[PeteB570]

I have gotten out of Airplanes and helicopters.

I prefer to get out of helicopters only because I prefer to get out of something I can get back into if I have to. Airplanes, once you step out of the door it's a one way trip to the ground.

I have gotten out of Hueys, Black Hawks, 46s, 47s and 53s with a rucksack but there is just something about the Osprey, dark LZs and poor conditions that puts a bug in the back of my mind.

I'll make a bet I'll be sad to collect. I bet the first loss in an operational area is "Not due to enemy fire."

[Francis McClobber]

" I'll make a bet I'll be sad to collect. I bet the first loss in an operational area is 'Not due to enemy fire.'"

Pretty safe bet. You could probably make that bet with every aircraft - fixed wing or helo. Sad fact is, the vast majority of aircraft lost are due to non-combat related incidents, be they mechanical failure or pilot error. This has been the sad fact since the first military flight.