Whiting Field NAS South

[Captain Geoff]

Dear PGA folks -

I reported in for Intermediate Helicopter Training today. After considerable briefing and rather major changes in the way I fly (MSFS settings) I was soon in - and - out of the pattern flying the helo like a newborn. I did manage to get the helo near the landing spot so the Instructor told me to just go ahead and practice.

Flying a helo as many of my PGAers know is difficult. But now after some four hours of practice I've gotten the hover down, turning in place, I can fly the pattern with ease and land where I am supposed to dead on. The key is knowing the power settings of the bird you are flying.

On the obstacle course I am doing very well - not perfect yet, but well enough. The real pain is the figure eight they have set up. This is not easy flying. I learned the trick to it though, and that is slow. stop. turn. slow.stop. turn.

Well, it's late and I have to catch a ride back to the BOQ. Hope everyone is well. Say Hi to Darby for me. Did the Boss ever get found after BOTA?

Cheers!

[Captain Geoff]

Dear PGA friends -

Ahh so grasshoppa. I have found the key to helo flight.
Taxiing around runways and figure eights is awesome. The key is slow, slow and easy on the stick.

Today I went up with my Instructor Pilot (IP) and I showed my hover control, turn 90 and 180 control. Then we circled around the tower facing it about 100 yards away. Awesome control.

The final thing was an autorotate. It took me quite a while to get it right and I still need practice. Nothing like hearing "Engine out". The silence is deafening. Well I learned you can walk away from an engine out condition - just pray there's nothing in your way when you get low.

I now have so much to practice that it's gonna take everything I have to pass this part of the course. Amazing how fast 2 hours can go when you are concentrating so hard to control an aircraft that is inherently unstable.

Sorry no pics as of yet. Maybe I'll send one next time I'm up in the air.

[Captain Geoff]

Dear PGAers -

The instructor showed up and walked me through the course - literally - only using the TH-57 which is a clone of a Bell-206. That same little bird that gave me fits. I now have total control over the little twitcher. Once you've learned the secrets to its flight and stop trying to fly it like an airplane it actually flies very nicely. I did turns in place, stationary hover, follow the taxilines, the figure eight course, standard landing, and the emergency autorotate landing all with ease. - Well, there was a lot of sweat there too. But I am gaining confidence.

So I passed my first intermediate exam. Next is a grueling 3 hour flight/navigation exam.

In the meantime I have to go to hovercontrol.com and take their course - I hear it's about 10 hours - maybe I can do it quicker.

So - I guess I'm off to yet another location - not sure where yet though....

I promise I'll get pics of the the plane... just been too busy at the controls....

[Rick]

3 hour flight/nav exam?!? With no AP?!? :yikes: The Hovercontrol stuff managed to help me out quite a bit...

[Captain Geoff]

mmm Not sure if they'll allow AP or not. Now I know why helo pilots get tired. I'm developing a strong right arm trying to keep the nose down on this bird. AP would be too easy. :rolleyes:

[Captain Geoff]

Well, I found out that the TH-57 doesn't have AP. 3.4 hours of grueling maintain +/- 100 feet. The navigation portion was easy. My arm still hurts and that was five hours ago.

Passed though, so I'm going to the O' Club. I'll have one for all of my PGA friends.

[Captain Geoff]

Dear PGA friends,
I am doing well. I've been relocated to Mobile Alabama where I am now practicing landing on the worlds smallest postage stamp. However, before I found the stamp I found this oil rig and paid the folks there a visit. They were surprised when I told them I was looking for a Coast Guard ship. They hadn't seen one either.

I will get you a picture of the "LST" which is more like a Mike boat in size. Then you might appreciate the small landing pad. Anyway, I am now mostly in control of the TH-57. I am working real hard. I have been told to expect to go out the the carrier by Wednesday. Should be fun. Anyway, I am getting my nerves up for this. It seems just as I get confident in one maneuver they throw another harder one at me. This is definitely not for the faint of heart.

Will write soon...

[Captain Geoff]

Dear PGA friends -

Well here is a photo of the postage stamp I have to land on. No, not the ship - the little circle in the middle of the back. Both sets of struts have to be inside the circle. Yikes! Been out there practicing today even. No carrier qual today - my instructor got sick and I'm not allowed to go out there by myself. :rolleyes: