Flew a helicopter today

[figbat]

It was my semicentenery about 21 months ago and I said I didn’t want stuff, I wanted experiences. A couple of ‘bucket list’ items, things I had wanted to do for decades, were (1) do a parachute jump and (2) fly a helicopter. Both were given as gift experiences and I did (1) last year. Today I finally got (2) done.

I have a few hours of experience flying fixed wing but until a few hours ago had never set foot in a helicopter. I always imagined I would be a natural at it although also imagined it would be challenging. Both turned out to be true.

I had a 40 minute introduction lesson with Heli Air from Wellesbourne Airfield. It was a great experience, there was not too much ground-based stuff and mostly in the seat and getting on with it. The gusty wind was near the limits of what was appropriate apparently and made my first hovering attempts tricky, but I managed not to drop it despite some rather alarming wobbles. It was, I was told, a good first effort given the conditions. Flying at height was easier and much more familiar.

So now I have 0.7 hrs towards a PPL(H) licence apparently! Only another 44.3 (minimum) to go…

That just leaves flying a Spitfire…. 🤞

 

[Drago]

Robinson R44?

 

[figbat]

Robinson R44?

R22. I learned a lot today but a couple of things I really didn’t know. Apparently all American helicopters rotate their main rotors anti-clockwise (from above). Also all the instruments were in American - °F, psi, inHg and such.

 

[lazybloke]

I was given a parachute jump experience.

But i have a problem with heights. It takes a massive load of mental focus to switch off my fears, even to do abseiling, Go Ape or a zipwire.

So much as I'd love to experience a parachute jump, i think my brain would blue screen. Might switch toba copter/plane flying lesson instead.

 

[ClichéGuevara]

I was given a parachute jump experience.

But i have a problem with heights. It takes a massive load of mental focus to switch off my fears, even to do abseiling, Go Ape or a zipwire.

So much as I'd love to experience a parachute jump, i think my brain would blue screen. Might switch toba copter/plane flying lesson instead.

You should jump at the chance.

 

[SpokeyDokey]

It was my semicentenery about 21 months ago and I said I didn’t want stuff, I wanted experiences. A couple of ‘bucket list’ items, things I had wanted to do for decades, were (1) do a parachute jump and (2) fly a helicopter. Both were given as gift experiences and I did (1) last year. Today I finally got (2) done.

I have a few hours of experience flying fixed wing but until a few hours ago had never set foot in a helicopter. I always imagined I would be a natural at it although also imagined it would be challenging. Both turned out to be true.

I had a 40 minute introduction lesson with Heli Air from Wellesbourne Airfield. It was a great experience, there was not too much ground-based stuff and mostly in the seat and getting on with it. The gusty wind was near the limits of what was appropriate apparently and made my first hovering attempts tricky, but I managed not to drop it despite some rather alarming wobbles. It was, I was told, a good first effort given the conditions. Flying at height was easier and much more familiar.

So now I have 0.7 hrs towards a PPL(H) licence apparently! Only another 44.3 (minimum) to go…

View attachment 689784

View attachment 689785

That just leaves flying a Spitfire…. 🤞

What a brilliant experience!

 

[Deleted member 26715]

Never been in one, always wanted to go in one, being in the flying seat would be even better. I've also done a parachute jump & want to do a freefall, but at 63 I was told I'm now too old.

 

[Kingfisher101]

Amazing, How did you find the paracute jump? My mate has done a few and said that it felt exactly how you would expect it to feel. I wouldnt dare do the jump as I think I'd black out. I'd have a go at flying the helicopter though.
It looks great. Will you continue with it?

 

[Cathryn]

Fantastic. You look nails!!!!

 

[fossyant]

Looks like a toy.

 

[pawl]

I did a parachute jump once .ASI was going down I realised I couldn’t remember what the instructor said about pulling the rip cord

I suddenly saw a man flying up towards me at rate of knots I shouted do you know anything about parachutes No said do you know anyone about repairing gas oven’s 🪂🪂🪂

 

[Drago]

Looks like a toy.

I live about a mile from a microlight airfield and I'm all but dead underneath the runway approach. Some of the things I see in the sky about my house make kites look substantial. A Robinson is a Pave Low in comparison.

 

[SpokeyDokey]

I live about a mile from a microlight airfield and I'm all but dead underneath the runway approach. Some of the things I see in the sky about my house make kites look substantial. A Robinson is a Pave Low in comparison.

Had a flight over the Lake District mountains a few years ago in a microlight and it was great.

Very tiny cramped cockpit and tge instruments/switches were out of the Ark.

Good fun, even the bouncy landing in a farmers field.

 

[Ming the Merciless]

Best play it safe over water

 

[Drago]

Had a flight over the Lake District mountains a few years ago in a microlight and it was great.

Very tiny cramped cockpit and tge instruments/switches were out of the Ark.

Good fun, even the bouncy landing in a farmers field.

My Dad's Socata TB20 Trinidad (G-TIBS) is about as light as I would want to go, and even that has me clenching my buttocks so hard it leaves a ridge in the seat base.