99/Photobucket%20Desktop%20-%20Stevens%20MacBook%20Pro/a1/2012/11/4_/6651AA38-DCC0-4486-B8B9-0C844FDAF73F_1.jpg

[Vertical Freedom]

Chupra :D
http://i1104.photobucket.com/albums/h338/rotors99/Photobucket%20Desktop%20-%20Stevens%20MacBook%20Pro/a1/2012/11/4_/CF636334-8957-45B4-8DE0-1FC8109C7277_1.jpg

http://i1104.photobucket.com/albums/h338/rotors99/Photobucket%20Desktop%20-%20Stevens%20MacBook%20Pro/a1/2012/11/4_/24DC211C-5FF3-4158-B8F3-BEBFDF24B7A4.jpg

http://i1104.photobucket.com/albums/h338/rotors99/Photobucket%20Desktop%20-%20Stevens%20MacBook%20Pro/a1/2012/11/4_/3066A206-13B9-4642-B68F-8205CB77DBBA.jpg

http://i1104.photobucket.com/albums/h338/rotors99/Photobucket%20Desktop%20-%20Stevens%20MacBook%20Pro/a1/2012/11/4_/A84D76DA-C688-40F0-979D-ECCFD0B4FC46_1.jpg

http://i1104.photobucket.com/albums/h338/rotors99/Photobucket%20Desktop%20-%20Stevens%20MacBook%20Pro/a1/2012/11/4_/DA77FD37-EA8E-4B06-8D70-6EBB0D5D74D7.jpg

Precariously perched on a narrow spur :ooh: :eek:

[RotorBabe]

Captain Freedom

Thank you for sharing your spectacular pictures of my Nepal! Please do continue to post more....

RB

[Vertical Freedom]

Dullu :hmm:
http://i1104.photobucket.com/albums/h338/rotors99/Photobucket%20Desktop%20-%20Stevens%20MacBook%20Pro/a1/2012/11/4_/B506D5A7-B373-45F0-92E4-38670BC029B7.jpg

http://i1104.photobucket.com/albums/h338/rotors99/Photobucket%20Desktop%20-%20Stevens%20MacBook%20Pro/a1/2012/11/4_/743A084B-FE5B-4BD3-88B0-82EA3E90A0E2.jpg

http://i1104.photobucket.com/albums/h338/rotors99/Photobucket%20Desktop%20-%20Stevens%20MacBook%20Pro/a1/2012/11/4_/063FD337-0C01-4AAF-9674-3DF060851948.jpg

Tail-Rotor clear for safety, that's one less headache for the Pilot :8 :ooh:

[Vertical Freedom]

Buka :cool: :suspect:

http://i1104.photobucket.com/albums/h338/rotors99/Photobucket%20Desktop%20-%20Stevens%20MacBook%20Pro/a1/2012/11/4_/4BBA7414-B93B-444B-A466-E742F95D29B4.jpg

[Peter-RB]

Namaste VF

You must have "Film Star" type popularity out there, for wherever you take a picture from and post for us ..Low Alt flyers to look at, you are surrounded by beaming faces and people watching you go about your normal ..? as you say office work..!.
That must give you one almighty kick to see so many waving and smiling at you,............despite you telling us, its just a job.

It must be fantastic to be able to fly in that area,... many of us down nearer to S/L look forward to seeing your Picture Posts!!!!.

Many regards for the comming Christmas season..:D

Peter R-B
Lancashire:ok:

[Vertical Freedom]

Hey Peter-RB

Shucks - not sure about film star status :uhoh:

Yep it sure is awesome, yet always a challenge to fly here.....just Love it :cool:

Happy Christmas & Landings :ok:

[Vertical Freedom]

http://i1104.photobucket.com/albums/h338/rotors99/Photobucket%20Desktop%20-%20Stevens%20MacBook%20Pro/a1/2012/11/4_/00000000-0000-0000-0000-0000000004B8.jpg

[belly tank]

Hey mate!. The more I look at your pics, your lovely other half, I think your fete is somewhat sealed. I enjoyed our day together but follow your heart and do what's best for your family mate. I just got out of my Huet today in Sydney so was fun in filling up nostrils and nether regions!!

