First 100 Posts - Freebie 2016 Calendar
Joined: Dec 2015
Posts: 1
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From: Canada
Memorable Moment
My most memorable moments were working in Western China. We has an AS350 B2 moving equipment for an oil exploration company. Living and working there was a life experience. Merry Christmas.
Joined: Apr 2010
Posts: 850
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From: USA
I'm still relatively new to helicopters, so my most memorable moments are still associated with the learning process. The first time I tried to hover (with million dollar jets all around the ramp). The first pirouette. Some dynamic curving auto's and flares to put it into a "good" spot when flying with the owner of the school ("Lost your engine, sorry..."). The feeling when same owner said "Moose on the runway!" (there wasn't one) and I turned the air taxi into a quick stop and damn if it wasn't exactly what he wanted. Easy stuff for all the rest of you, but still damn exciting for me 
Joined: Apr 2002
Posts: 19
Likes: 0
From: Sherwood Park Alberta
Helicopters to me are like magic carpets, to be able to see what's on the other side of that mountain in an instant without breaking a sweat or to fly overhead and check out an old relic of a car sitting in the bush in the middle of nowhere, close up. Unlimited possibilities.
Best memory.... Sitting on top of one of those mountains, remote lake, having a picnic with the wife.
Thanks Ned
Best memory.... Sitting on top of one of those mountains, remote lake, having a picnic with the wife.
Thanks Ned
Joined: Sep 2007
Posts: 614
Likes: 0
From: On the Rump of Pendle Hill Lancashi
I fly Heli's just for the sheer fun of vertical flight from any place that only that type of aircraft can get out of, or into, ... however to be a Pro Heli Pilot would indeed be my picture of heaven, sadly however I was too old, even from the day I passed my first solo way back in the 1998 years..
Peter R-B
Peter R-B
Joined: Dec 2015
Posts: 13
Likes: 0
From: Denmark
The memory i quite often revisit my time with boatpix in Florida. Just roaming around the shoreline, watching boats, dolphins and girls flashing. Only separated by fuel stops, food and darkness.
Be safe
Be safe
Joined: Dec 2015
Posts: 2
Likes: 0
From: Ecosse
Memomarable Moment
Most memorable moment, going for rotor track and balance flights over Norwich in S76C++ as an apprentice. Also going for a jolly post rotor head inspections -Shetland isles. I never knew an S-92 could do those manoeuvres!
Hovering AND talking
Joined: Feb 2003
Posts: 5,711
Likes: 1
From: Propping up bars in the Lands of D H Lawrence and Bishop Bonner
What I like best about the helicopter industry is that everyone is friendly, helpful and supportive, no matter what level you are. In finance, there is such a thing as a stupid question ( 
) but in the rotary world, there isn't 
My most memorable flights were when I flew my parents; an experience I cannot now repeat!
Cheers
Whirls
) but in the rotary world, there isn't My most memorable flights were when I flew my parents; an experience I cannot now repeat!
Cheers
Whirls
Joined: Feb 2008
Posts: 12
Likes: 0
From: Pangea
It's just the best feeling :-)
The freedom to go anywhere and stop anywhere you can get the chopper down. Unbeatable!
Have had the privilege to learn in Hawaii at MLH some 11 years ago. The most memorable moment was a MOST spectacularly clear day when the day was just beginning, flying at around 8000 ft in a 44 with two good friends over the side of an old lava flow near Mauna Kea, making a turn and being able to see every island between Hawaii, all the way to Kauii, with Maui, Molokai, Lanai and Oahu all sharply visible and even Kauii in the distance. That's almost 300 miles! It was truly a once in a lifetime breathtaking view, and shared with great friends.
Have had the privilege to learn in Hawaii at MLH some 11 years ago. The most memorable moment was a MOST spectacularly clear day when the day was just beginning, flying at around 8000 ft in a 44 with two good friends over the side of an old lava flow near Mauna Kea, making a turn and being able to see every island between Hawaii, all the way to Kauii, with Maui, Molokai, Lanai and Oahu all sharply visible and even Kauii in the distance. That's almost 300 miles! It was truly a once in a lifetime breathtaking view, and shared with great friends.
