Being some distance from the South of England, I don't know a lot of pilots from down south but is the gentleman in question a relatively old guy who hails from up North originally?
If so, as you say you were probably with the most experienced helo pilot in the world I would think.
Kind of sheds a different light on things but still not a good idea to try it alone.

Would his surname be something a cooper would make?

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Another day in paradise

Or the name for someone who forges metals with a hammer? :)

I like to fly, not to die! tell us where you operate and I'll wave you bye-bye. I am only a lowly low hour eggbeater jock but you gotta be kidding if you are a CFi
Vfrpilotpb(UK)

What? http://www.pprune.org/ubb/NonCGI/confused.gif

Sounds like it could have been either of the Mikes ie of the racetrack or Shakespeare country. Either way they are both enormously talented.
Surely letting go of the cyclic does not actually demonstrate to the student the dynamic instability after an acceleration or deceleration. I thought the idea was to demonstrate that they have to react.
Never been brave enough myself

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Use it don't abuse it.
What day is it anyway?