Run, Chris, Run!

So, in order to train in the Robinson R22 helicopter, I need to shed some pounds. Not so many, mind you, but about 15 in order to be well within the safety guidelines. I've decided to dust off the old Image 10.6Q treadmill and get my butt moving.

It's been 8 days so far... and the last 4 days in a row.

I'm not ready for a marathon or anything, but I'm up to 2.75 miles in the last two sessions.

Update 2007-10-02: Now at 3.25 miles. 11 days in a row. My secret? Watching an episode old episode of Millennium during each session. Basically, my running coach, Frank Black.

FAA Class II Medical - Scheduled

Scheduled the Class II medical exam that is needed before I actually start training. October 3rd - so a few days to wait.

Required reading

I ordered some manuals from Amazon to help with the book learnin' portions of my training. The flight school recommended Rotorcraft Flying Handbook as a good "all around review". An old work buddy of mine, Bob, recommended this as one he found useful; Principles of Helicopter Flight. Bob has a few helicopters of his own - yet another reason to trust his guidance.

First Flight

Flight #: 001
CFI: Gabe J.
Aircraft: Schweizer 300C IFR
Aircraft ID: N27YS
Duration: 0.4hrs


Today I had my "demo flight". Wow!

It had to have been one of the most exciting things I've ever done. The best part of the whole flight was when I was given control of the collective and cyclic (no anti-torque pedals, this time) for about half of the flight.

The most surprising thing to me during the whole experience was the minimal pressure needed to change direction. The cyclic can move approximately 1 foot in any direction:

• left: roll left
• right: roll right
• fore: pitch nose down - forward flight
• aft: pitch nose up - backwards flight
  

However, only 1 inch adjustments move the helicopter significantly.

I was trying to describe it... and the best I can do is this - when driving down the road in your car at 75mph, you don't really turn the wheel, you make minute adjustments continually to adjust direction. It is probably unconscious, but if you think about it next time, you have ± 5º changes a few times a minute.

The most cyclic movement happened when I was moving forward (50-70 knots) and banking into a turn - maybe 2 inches of cyclic movement. This caused a significant banking and was, at first, a bit un-settling. Obviously this is a feeling one gets used to, but looking out the window at the ground at a 30º angle does give an interesting sensation.

Did I mention the helicopter did not have any doors?

Anyway, here is a Google Map estimate of the flight path - I've got to admit I was pretty focused on flying, but I do remember quite a few landmarks.


View Larger Map

I'm hooked! No question.

The tour was very interesting. I got a chance to see the entire school, sit in a few helicopters, walk through various hangars and meet the dispatch team. All very impressive.

Learned a lot as well. First, it's not going to be cheap. Each flight requires that you rent the time in a helicopter, pay for fuel and also pay for the instructors time. To receive FAA Part 141 certification, a Private Pilot's License, you will need a minimum of:

• 31 Dual Hours (Student + Instructor)
• 5 Solo Hours
• 35 Ground Hours
• 10 Pre- & Post- Flight Instruction
• 18 Hours video review

They stress this is all minimum requirements and that the majority of students are +20% on top of this.

With all of this... I still am going for it. The prospect of flying is just too enticing to let a little work get in the way.

I submitted my application. Still need to get my FAA Class II Medical examination, before I can start, but I've got some time - class starts October 8th.

Lets check this out...

I've always been fascinated with helicopters - the motion, the physics of helicopter flight and just their overall look. Don't know... just do.

Anyway, after a series of serendipitous events over the past few weeks I've decided that I need to know a little more about helicopters and the training that goes into becoming a pilot. So, I set up an appointment for a quick tour / walk through of Hillsboro Aviation's campus and airport.

I was surprised to learn that Hillsboro Aviation is well known in the industry and is in the top tier of helicopter and airplane pilot training programs. Apparently it has to do with the geographical and weather diversity in the Pacific Northwest. Within 60 minutes you can fly over oceans, coastline, mountain ranges, forests, deserts and cities. All of this, of course, with the ever present possibility of PNW mist, rain and cloud cover.

With all this... I just had to visit and see for myself what it really takes.

Hillsboro Aviation has posted their promotional video for viewing, if the mood strikes you.