Off to Afghanistan

[NickLappos]

I am reminded that one of my personal heroes, Andy Rooney of "60 Minutes" was a correspondant in WWII, and flew 10 missions in a B-17 over Germany armed with a pencil and a notebook. The guts it takes to step into some mess and just report it is a different kind of guts that if you step up to it and actually get to shoot back. Both are very very commendable, and both are different from each other.

[CYHeli]

Talk about biting the hand ...

TTBB, I hope that you have figured out who Ned (Nev) is? He's the guy who's going to tell everyone else what a great job that you are doing. Okay he's press and get's it all for free. Yeah right!
Remember magazines are a great recruiter for aviation, military and civil. He sells a dream that you are now living. Make some peace brother.

[SASless]

Throw in the fact it is a darn good magazine with probably the best photography around involving helicopters makes it all the more appropriate.

Also consider the fact he is going to a tuff neighborhood to take the photos.

[Robo Squirrel]

Go well Ned. Eagerly awaiting more helicopter photos.

BTW this is also my first post on PPrune.

[B Sousa]

Maybe you have to realize where TTBB is coming from. His "Location" is listed as Vietnam.
So hes probably commenting from some dive with a fan in the corner blowing more hot air at this computer with humidity running about 100%. Some fine looking chick with Beetle Nut Teeth is smiling back at him and would no doubt scare the hell out of a normal person if the lights were up to 100 watts.
I think hes just jealous of Ned....

[SASless]

Remove the computer and I think it is De Ja Vu all over again for some of us, eh Bert?

[007helicopter]

"Throw in the fact it is a darn good magazine with probably the best photography around involving helicopters makes it all the more appropriate"

Which magazine is it ?

Good luck Ned, look forward to seeing some pics reading how you get on.

[NickLappos]

pprune decorum prevvents any commercial activity in the forum, I have pm'd you the mag web site, 007helicopter!

[Ned-Air2Air]

Well made it as far as Dubai so far. Catching up with Hank from the Royal Flight for a drink later on and hopefully will make it for the flight to Kabul in the morning.

With regards to TTBB, let him have his little bitching session. If it makes him feel that much better then let him go for it.

Me, I am looking forward to this trip. We have been working on it for a long time and its awesome that its all come together. As much as helicopter pilots have their place in the helo industry so do people like myself and my writers and photographers. We give the industry a way to show everyone what they do and where they do it. How else would anyone know about Hurricane Katrina, the Tsunami Relief ops or the Pakistan Earthquake relief operations. Publications as well as websites like pprune give the helo industry an opportunity to showcase itself.

Anyway thats just my two cents worth. Once I get some photos processed I will try and post a few here in the thread.

Regards

Ned

[Sammie_nl]

If you can, try to sneak in a little interview with some of the guys flying Hips out there. For the sake of comparison it will be interesting to read their experiences as well. Good luck on your trip and safe landings

[RotorSwede]

what sort of flying in Afghanistan

Interesting thread ... for us who are not that familiar with helis in Afghanistan, could someone more informed write a few lines what the civilian operators do there ? Is it just those "blackwater security" type companies flying "advisors" or more normal work aswell ?

best regards

RotorSwede

[SASless]

Nick,

Clean out yer post box....PM's getting bounced.

[Ned-Air2Air]

Off on the next leg today, about to leave the hotel to catch the Kam Air flight to Kabul.

SASLess - Chuck is meeting us at the airport so I will pass on your regards in person. Hopefully he will still talk to me

If I get internet access there might try and post some pics in next day or so before we go down to Helmand region.

Cheers

Ned

[SASless]

Ned,

Remember to stand behind things hard and solid...if things go "Bang!" don't be curious...focus on the shot....like the Pro you are. Don't look important...and don't run around with someone braver than you are.

Looking forward to some of the photos!

[B Sousa]

Ned, If your in Kabul and have a chance to meet some of the Opium Grunts, Say Howdy to Barries Barnard . Hes from Pretoria. Would be good security for you based on his prior jobs in SA. He can hit a target and smile while doing it....

[helmet fire]

I know there is always a love hate relationship with the press, but this man is not one of "them" he is one of "us".

Fly safe Ned, looking forward to seeing the old girls (albeit with the new plastic boobs of the Huey II) in all their glory in Afghanistan.

[Bell Man]

G'day Ned,
Good luck and all the best over there ! If you also happen to run into Wilson or Skippy flying the Pacific machine,have a beer or twenty with them.
Cheers,
Plugga.

[Tokoloshe]

Good luck Ned

Hope you get some good pics on your travels.
Make sure you get up North over the Hindu Kush towards Faisabad for the 1A departure down the river. This time of year it will be spectacular!!
Not sure if the metal plank runway is still there but it sure used to rattle your teeth getting airborne.

Fly safe

[rick1128]

Originally Posted by Ned-Air2Air

Off on the next leg today, about to leave the hotel to catch the Kam Air flight to Kabul.
SASLess - Chuck is meeting us at the airport so I will pass on your regards in person. Hopefully he will still talk to me
If I get internet access there might try and post some pics in next day or so before we go down to Helmand region.
Cheers
Ned

First you have to survive Kam Air.

[too young to die]

Dam right rick1128, Ned's got the most dangerous leg of his journey even before he gets there, Kam-a-kazee Air! good luck Ned, and try and steer clear of Scary-ana also, and that comes from working a few years out there.