Kiwi Helicopter Pilot Honored
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Join Date: Aug 2003
Location: Sale, Australia
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Kiwi Helicopter Pilot Honored
From Avweb. Well done.
A New Zealand helicopter pilot who single-handedly put out a wildfire while flying with night-vision goggles in winds gusting to 40 knots has been awarded the Federation Aeronautique International (FAI) Outstanding Airman Award. According to the Southland Times, well-known pilot Richard "Hannibal" Hayes received the honor last week from FAI Chairman Pierre Portman for some pretty tricky flying near Queenstown, N.Z., in November of 2005. More than 100 residents were evacuated as a fire advanced toward their homes and Hayes was the only pilot available with a night-vision rating. Hayes worked alone through the night and managed to contain the fire. The high winds and heat combined to make the flying even more dangerous but Hayes dumped load after load of water ahead of the flames to keep them contained. Hayes apparently ducks publicity and did not make himself available for comment.
A New Zealand helicopter pilot who single-handedly put out a wildfire while flying with night-vision goggles in winds gusting to 40 knots has been awarded the Federation Aeronautique International (FAI) Outstanding Airman Award. According to the Southland Times, well-known pilot Richard "Hannibal" Hayes received the honor last week from FAI Chairman Pierre Portman for some pretty tricky flying near Queenstown, N.Z., in November of 2005. More than 100 residents were evacuated as a fire advanced toward their homes and Hayes was the only pilot available with a night-vision rating. Hayes worked alone through the night and managed to contain the fire. The high winds and heat combined to make the flying even more dangerous but Hayes dumped load after load of water ahead of the flames to keep them contained. Hayes apparently ducks publicity and did not make himself available for comment.
Join Date: Feb 2006
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Nice Job
Nice job, well done.
The NVG environment is demanding enough multi crew in good conditions let alone single pilot in reduced vis due smoke.
Well deserved. Maybe the residents of the homes saved can spring for the next round (and some) at the pub!
Max
The NVG environment is demanding enough multi crew in good conditions let alone single pilot in reduced vis due smoke.
Well deserved. Maybe the residents of the homes saved can spring for the next round (and some) at the pub!
Max
I think maxeemum has summed it up very nicely. Flying around the Remarkables would be 'interesting' under any circumstances at night - to do what this fella did is truly, er, remarkable.
