Are helicopter pilots different?
Joined: Aug 2000
Posts: 497
Likes: 31
From: A very long way North
Are helicopter pilots different?
Our engineers have noticed that an awful lot of us appear to be left-handed. I am sure I have seen something on the internet about some research into just that, but cannot find it now.
Anyone help or did I just dream it?
A lefty.
Anyone help or did I just dream it?
A lefty.
Joined: Nov 2005
Posts: 118
Likes: 0
From: Variable
The theory I heard, of why helicopter pilots have more female kids, has something to do with stress. Not ours though, the wives waiting for our endangered butts. They are the ones who worry and this results in more female kids. There are a lot of references but I have enclosed one link below for those interested. Due to copyright laws I don't want to cut and paste onto this post.
Female births outnumber male in times of stress - Everybody - Health Information for New Zealanders
Female births outnumber male in times of stress - Everybody - Health Information for New Zealanders
Avoid imitations
Joined: Nov 2000
Aviation Qualifications: ATPL
Posts: 15,110
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From: Wandering the FIR and cyberspace often at highly unsociable times
Anyone help or did I just dream it?
Joined: Feb 2009
Posts: 99
Likes: 0
From: Essex
Different?
I fly both for fun (rather than reward).
For me it really depends on mission or purpose of the flight (the chopper works out @4 times the cost of the fixed wing in rental)
Choppers are more challenging to fly than fixed-wing, requiring a little more concentration and co-ordination. Right now, I get more satisfaction flying the chopper than I do the plane, so I try and fly at least once a month.
Are the pilots different? It depends...
There are professionals and tyre-kickers in both camps.
For me it really depends on mission or purpose of the flight (the chopper works out @4 times the cost of the fixed wing in rental)
Choppers are more challenging to fly than fixed-wing, requiring a little more concentration and co-ordination. Right now, I get more satisfaction flying the chopper than I do the plane, so I try and fly at least once a month.
Are the pilots different? It depends...
There are professionals and tyre-kickers in both camps.
Joined: Nov 2006
Posts: 803
Likes: 52
From: Pensacola, Florida
You know, I've looked a million times at that illustration that SAS posted and I never before noticed that it's an H-46 and not (as I assumed) a Huey. I guess I made that mistake because the drawing was always associated with Harry Reasoner's comments about Viet Nam helicopter pilots, and the iconic image of Viet Nam for me is the Huey. In my brain, I added 2 + 3 and got 4.
Probably won't be the last time...
Probably won't be the last time...
Joined: Sep 2005
Posts: 318
Likes: 1
From: On top of the Longline
Regarding helicopter pilots having a greater chance of bearing daughters, I read a theory once that infrequent ejaculations will tend to produce boys & regular will produce girls. Given that a lot of us work away from home for extended periods, when we do come home for a break the enthusiasm we show in catching up on the husband duties could explain a high rate of daughters. Working away for extended periods also goes a long way to explaining the high rate of divorce!
Joined: Aug 2007
Posts: 345
Likes: 0
From: Near the Mountains
There may be some significance to this, then again, there may not!
I, too, am a lefty! However, I kick a football with my right foot, play the quitar right-handed and use the computer mouse right-handed as well!!
Many years ago, a friend suggested I might be ambidexterous. Since then then, I've felt compelled tp prove he was right - so I use a hammer with either hand......start with the left, get tired, switch hands and continue, then when the right gets a little tired, simply switch back!
As for the helicopter? In my present position, I'm perhaps fortunate to be able to leave most of it to the computers which seem to be able to do it better than either hand!!!!
I, too, am a lefty! However, I kick a football with my right foot, play the quitar right-handed and use the computer mouse right-handed as well!!
Many years ago, a friend suggested I might be ambidexterous. Since then then, I've felt compelled tp prove he was right - so I use a hammer with either hand......start with the left, get tired, switch hands and continue, then when the right gets a little tired, simply switch back!
As for the helicopter? In my present position, I'm perhaps fortunate to be able to leave most of it to the computers which seem to be able to do it better than either hand!!!!
Joined: Dec 2004
Posts: 42
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From: Australia
I as well fly both rotary and fixed, biggest impression after hanging around FW guys for many years is they are much more procedural and structured and proud to wear the golden bars, I guess it comes with the territory, RW guys tend to be more relaxed, laid back individuals, after all if the wx is below vmc, just put her down in a paddock, whereas FW you have to plan this, plan that etc etc...
Joined: Nov 2006
Posts: 803
Likes: 52
From: Pensacola, Florida
SASless:
Yeah, I wondered about that. But look at the collective "lever." Doesn't the H-3 have a typical Sikorsky "pole?"
I really need to get a life...
I believe it is an H-3....as it was done by an Air Force guy as I recall.
You might note the "TDY" as compared to the Navy/USMC "TAD" notation.
You might note the "TDY" as compared to the Navy/USMC "TAD" notation.
I really need to get a life...