Thread Starter
Joined: Jul 2013
Posts: 1,060
Likes: 563
From: Auckland, New Zealand
If you have made a post on the thread make sure you send me a PM with the address you want calendar sent to. Last mailout before Xmas is going on Monday so send it asap.
Also still got a bunch left to give away so check the first post of the thread and then make your post to get yourself a calendar. Best one we have done so far
Also still got a bunch left to give away so check the first post of the thread and then make your post to get yourself a calendar. Best one we have done so far
Joined: Jun 2014
Posts: 1,697
Likes: 0
From: eastcoastoz
OK then, can I apply?
While not a chopper pilot, I've logged a few hours in the left-hand seat.
Initially with the Oz Army (Bell 47s), Parks and Wildlife (Gazelle) and then in mineral exploration (K-B 47s).
In terms of saving time and money (and not to mention lives) the helicopter is, of course, in a league of its own.
In exploration for example, I could achieve in one morning what would have otherwise taken many painful days by other means.
With Parks & Wildlife, inserting and extracting fire-fighting teams in critical locations would not otherwise have been possible in the time available to us.
As for the military applications, well, so many times it was a game-changer for us.
The most memorable?
As far as raising my adrenaline level to the red line, it was actually on the ground.
Early one morning in western Queensland, while the pilot was doing the walk-around, I was loading the photographic equipment etc into the K-B 47.
Unbeknown to us, a large Brown Snake (a particularly nasty and venomous type) had occupied the cab.
He made it clear that he was MOST unhappy about being disturbed and missed my hand by inches as he buried his fangs into the bag I was loading.
Naturally, this caused a bit of an upset and, while I was trying to stuff my heart back into my chest, one of the guys had a bright idea.
He grabbed the CO2 extinguisher and emptied its contents into the area occupied by the snake - giving him the idea that it would probably
be more comfortable elsewhere.
Over a much-needed cuppa, we speculated on the outcome if he'd made his presence known when we were airborne over difficult country.
While not a chopper pilot, I've logged a few hours in the left-hand seat.
Initially with the Oz Army (Bell 47s), Parks and Wildlife (Gazelle) and then in mineral exploration (K-B 47s).
In terms of saving time and money (and not to mention lives) the helicopter is, of course, in a league of its own.
In exploration for example, I could achieve in one morning what would have otherwise taken many painful days by other means.
With Parks & Wildlife, inserting and extracting fire-fighting teams in critical locations would not otherwise have been possible in the time available to us.
As for the military applications, well, so many times it was a game-changer for us.
The most memorable?
As far as raising my adrenaline level to the red line, it was actually on the ground.
Early one morning in western Queensland, while the pilot was doing the walk-around, I was loading the photographic equipment etc into the K-B 47.
Unbeknown to us, a large Brown Snake (a particularly nasty and venomous type) had occupied the cab.
He made it clear that he was MOST unhappy about being disturbed and missed my hand by inches as he buried his fangs into the bag I was loading.
Naturally, this caused a bit of an upset and, while I was trying to stuff my heart back into my chest, one of the guys had a bright idea.
He grabbed the CO2 extinguisher and emptied its contents into the area occupied by the snake - giving him the idea that it would probably
be more comfortable elsewhere.
Over a much-needed cuppa, we speculated on the outcome if he'd made his presence known when we were airborne over difficult country.
Joined: Dec 2001
Posts: 5,578
Likes: 0
From: Nottingham UK
Worked in the aviation world for over 50 years before retirement. Flown in many types of helicopters from Westland Dragonfly to Westland Puma over the years. My first flight was in a Dragonfly as a cadet in the School CCF at RNAS Ford.
Joined: Oct 2014
Posts: 174
Likes: 1
From: UK
With the time of the year and families in mind, it strikes me that the best thing about the helicopter industry is that it's like one, big extended family. You can't spend ten minutes talking to someone without finding out that they know well someone who you know well, too.
