Thread: Helicopter ground resonance

Originally Posted by Hugh Jars

I went for a ride in a Huey when on a promotion course in Amberley with the ATC cadets, way back when.

I won Dux of Qld Squadron (I still have the trophy) in the ATC at Amberley in 1964 and was offered a ride in a Canberra. I didn't get the ride as I was sick.

Q.U.S.Q.N.A.T.C. 1964
Presented to Cpl Beckett, R.L.
From the staff of 18 Flight

Yes, all those full stops are there in the inscription )

I have one other trophy I've kept - presented by Arthur Gorrie who owned a hobby shop in the Gabba, for my control line model of a N.A. B25 Mitchell bomber.

Getting back to helicopters, I have an RC flying model of the Iroquois and several other RC helos. A pic from around 1988 - I wish I was still that slim! (Hirobo Falcon 505 with an OS 40FSR-H (6.5cc) and tuned pipe, radio Futaba FP-5JH helicopter radio.)

Ron Hirobo 505.jpg

Years ago, we were using a Bell, Jet Ranger in mountainous areas for access to several mountain peaks. Now, even though auto-rotation looks a bit dodgy, I reckon I'd still take my chances, rather than lug 25-30kg of gear up the mountain on foot and then have to descend with same, sometimes after dark.

I must say that it took a bit of getting used to when, on hitting a decent downdraught, the rotor blades would stop making noise for a bit and then slowly start 'Chunk, chunk, chunking' again when catching air.
It was a quick education on 'Mountains and Air Currents'.

Ron,
I never achieved any awards during my time. Nevertheless, it really shaped me as a person and instilled values I use to this day.

I went back as a PLTOFF instructor in the 90s as the Supervising Grade 1 for NSWSQN Flying Training unit. My boss (SOFO) was funnily enough a PLTOFF I met on that same promotion course at Amberley in 1975. When he joined he was a Qantas cadet starting his flying career, and when I met up with him again, a Senior Captain on the B744.

The most rewarding memories during my time as an adult was sending kids on their first solo flights - many times on their 16th birthdays. Some I have interviewed for flying jobs years later. Great memories.

John R.

John, you made it to a job I lusted after. Well done!

I'd have loved to be a pilot. I only got as far as sailplanes and one instructional flight in an R22.

I always wanted to join the RAAF even if I couldn't be a pilot but I was so short-sighted, I couldn't even read the first letter on an eye chart. I failed the RAAF medical and they said I wouldn't even get into the army. National Service comes along (Vietnam) and my eyes are suddenly good enough (I still failed the medical for other reasons).

If I go somewhere on holiday, I'll often take a local scenic heli flight. The most memorable was flying under the Golden Gate in the front seat of a Jet Ranger, then rising slowly level with the walkway to the surprise of pedestrians (a bit like would be seen in a movie).

Hint: if taking a scenic flight with one's wife, don't. Do the flights separately that way you'll both get the front seat. Couples sit in the back.

Originally Posted by Hugh Jars

Wouldn't have liked to be sitting in the back of the CH-47 when the rear mast came off. I think that one was flight testing/demonstrating ground resonance, wasn't it?

According to Scruffy in the following video the Chinook was time expired and it was set up to test ground resonance.


(6) WHY HELICOPTERS GET GROUND RESONANCE - YouTube

Originally Posted by p38arover

If I go somewhere on holiday, I'll often take a local scenic heli flight. The most memorable was flying under the Golden Gate in the front seat of a Jet Ranger, then rising slowly level with the walkway to the surprise of pedestrians (a bit like would be seen in a movie).

Hint: if taking a scenic flight with one's wife, don't. Do the flights separately that way you'll both get the front seat. Couples sit in the back.

There is the old story of Ma and Pa who went to the County fair every year. There were always heli rides for 50 bucks.

Every year Pa was keen, but Ma said they couldn't afford it, 50 bucks is 50 bucks.

County fair came around again and they ended up over at the heli ride spot.

The guy running it said 'You two come every year for ages but you've never taken the ride'.

Ma says they can't afford it, 50 bucks is 50 bucks.

Heli guy says I'll take you for a ride and if you don't say anything it'll be free.

Ma says ok, so she and Pa get in the back seat and off they go.

The pilot flies around and does a few tricks but there is silence from the back. He tries a bit harder, but still nothing.

He lands and turns around and there is only Pa in the back.

Pilot asks 'Where is your wife?'

Pa says 'She fell out while you were mucking around'.

Pilot asks 'Why didn't you say anything?'

Pa just says '50 bucks is 50 bucks'.

Originally Posted by p38arover

John, you made it to a job I lusted after. Well done!

I'd have loved to be a pilot. I only got as far as sailplanes and one instructional flight in an R22.

I always wanted to join the RAAF even if I couldn't be a pilot but I was so short-sighted, I couldn't even read the first letter on an eye chart. I failed the RAAF medical and they said I wouldn't even get into the army. National Service comes along (Vietnam) and my eyes are suddenly good enough (I still failed the medical for other reasons).

If I go somewhere on holiday, I'll often take a local scenic heli flight. The most memorable was flying under the Golden Gate in the front seat of a Jet Ranger, then rising slowly level with the walkway to the surprise of pedestrians (a bit like would be seen in a movie).

Hint: if taking a scenic flight with one's wife, don't. Do the flights separately that way you'll both get the front seat. Couples sit in the back.

I have been on that flight Ron. Although I dont recall getting close to the bridge. It was operating from Fishermans Wharf area.

Originally Posted by Old Farang

I have been on that flight Ron. Although I dont recall getting close to the bridge. It was operating from Fishermans Wharf area.

I caught the flight from Sausalito, on the other side of the bridge - from here (I checked my photos): Google Maps

Sausalito Heli Landing.jpg

Under GG Bridge.JPG

I hope you realise I am bloody jealous of you! I'd love to be able to fly choppers - or fixed wing.