Hello-bird Posted September 28, 2008 Report Share Posted September 28, 2008 The other day a friend asked me in a casual tone, after learning that I'm researching the industry... "I've booked a helicopter on Saturday, do you want to come flying?" :shock: Would I ???? We left YVR in a 407. I sat in the front seat, beside the pilot. Parked my *extreme* enthusiasm, and absorbed the cockpit like a sponge. Having worked in the marine industry, seems to help: The tower/Vancouver Traffic. Oceanic/atmospheric tides, Pitch and roll... As we were flying I asked, "what's yaw?"... Suddenly the helicopter gave a wag. And the pilot looked over and smiled. Simple lesson. It was effective. I was surprised that the collective could stay in one place, that it didn't need a hand on it at all times. Flying through the valley, the pilot told me he wanted me to take the cyclic. Jesus. I felt 15 all over again. When the older kid in the neighborhood got his drivers licence first. And we all got a turn at the wheel from the passenger seat, while his feet stayed on the peddles. I kept wanting to climb in altitude. And the pilot said that was normal for someone when they first take the cyclic. I became very aware very quickly how sensitive the controls were. I didn't want to let go. I wanted to keep flying. We made a few hard, tight turns... I was amazed at the power and maneuverability of that machine. It's been 24 years since I was in a helicopter. And it was a Hughes 500. I forgot what it was like. I am, officially, without a doubt, hooked. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
twinstar_ca Posted September 28, 2008 Report Share Posted September 28, 2008 outstanding, HB!!! :up: :punk: Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
rotorheadrob Posted September 28, 2008 Report Share Posted September 28, 2008 Carefull, it's kinda like crack! Rob Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Hello-bird Posted September 28, 2008 Author Report Share Posted September 28, 2008 Carefull, it's kinda like crack! Rob I've never tried crack. I've seen quite a few guys down at Main & Hastings, flying high on crack though... this, most certainly, is a different kind of flying. More real... and clean. But I think I might understand what you're getting at. I still can't wipe this *massive* smile off my face. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Blackmac Posted September 28, 2008 Report Share Posted September 28, 2008 We got another one, don't forget to join HEPAC. All the best, it's only just begun. Cheers, Don Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Hello-bird Posted September 28, 2008 Author Report Share Posted September 28, 2008 We got another one, don't forget to join HEPAC. All the best, it's only just begun. Cheers, Don Thanks Don. What's HEPAC? And how do I join? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Blackmac Posted September 29, 2008 Report Share Posted September 29, 2008 Helicopter Engineers and Pilots Association, Canada, WWW.HEPAC.org Don Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Hello-bird Posted September 29, 2008 Author Report Share Posted September 29, 2008 Helicopter Engineers and Pilots Association, Canada, WWW.HEPAC.org Don *Thank you* Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Cole Posted September 29, 2008 Report Share Posted September 29, 2008 Welcome to the addiction. Rob, it's much... much worse than crack, there's rehab for crack addicts. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Elvis Posted September 29, 2008 Report Share Posted September 29, 2008 If you are sure this is your choice of your carrier then go for it. I have been in this industry for 37 years and have no regrets. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Recommended Posts
Join the conversation
You can post now and register later. If you have an account, sign in now to post with your account.