Chat soon:ok:

[Vertical Freedom]

Hey BellyTank

hehehehehe thanks Brother so did I, so did I enjoy ;) My CP (Missus) has bags & will travel anywhere with me....:O But for now the 'Top of the World' is home :ok:

Chat soon :):)

Happy Christmas & landings :cool:

http://i1104.photobucket.com/albums/h338/rotors99/Photobucket%20Desktop%20-%20Stevens%20MacBook%20Pro/a1/2012/11/4_/2E2125D8-0A95-4B40-B5F3-EAC2297CBBFB.jpg

http://www.pprune.org/<a href=&quot;<a href=http://s1104.photobucket.com/user/rotors99/media/Photobucket%20Desktop%20-%20Stevens%20MacBook%20Pro/a1/2012/11/4_/2E2125D8-0A95-4B40-B5F3-EAC2297CBBFB.jpg.html&quot; target=_blank>http://s1104.photobucket.com/user/rotors99/media/Photobucket%20Desktop%20-%20Stevens%20MacBook%20Pro/a1/2012/11/4_/2E2125D8-0A95-4B40-B5F3-EAC2297CBBFB.jpg.html&quot;</a> target=&quot;_blank&quot;><img src=&quot;<a href=http://i1104.photobucket.com/albums/h338/rotors99/Photobucket%20Desktop%20-%20Stevens%20MacBook%20Pro/a1/2012/11/4_/2E2125D8-0A95-4B40-B5F3-EAC2297CBBFB.jpg&quot; target=_blank>http://i1104.photobucket.com/albums/h338/rotors99/Photobucket%20Desktop%20-%20Stevens%20MacBook%20Pro/a1/2012/11/4_/2E2125D8-0A95-4B40-B5F3-EAC2297CBBFB.jpg&quot;</a> border=&quot;0&quot; alt=&quot; photo 2E2125D8-0A95-4B40-B5F3-EAC2297CBBFB.jpg&quot;/></a>

[Vertical Freedom]

http://i1104.photobucket.com/albums/h338/rotors99/Photobucket%20Desktop%20-%20Stevens%20MacBook%20Pro/a1/2012/11/4_/781A16D7-493D-431F-BC96-FE3E65939998.jpg

[Vertical Freedom]

Sally :(
http://i1104.photobucket.com/albums/h338/rotors99/C5BF71F8-277C-4297-BE22-B289E6032870-7302-0000041C4D80B4C3_zps9fb9b94b.jpg
http://www.pprune.org/<a href=&quot;<a href=http://s1104.photobucket.com/user/rotors99/media/C5BF71F8-277C-4297-BE22-B289E6032870-7302-0000041C4D80B4C3_zps9fb9b94b.jpg.html&quot; target=_blank>http://s1104.photobucket.com/user/rotors99/media/C5BF71F8-277C-4297-BE22-B289E6032870-7302-0000041C4D80B4C3_zps9fb9b94b.jpg.html&quot;</a> target=&quot;_blank&quot;><img src=&quot;<a href=http://i1104.photobucket.com/albums/h338/rotors99/C5BF71F8-277C-4297-BE22-B289E6032870-7302-0000041C4D80B4C3_zps9fb9b94b.jpg&quot; target=_blank>http://i1104.photobucket.com/albums/h338/rotors99/C5BF71F8-277C-4297-BE22-B289E6032870-7302-0000041C4D80B4C3_zps9fb9b94b.jpg&quot;</a> border=&quot;0&quot; alt=&quot; photo C5BF71F8-277C-4297-BE22-B289E6032870-7302-0000041C4D80B4C3_zps9fb9b94b.jpg&quot;/></a>

[Gordy]

CONGRATULATIONS or commiserations..... :cool: whichever applies on your recent, (I assume), nuptials. You both look very happy..... Clearly you are welcome to my humble abode in the Wasatch mountains of Utah ifen you ever make it out this way.......