I would never ride in a helicopter if I could avoid it.
A vintage copter? No way.
The statistics are horrible for helicopters. Frankly, I am surprised they allow the US President to fly in one.
They are a bear to maintain, though - labor intensive, but a bargain as there are a ton of things only a helicopter can do.
“The statistics are horrible for helicopters. Frankly, I am surprised they allow the US President to fly in one.”
I’ve flown in many helicopters in the past.
Nothing like flying just above the tree tops with your legs hanging out the side and nothing but a 2in strap holding you in.😁
“A collection of part flying in loose formation”
I’ve ridden in a lot more helicopters than I’ve landed in, the Army has all kinds of ways to get back to earth from them or of getting you off the earth without landing them.
STABO is the most of fun of all helicopter involved activities.
ALMOST ditto. I learned to fly before I had a license to drive a car - my father a pilot who co-owned a number of planes, uncle an instructor and WWII Navy pilot.
AND MY SON IS A NAVY HELICOPTER PILOT! Another son a fixed-wing pilot.
I flew a Navy simulator of a Bell Jetranger, and believe me, as they say - it was like trying to stand on top of a greased bowling ball. And I’ve flown all kinds of fixed-wing aircraft. I need a fixed wing.
I’d take the risk of taking ONE flight with my son - just ONE. That would be enough.
Only helicopter I’ve ever been in was a Bell Model 47 (M*A*S*H type). It was interesting, but once was plenty.