Any Helicopter Pilots?

AMT4SWA · Jul 18, 2003

I won't tell you why it only cost you $60 for a flight hour in a MI-2 :eek:

Did you notice that the rotor system was turning in the wrong direction?

tatertrader · Jul 18, 2003

Quote from AMT4SWA:

I won't tell you why it only cost you $60 for a flight hour in a MI-2 :eek:

Did you notice that the rotor system was turning in the wrong direction?

Trust - me I know. I count it as the bravest/stupidest, (emphasis on stupidest moves of my life )

In fact the Mi2 we flew dated from the mid 60's if my translation was accurate. Incidentally - I think you can buy one for about $50k - great deal for a twin turbine.

AMT4SWA · Jul 18, 2003

They call it the Mi-2 because of what you are holding onto when you sit in the back....."My 2".....This of course only applies to most men.

white17 · Jul 18, 2003

At least it's a turbine ! And a twin at that. For some real thrills try a single engine 25 year old reciprocal in a combat situation. I've no experience with the MI-2 but have you guys tried the Antonov-2 ? AN2. A sweet machine for rough country and big loads out of short strips. The Russians did that one right. But the prop does turn the wrong way.

tatertrader · Jul 18, 2003

Quote from AMT4SWA:

They call it the Mi-2 because of what you are holding onto when you sit in the back....."My 2".....This of course only applies to most men.

Yes - well mine were in my throat most of the flight

I have a very funny photo of the flight - my friend was sitting behind me and I snapped a photo of him actually praying (hands together, eyes closed) prior to takeoff - then i gave him the camera to snap one of me at the controls giving the old "thumbs up" sign. Anyway - the film failed to advance in the camera so the two photos superimposed capturing one hilarious and memorable moment.

AMT4SWA · Jul 18, 2003

Ghosts in the machine!

GreenDog · Jul 18, 2003

Quote from FlexonSalesRep:

used to run a whirly-bird out of Din Yang. Flew the D176, D177. Recently sold a Chambers S-108 due to problems with the Rollins coupler. Damn thing started ghosting at 5,000 every time the dewpoint dipped. That'll rattle even the most seasoned aviator!

I'd recommend spending time in the Parker Simulator first. Get about 150-200 hours in that (just practicing willowing and crabbing at first). Then you can start exporing some of the flight schools.

Good Luck!

What are "willowing and crabbing?" ... and where is Din Yang??

tatertrader · Jul 18, 2003

Quote from white17:

Antonov-2 ? AN2. A sweet machine for rough country and big loads out of short strips. The Russians did that one right. But the prop does turn the wrong way.

Funny you mention that - there were a few Antonov-2 carcasses (at least they looked inoperable but you can never tell with Russian kit !

) at the airfield I flew the MI2 out of. I have some great photos of them - everything's on kodachrome slides or I'd post a few.

white17 · Jul 18, 2003

The AN2 is a good aircraft and you can buy them pretty cheap. They're still making them and parts are readily available.

ColdLogic · Jul 18, 2003

Very old (but true) joke: Airplane pilots fly... helicopter pilots beat the air into submission.

I've been a fixed-wing pilot/owner for 26 years, and still dream of flying helicopters someday.

FWIW, my idea of how to spend retirement is found at www.rotorway.com.