HeliOps 2019 Calendar Giveaway
Join Date: Oct 2007
Location: south africa
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First of many trips
Just as some other posts have mentioned I have so many memorable moments. However, I can still remember the three week trip I did when I was building hours to get my commercial licence.
I rented a R22 for the trip and took an unsuspecting/trusting friend to fly as many hours as I could. Some days I couldn't believe how beautiful the country was from above.
Other days when the weather was a little challenging for an inexperienced pilot I couldn't believe it when we made it to our destination in one piece. This trip was to be the first of many awesome trips. The really wonderful thing is once I got my commercial licence I no longer had to fund these amazing trips.
I rented a R22 for the trip and took an unsuspecting/trusting friend to fly as many hours as I could. Some days I couldn't believe how beautiful the country was from above.
Other days when the weather was a little challenging for an inexperienced pilot I couldn't believe it when we made it to our destination in one piece. This trip was to be the first of many awesome trips. The really wonderful thing is once I got my commercial licence I no longer had to fund these amazing trips.
Hi Ned, Sorry I'm so late in submitting my piece. Unfortunately I'm not a pilot although as a young girl was flying gliders! Now a mum of a pilot and an aeronautical engineering student! Last year's calendar is hanging above the desk, hopefully I can hang next year's there too! Last year I told you about my helicopter trip over New York, thanks sister! Unfortunately, I haven’t been up since so I have to go back to a few memories that I have which, as a mum of a pilot and an aeronautical engineering student, is quite easy! The first was in Austria, we were in St Johann, near Kitzbuehel, gliding in the summer. I was ground crew and one afternoon spotted an Austrian Air Force helicopter rescuing a cow from the mountains. This was a big deal for the farmer, and good training for the pilot and crew! All landed safely.
Another memory was with the boys, near Vienna, there was an open day in the local sugar-beet factory. Off we went, they were offering helicopter trips, so what does a mum of two flying freaks do? Off we went and did a circuit. It was great, although I think the youngest was a bit apprehensive! He was quite young!!
The last memory was at the Caernarvon Air show in Wales in the mid 90’s. The weather was awful! Low clouds and strong winds! Typical for that area. What was there? A SAR helicopter which one could get in and explore. The crew were really helpful and let the boys sit in the command seat and answered any questions they had. It was really super. Thanks once again to any crew doing this. You should have seen their faces when we got out! Then the Red Arrows did some aerobatics! Sensational despite the weather!
These are my memories with helicopters, which I see as an essential part of our lives, be it with the police, army, navy and air forces or in rescue work or in daily living. I wish all pilots safe journeys wherever you are.
Thinking of all your friends Ned, and also Danny42C, all so sad.
Another memory was with the boys, near Vienna, there was an open day in the local sugar-beet factory. Off we went, they were offering helicopter trips, so what does a mum of two flying freaks do? Off we went and did a circuit. It was great, although I think the youngest was a bit apprehensive! He was quite young!!
The last memory was at the Caernarvon Air show in Wales in the mid 90’s. The weather was awful! Low clouds and strong winds! Typical for that area. What was there? A SAR helicopter which one could get in and explore. The crew were really helpful and let the boys sit in the command seat and answered any questions they had. It was really super. Thanks once again to any crew doing this. You should have seen their faces when we got out! Then the Red Arrows did some aerobatics! Sensational despite the weather!
These are my memories with helicopters, which I see as an essential part of our lives, be it with the police, army, navy and air forces or in rescue work or in daily living. I wish all pilots safe journeys wherever you are.
Thinking of all your friends Ned, and also Danny42C, all so sad.
Hi Ned,
My most memorable moment, other than those associated with many hours spent in flying in many roles, including aerial work, police support operations, VIP but mainly offshore, was the moment I was awarded the MBE by the Queen - for services to 'aviation safety'.
Jim
My most memorable moment, other than those associated with many hours spent in flying in many roles, including aerial work, police support operations, VIP but mainly offshore, was the moment I was awarded the MBE by the Queen - for services to 'aviation safety'.
Jim
Join Date: Feb 2008
Location: Australia
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Well I think I've already gone through my bag of old stories in previous years but I finally moved back down under this past year and finally got flying again!
I was very fortunate this past year to take part in some very interesting flights but the one that sticks out most to me was one involving a man who was literally ticking off his bucket list. I got the chance to fulfil one of his last wishes by taking him somewhere it would have been impossible for him to access given the severity of his condition. Because of the flight, him and his wife were able to experience one of their favourite pastimes together one last time. I since learned of his passing and I was so glad that I was able to help. The magic of helicopters made it possible and it was a truly humbling experience.
Many thanks again Ned!
I was very fortunate this past year to take part in some very interesting flights but the one that sticks out most to me was one involving a man who was literally ticking off his bucket list. I got the chance to fulfil one of his last wishes by taking him somewhere it would have been impossible for him to access given the severity of his condition. Because of the flight, him and his wife were able to experience one of their favourite pastimes together one last time. I since learned of his passing and I was so glad that I was able to help. The magic of helicopters made it possible and it was a truly humbling experience.
Many thanks again Ned!
My most memorable experience showed me the true value of a helicopter when faced with tragedy.
we were not a dedicated air ambulance, but our base 206 was outfitted with a stretcher kit.
one day an urgent call came to the base manager and the helicopter was requested by local paramedics to fly a critical patient from a car accident to the hospital.
I recall fuelling the helicopter while the base manager got his end of tasks readied in a hurry As soon as the second paramedic crew arrived at our base, the helicopter was running they loaded up and they were gone.
I heard nothing for a couple hours until the slap of the rotor blades approached on final.
the helicopter was a mess, but apparently the flight was successful in getting the patient to hospital and into the care needed.
the paramedics returned later to gather their things and clean up.
I felt nothing but pride for doing my part and that day and respected everyone else who did theirs. Helicopters are amazing tools, yet those that maintain them, fly them, or are associated in any way with them, create a team effort that made a difference that day, and over and over again every day around the world.
we were not a dedicated air ambulance, but our base 206 was outfitted with a stretcher kit.
one day an urgent call came to the base manager and the helicopter was requested by local paramedics to fly a critical patient from a car accident to the hospital.
I recall fuelling the helicopter while the base manager got his end of tasks readied in a hurry As soon as the second paramedic crew arrived at our base, the helicopter was running they loaded up and they were gone.
I heard nothing for a couple hours until the slap of the rotor blades approached on final.
the helicopter was a mess, but apparently the flight was successful in getting the patient to hospital and into the care needed.
the paramedics returned later to gather their things and clean up.
I felt nothing but pride for doing my part and that day and respected everyone else who did theirs. Helicopters are amazing tools, yet those that maintain them, fly them, or are associated in any way with them, create a team effort that made a difference that day, and over and over again every day around the world.
Of course helicopters generate exceptional experiences. there is another experience I enjoy as pilot: "the bond with the machine"
yes, as a pilot, on the ground I prepare for the unexpected, in flight I try to stay alert and aware ready to act on unforeseen events.
That said, from the minute I come to a hover all worries go away, am I afraid to fly on a collection of single-point-failure metal parts?
without a doubt, absolutely not! because the machine become part of you.
Once back on the ground, I enjoy touching the tail rotor gear box, just warm from providing good service to a safely completed flight.
its like saying thank you to a good friend to whom you trusted your life.
sorry for the emotional strangeness
Thanks Ned, gorgeous picture as always.
yes, as a pilot, on the ground I prepare for the unexpected, in flight I try to stay alert and aware ready to act on unforeseen events.
That said, from the minute I come to a hover all worries go away, am I afraid to fly on a collection of single-point-failure metal parts?
without a doubt, absolutely not! because the machine become part of you.
Once back on the ground, I enjoy touching the tail rotor gear box, just warm from providing good service to a safely completed flight.
its like saying thank you to a good friend to whom you trusted your life.
sorry for the emotional strangeness
Thanks Ned, gorgeous picture as always.
First of all thanks to Ned for this awesome offer. I enjoy every single one of your photos.
I'm reading this thread from the first day. I'm a PPL (H) student and my experiences are still limited, nevertheless reading all the other posts of people with decades of experience makes this thread very special and worth to visit everyday.
My most memorable moment so far was the first hovering autorotation. Before that I tried the make every touchdown as soft as possible with the intention to not bend anything and be able to reuse the aircraft afterwards.
So when the instructor told me about his plans to do some hover autos, I started to get nervous a little. I thought chances are higher that something might turn out wrong today.
After we did a couple of these, some softer and some not so soft, I was convinced that the helicopter doesn't just fall apart even after a firm touchdown.
Still prefer soft touchdowns... hope to get used to them soon!
I'm reading this thread from the first day. I'm a PPL (H) student and my experiences are still limited, nevertheless reading all the other posts of people with decades of experience makes this thread very special and worth to visit everyday.
My most memorable moment so far was the first hovering autorotation. Before that I tried the make every touchdown as soft as possible with the intention to not bend anything and be able to reuse the aircraft afterwards.
So when the instructor told me about his plans to do some hover autos, I started to get nervous a little. I thought chances are higher that something might turn out wrong today.
After we did a couple of these, some softer and some not so soft, I was convinced that the helicopter doesn't just fall apart even after a firm touchdown.
Still prefer soft touchdowns... hope to get used to them soon!
Last edited by gazpad; 19th Nov 2018 at 10:06. Reason: Yay I'm not new here anymore
Thanks Ned for the generous calendar offer. Last year's one holds a very special place on the safety board at the office
As far as memorable moments go it could be the fact of having to park in the bus and stay in/near the helicopter for 8 long dreary boring stupid hours while the forestry crew trims the bushes under the powerline. The safety "experts" think this is the best way to go about creating a safe environment (in case someone gets an ow-ee the response time is 10 minutes faster) - little do they know the long day of doing nothing makes the pilots suicidal.
Or maybe its buying a house in a town I have been asked to move to and then two months later getting laid off.
Or maybe its flying the DMZ in Iraq and Kuwait for the UN with military observers from 31 different countries and having beers in the evening (in Iraq) with the Norwegian nurses.
