Cherry Drying: NAMING NAMES!!

[Nearly Retired]

So…you wanna get personal, huh? You wanna name names, huh?

 

That other thread about cherry drying in Washington State got a little off-topic. (ed. note: a little?) So I thought I’d start a new one. So sue me.

 

Anyway, the blogger in question (henceforth referred to as “that woman”) mentioned on her blog the “trolls” that were trashing her here in VR. One of her sycophantic responders who calls herself “Just a pilot” commented…

 

The person that went after you is the infamous FH1100pilot, aka Bob Barbanes. He also devoted an entire blog post to you a while back. To say he’s got some issues is putting it mildly.

 

Well!

 

Yes, I am “FH1100 Pilot” AKA “Nearly Retired” AKA the inevitable (and apparently infamous) Bob Barbanes…he of loud mouth and gigantic ego, hater of tiltrotor and lover of…well, himself. Unlike certain internet posters, I do not hide my identity behind a blank profile and a cutesy/clever screen name like “Just a pilot.” I do not make childish, snippy, anonymous internet posts that trash other people by name. In this forum I call myself “Nearly Retired “ because I am, but you don’t have to look very hard at all to find my identity and how to contact me directly either here, or on Facebook or by phone. A lot of you here on this board, on the JH forums and on PPRUNE know me personally. Now, just how would we contact “Just a pilot?” Who is “Just a pilot?” (For that matter, how would you even contact the woman blogger we keep referring to? She doesn’t even have an email contact on her blog because she doesn't want people contacting her.)

 

And yes I did in fact write a story on my blog about this particular female pilot. Not just a mention in a post or even a half-post about her. Nope, AN ENTIRE BLOG POST! OH. MY. GOD! About 1,000 words actually. And if you’d seen it (HERE is the link), you would know that it was hardly an indictment of this that woman. In fact, I didn’t even mention her by name. And I also tried to treat her with as much kindness and respect as possible because she is, as I mentioned a fellow helicopter pilot and motorcyclist. (But you know…*any* mention of anyone else constitutes a “personal attack” these days.)

 

Here’s the thing: I hate seeing people who are unhappy. By ALL accounts…and I mean from her own writing, to her dealings with me, to everyone I know who’s met her or people who know her personally and have contacted me, or people who’ve had any interaction with her…the universal contention is that she is an unhappy, lonely, bitter person despite her weak claims to the contrary. And it troubles me profoundly.

 

I know some of you disagree, but I attribute her unhappiness to her atheism, which she proudly avows. As I explain in my blogpost, atheists are the center of their world because by definition they do not see anything bigger than the human. They typically don’t need spiritual guidance from any flying spaghetti monster or master puppeteer, which tells you how they misinterpret and misunderstand the very concept of a Creator. They think that they are fully equipped with all of the things they need (from strength to courage to wisdom) to handle anything life throws their way. (By the way, her soon-to-be-ex-husband does not share her atheist views on life. But that’s a whole ‘nother issue that we need not discuss here.)

 

The trouble is, it’s not true...I mean what atheists think. They are wrong. There is *something else*…a supernatural aspect to our universe which is as unexplainable as it is undeniable. As others who are smarter than me have said, It takes quite a lot of faith to NOT believe in God! Which IS true!

 

I should mention here that, going by the feedback I've gotten in private messages on this forum, messages on Facebook, old school emails and actual phone calls, a lot of you agree with me whether you say so publicly or not (and I fully understand people not wanting to get into a public discussion of faith on a helicopter internet board). Like me, a lot of you feel great sympathy and compassion for that woman and wish that she could or would find the happiness and peace of mind that seems to have eluded her so far. It’s very sad. And I know, maybe I shouldn’t say anything at all, right? Maybe the mere act of commenting on another pilot’s public life is just…just…inappropriate.

 

So WHY do I even make this an issue? Because I think it’s important to have faith. As helicopter pilots I think it’s important to be in touch with our spiritual side, to understand that we are NOT the center of the universe. I’m not saying that everyone has to be a God-fearing, born-again Christian (but it wouldn’t hurt). I just think it’s stupid for pilots to announce to the world that they have *no* faith…zero faith...no faith in God, no faith in other people, no faith in things, no faith in nuthin. If you come out and publicly announce that you are a proud atheist, and then you blather on and on and on in your public writings about how crappy your life is, don’t be surprised if you get some, um, well, “feedback.”

 

So yes I devoted AN ENTIRE BLOGPOST to that woman. Hell, it’s my blog, I can write about anything or anyone I want. Am I required to like everyone on the planet? No. By the same token I am fully aware that there are people out there who really, really dislike me. It hurts, but hey I can live with it. Similarly, I can dislike someone and I can write about it in MY blog if I choose. It does not mean that I have “issues.” And it does not constitute a “personal attack” unless I, you know, name names. Which I don’t, even if we "insiders" here all know who I'm talking about. Oh, and you don't have to read it.

