Cool, I just want a helicopter license.

Last time I was in one I jumped out though - I might need to revise that position ...

I didn't see your opinion request come through my inbox so I wasn't aware you'd been given one.

Please accept my apologies.

;)

Apology accepted. As you were....

I know what you're saying Rockhopper but most of the R22's reputation for mechanical failure comes from it's early days of development. Apparently these days only 7% of crashes come from mechanical failure and the Lycoming 0-320 engine is regarded by most pilots as pretty bullet proof.

Most of the R22's reputation as a crasher comes from the fact that it makes flying training relatively affordable, so it's used as a training machine which by definition is going to have more incidents caused by rookie pilots.

Mind you...we did have one incident just before I took control. The instructor said "oops..we've got a small visitor" and there was a bee crawling up the inside of the canopy. The instructor handed me a heavy flight log book and told me "just kill it". So I swatted it and it fell into the footwell. I knew it was dead because a lot of it was smeared onto the perspex but the instructor did seem concerned about where it had gone. When we landed he told me he was allergic to bee stings.

Jeez....I thought! That's all you need...first time up in a helicopter and the prospect of having your pilot go into anaphalactic shock. Could it have been an amazing story of how a first time pilot landed safely with a comatose instructor? No...I think we'd have died!

Nice one Jools, glad you had a memorable trip. Took the family up in a Jet Ranger once , nothing like it, nothing better. All that vibration and noise , bit like riding a Duke .4D

I'd be inclined to go along with what Jools is suggesting about R22 incident rate... It's probably the most popular helicopter sold to private individuals who fly because they can aford to rather than because they're able to. Just my opinion tho, without any facts.

Rotary wing flying is like most other things, including riding, in respect that all them controls will become second nature with practice. It just takes a LOT of practice.

If you want a real 'smelly trouser' experience, think about sitting in the right hand seat of a Gazelle with a RAF Test Pilot in the driving seat who just wants to have a bit of fun - I still feel for those poor sheep!

Jools, did the same as you for my birthday a couple of years ago .... agree with how addictive it could become.

The R series helicopters are undeniably popular but read the comments on the AAIB site about steve's accident (and other accidents in the past few years) and you would start to worry. It is easy to fly but very unforgiving when things go wrong. I know several helicopter pilots who won't have anything to do with them!

Tony, my old boss converted from fixed wing to rotary and even with his exemptions it still took him over 40 hours (at £175 an hour in those days).

Edit... Dangerously low rotor rpm isnt always caused by an engine failure, certain flight conditions can cause it as well. I'm no expert though.

[Edited on 7-9-2005 by rockhopper]

What does a small child go for in Thailand these days?

Don't go there Tony........



no seriously.....don't go there. It's too hot this time of year and the rainy season is just about to start.....


ps did you get my last u2u? I've not heard back so I'm guessing you are too busy choking back the tears from my overwhelming generosity.

[Edited on 7-9-2005 by chicken]