Moments are so tough to pick but I do remember circling a late summer field of corn with a low, red sun when, out of the deeply shadowed crops came a hare at full speed followed very quickly by a fox. Halfway across the field the fox gave up, it was still too damn hot to be chasing hares. The reason it stayed with me is that no-one else could see that. The people driving on the nearby road, the people in the local village and the people sat on the airliner 35,000 feet above me - none of them could see it. That is one of the great privileges we have, we see the world as few have. Of the 110 billion people who have ever lived, fewer than 10% have been alive while we've had aviation and about 5% of them have flown and just 1% of them have flown in a helicopter. For every one lucky enough to simply fly in a helicopter there have been perhaps 20000 human beings who never will. What a privilege - Merry Christmas.
Moments are so tough to pick but I do remember circling a late summer field of corn with a low, red sun when, out of the deeply shadowed crops came a hare at full speed followed very quickly by a fox. Halfway across the field the fox gave up, it was still too damn hot to be chasing hares. The reason it stayed with me is that no-one else could see that. The people driving on the nearby road, the people in the local village and the people sat on the airliner 35,000 feet above me - none of them could see it. That is one of the great privileges we have, we see the world as few have. Of the 110 billion people who have ever lived, fewer than 10% have been alive while we've had aviation and about 5% of them have flown and just 1% of them have flown in a helicopter. For every one lucky enough to simply fly in a helicopter there have been perhaps 20000 human beings who never will. What a privilege - Merry Christmas.
Joined: Feb 2008
Posts: 16
Likes: 0
From: Norway
Working in the Aviation (helicopters) industry for over 20 years and still loving it as much today as I did as a starry eyed teenager.
Favourite moment has to have been working out of Evenes in Northern Norway and being treated to a wonderful night of northern lights.....truly spectacular.
Favourite moment has to have been working out of Evenes in Northern Norway and being treated to a wonderful night of northern lights.....truly spectacular.
Joined: Nov 2007
Posts: 7
Likes: 0
From: NZ
You cant beat the amazing places we get to see as part of our profession...
Most memorable moment would have to be flying to a gps point where an ELT was going off. Then seeing a crashed floatplane in the trees.....and a waving pilot besides it! He was very lucky...
Most memorable moment would have to be flying to a gps point where an ELT was going off. Then seeing a crashed floatplane in the trees.....and a waving pilot besides it! He was very lucky...
Joined: Oct 2007
Posts: 47
Likes: 0
From: EGLG, UK
Where else will legends like Dennis Kenyon and Phil Croucher give up their time to hang around newbies like me imparting knowledge and sharing the simple joy of their experience?
My most memorable moment (a long moment) was spending over 4 hours with the Met Police ASU and riding along for 3 shouts. Nothing compares to hovering alongside the hub of the London Eye after midnight for sheer cool, Thanks guys.
Ian.
My most memorable moment (a long moment) was spending over 4 hours with the Met Police ASU and riding along for 3 shouts. Nothing compares to hovering alongside the hub of the London Eye after midnight for sheer cool, Thanks guys.
Ian.
Joined: Nov 2011
Posts: 13
Likes: 0
From: New Zealand
I enjoy the helo-industry because of its challenges and every time I fly I see something new.
Most memorable moment: Sunrise over the first sight of land after 180nm winch job out to sea in the night.
Most memorable moment: Sunrise over the first sight of land after 180nm winch job out to sea in the night.
Joined: Apr 2006
Posts: 28
Likes: 0
From: Iceland
Well the first one is easy! I have always loved aviation there is just something about it, as for helicopters there is just that extra bit of excitement, problem solving on the next level and more things to watch out for.
The second one is a lot more tricky. A lot of the time it is the last flight, there is always something new, a ridge to conquer, a slope waiting to be tamed or a volcano to be watched.
Happy flights and merry Christmas!
The second one is a lot more tricky. A lot of the time it is the last flight, there is always something new, a ridge to conquer, a slope waiting to be tamed or a volcano to be watched.
Happy flights and merry Christmas!
Joined: Jun 2004
Posts: 78
Likes: 0
From: UK
15 years since my very first flight; awe inspiring views, especially 6000ft up in the Swiss Alps, or looking at the London Syyline from above.
Overall though, the best thing about flying Heli's is the likeminded people that I work with and the pilots in the wider industry that I meet along the way. Happy Christmas everyone! Hope it's a good 2016.
Overall though, the best thing about flying Heli's is the likeminded people that I work with and the pilots in the wider industry that I meet along the way. Happy Christmas everyone! Hope it's a good 2016.