Or maybe its flying through spectacular glaciated mountains with towering granite cliffs and spires right beside me.
Or maybe its getting good enough with a long line that I am able to put the hook in the outstretched hand of the powerline technician as he stands on the tower steel 150' off the ground with 500 kV in the wire below him.
Or maybe its realizing that I have been lucky enough to experience it all and have the ability to appreciate and share it with others who know of what I speak.
Thanks Ned.
Awesome project.
As far as memorable moments go it could be the fact of having to park in the bus and stay in/near the helicopter for 8 long dreary boring stupid hours while the forestry crew trims the bushes under the powerline. The safety "experts" think this is the best way to go about creating a safe environment (in case someone gets an ow-ee the response time is 10 minutes faster) - little do they know the long day of doing nothing makes the pilots suicidal.
Or maybe its buying a house in a town I have been asked to move to and then two months later getting laid off.
Or maybe its flying the DMZ in Iraq and Kuwait for the UN with military observers from 31 different countries and having beers in the evening (in Iraq) with the Norwegian nurses.
Or maybe its flying through spectacular glaciated mountains with towering granite cliffs and spires right beside me.
Or maybe its getting good enough with a long line that I am able to put the hook in the outstretched hand of the powerline technician as he stands on the tower steel 150' off the ground with 500 kV in the wire below him.
Or maybe its realizing that I have been lucky enough to experience it all and have the ability to appreciate and share it with others who know of what I speak.
Thanks Ned.
Awesome project.
Join Date: May 2008
Location: Emerald Isle
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Hi Ned, firstly your work is getting better and better each year. And if you're in Southern Africa at any point, come and see us in Botswana.
The most memorable moment for me happened this year on an aerial filming job for a wildlife production. We had leased an aircraft for the job and the dual pedals on the co-pilots side could not be locked in place. Thankfully I was flying with a very experienced director in the co-pilot seat and they were well aware of the safety aspect. Then on the second day of shooting, in an OGE hover at 7000ft, the director went to reposition themselves in their seat and in doing so, their right foot slipped forward and hit full right pedal. Thankfully we recovered it quickly. And then the bad language began............ It only took about 6 hours for the heart rate to return to normal! Lesson learned.
The most memorable moment for me happened this year on an aerial filming job for a wildlife production. We had leased an aircraft for the job and the dual pedals on the co-pilots side could not be locked in place. Thankfully I was flying with a very experienced director in the co-pilot seat and they were well aware of the safety aspect. Then on the second day of shooting, in an OGE hover at 7000ft, the director went to reposition themselves in their seat and in doing so, their right foot slipped forward and hit full right pedal. Thankfully we recovered it quickly. And then the bad language began............ It only took about 6 hours for the heart rate to return to normal! Lesson learned.
Join Date: Jan 2008
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First Flight In A Helicopter
My most memorable experience regarding helicopters was while climbing a mountain just north of Vancouver harbour while on holiday, on reaching the summit to my surprise there was an operator offering helicopter flights around the mountain range. Having never been in one before and having always had a passion for helicopters since a small boy (whirlybirds days) how could one refuse such an offer. Well as they say the rest is history. On arriving back in the UK the long arduous war of attrition started on my desire to become a helicopter pilot.
Many decades later after numerous set-backs and up hill struggles I'm still flying and still loving every minute of it as if it was that day in Vancouver, long may it live.
An early Merry Christmas to everyone.
Thanks Ned.
Many decades later after numerous set-backs and up hill struggles I'm still flying and still loving every minute of it as if it was that day in Vancouver, long may it live.
An early Merry Christmas to everyone.
Thanks Ned.
Calendar arrived today, super photos as ever! Thank you very much indeed Ned for your generous offer.
I wish you all safe flights, a merry Christmas and a happy New Year 2019,
Lis
I wish you all safe flights, a merry Christmas and a happy New Year 2019,
Lis
Join Date: Jun 2018
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Hi Ned, I'd also like to add to the list of appreciation for what you do.
One of the most memorable moments would have to be having access to a helicopter to fly some family and friends fishing in remote northern Aus. Daylight, 90% humidity, turn of the tide, 30 Bara in 45min. 2 people full time filleting couldn't keep up with 3 people fishing had to stop for fear of not being able to carry it all home. It was a reminder of how lucky we are to do what we do, the amazing things we can see and do from a helicopter majority don't get to do from the ground.
One of the most memorable moments would have to be having access to a helicopter to fly some family and friends fishing in remote northern Aus. Daylight, 90% humidity, turn of the tide, 30 Bara in 45min. 2 people full time filleting couldn't keep up with 3 people fishing had to stop for fear of not being able to carry it all home. It was a reminder of how lucky we are to do what we do, the amazing things we can see and do from a helicopter majority don't get to do from the ground.
Join Date: Dec 2018
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Calendar
My very first time visting this site, and I must say that I like what I'm seening so far. I would like to get one of your calendar for my home and if I can receive several copy of the calendar I'll pass them on to family and friends as a small gift. Thanks