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I've often wondered if 16 year olds have the maturity/presence of mind to handle a real in flight emergency where the world is rapidly falling apart around them. 16 year olds can't solo drive a car but can fly solo...amazing really.Quote:
Originally Posted by Hugh Jars
it is almost natural to fly
it is unnatural to drive a car
a good instructor will have a young person soloing in 10hours
there are very simple rules to flying
emergencies occur only when something causes one of the simple rules to be broken .
a bird never breaks flight rules.
I believe that you are a camera buff, Ron? Some of my most satisfying flying with a helicopter was photography flying. It was all commercial work and the need is to put the photographer in the right position, while maintaining a safe operation.Quote:
I hope you realise I am bloody jealous of you! [bawl]:bat: I'd love to be able to fly choppers - or fixed wing.
Some photographers are complete arseholes; mostly "media types" that honestly believe that they alone are the greatest people on the planet to ever wield a camera! I did both still camera work and video, although my old 2 bladed helicopter was not the smoothest platform for video work. A good photographer will outline what he is trying to achieve before take-off, and the clue to knowing that you putting him where he needs to be is no yelling from them while they are filming!
Putting photographers and cameramen in position could be challenging. :thumbsup:
One group of pilots that impress are those who carry workers up to work on high tension power lines. Some of those lines are still powered. I have a lot of respect for the workers, too!
Actually, I think they are all mad!
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DPNK7bc2qvM
As helicopter pilots, right from the start of training it is drummed into us to look out for, and STAY AWAY from ANY powerline!Quote:
Actually, I think they are all mad!
Still, every year some poor bugger fly's into one with fatal results.
Many years ago ago I did some experimental work using IR camera's to survey some HT lines. The idea was not proceeded with, and although it would have been a lucrative contract, I was not really disappointed when it did not eventuate.
Maybe these nuts are even more insane:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lcjhjna9jZE
I thought about building my own chopper - but not like these:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JNMHWwoAyzc
I like the vid where they put patches over the hot spots in the wires. It ain't a 5 minute job.Quote:
Originally Posted by Old Farang
DL
As a child I had a debilitating st-t-t-utttttter, which I rightly surmised would end my flying career (RAAF/ Fleet Air Arm) before it started... So I stayed on terra firma.Quote:
Originally Posted by p38arover
A couple of years ago I found a way to get that piece of paper, - alas, now a plastic and common credit-card sized thing... via Light Sports Aircraft. - Your Driver's licence "medical" is good enough. If I can do it (and step into a Robin and fly the beast...) - Any Senior Wind can !
No caption needed for the last pic... Every trainee pilot has had the same conversation with.... Satan.
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The youngest I have taught was 11 years old. She took me by surprise, because she was getting through over double the sequences that an average adult would. We were effectively through all the emergency manoeuvres in about 7 hours, and would've soloed, had she been 16. I was disappointed she never pursued it as an older person, as she would've been a very competent pilot.Quote:
Originally Posted by Grumbles
Younger people have minds like a sponge. They soak up the training content at an amazing rate. As an instructor, I had the legal responsibility to ensure all syllabus sequences are covered to an appropriate standard prior to sending them off on their own. One of which is being capable of handling an engine failure at any phase of flight and making it safely back onto the ground (not necessarily the airport).
A first solo (fixed wing) is only one takeoff, circuit and landing.
At that time, junior instructors did not have the approvals to send students first solo. Only grade 1 or 2's are approved.
John R.