 

In response to the comment from “Just a pilot”, the woman blogger replied,

 

Oh, him? He tried some of his nasty crap here a while back and was blacklisted for his efforts. Some people really do need to get a life.

 

Blacklisted, eh? Heh. Yeah, that came from comments I made some years ago (January of 2009) in her blog after a big conflict she had with some tour pilots in Arizona. Her post was called, “How To Annoy Other Helicopter Pilots.” I suggested that nobody in that sorry affair was acting like an adult, and that it would have been nice if *she* had taken the high road since *she* was the one doing all the complaining. Plus I told her she should have gone to the Chief Pilot of the tour operation, not directly to the FAA. She initially published and then deleted my comments. Apparently she doesn't take criticism well from someone with MUCH more experience.

 

For one thing, she maintained that the helicopter pilots should have made their approaches to a "landing pad," and then hover-taxied into the widely-spaced parking spots, following the little yellow lines painted on the tarmac. And she is wrong. Helicopters are not airplanes. If there is a specified helicopter operating area at an airport, then we can land right there unless the airport manager has issued instructions to the contrary. Anyone who's ever worked in the GOM knows about operating in close proximity to other helicopters at the shore bases. It's not unsafe. She also maintains that a ten-foot hover is unsafe, which it is not. Well...it would be in an R-44, but the aviation world is not full of R-44's. A competent pilot in any turbine helicopter can handle an engine failure at a ten-foot hover.

 

I should add here that I have not similarly blacklisted that woman from my blog. In fact, I cannot remember the last time I even deleted a comment from my blog. And believe me, I sometimes write some inflammatory stuff! I welcome all comments, even if they disagree strongly with me. And if you do, fire away! I don’t moderate (pre-approve) comments, and I allow anonymous postings. That woman allows neither. Hmm. What does that tell you? I know what it tells me. She wants the blog to reflect HER viewpoints only (or people who agree with her), nobody else’s, and she won’t tolerate dissenting opinions. Well okay, toots, it’s your blog.

 

I will close with this: Aviation is a tiny, tiny industry. Word gets around about you. Yes, *you*. Six degrees of separation? Hah. It’s less than that. If you’re a commercial working helicopter pilot, somebody knows you right now and has probably talked about you with others. Don’t think they don’t. “Just a pilot” should keep that in mind too - somebody knows her in real life. If you’re a douchebag, word will get around and probably has already. Male or female, it doesn’t matter. Me? I don’t care anymore. See, I’m nearly retired from this business! I’ve had my fun. I put thirty years in flying these contraptions for money. So I can say what I want. If I come off looking like an idiot (or the aforementioned DB), so be it.

 

But if I’m going to have my name thrown out there and trashed, then at least y’all ought to know the rest of the story. And don't you feel better just knowing of one pilot's personal vendetta against another? I don't know about the rest of you, but I feel kinda skeezy now.

 

So anyway there you have it. Another wasted hour of my pitiful life, and ten minutes or so wasted of yours if you’ve even bothered to real all the way down this far (and God love you if you did!). Most assuredly, before the day is out some anonymous nitwit like “Just a pilot” will go on the JH “bad” board and complain that insufferable ol’ Bob Barbanes is on VR running his mouth with some boring, longwinded, stupid post and making a PERSONAL ATTACK on another pilot. Or someone will complain that I’ve wasted their time and internet bandwidth, illogically ignoring the fact that it was their choice to waste the time to read this crap in the first place.

[Trans Lift]

I was brought up a catholic but stepped away from it years ago. Am I an atheist? Not really. I am nothing (with regards to religion). I have a very happy life, never say a prayer, have an amazing wife that loves me, the best family and friends that anyone could want. Religion never comes into our life. I think religion was created to control people.

I don't really care what anyone believes, as long as you don't push it on me. I do like to laugh at the ridiculousness that comes out of some peoples mouth with regards to religion (fundamentalist christians in particular). I also enjoy the sport of chasing Jehova's witnesses from my property after they try and push things on me that I told them I wasn't interested in.

 

I love watching the stars and realizing that we are just an organism, one that comes closer to destroying itself everyday. I believe in aliens more than a God, how could we be the only smart beings in a universe that we know really nothing about.

 

My beliefs (or lack there of) don't affect me at work. They don't affect my decisions, my judgement or my ability to do my job.

Edited February 23, 2013 by Trans Lift

[C of G]

I'm glad to hear that the man of faith is divorcing his atheist wife. No contradictions of faith there.

Edited February 24, 2013 by C of G

[Rotortramp]

NR, your advice and experience is respected by myself and I'm sure a lot of people out there. It's fine that you have such faith and passion about your religion and use it as guidance to be a good person, but some of the remarks you make are offensive to a lot of people and downright not true. I understand that *you* think everyone should have faith in something, but others just think differently.

 

"I just think it’s stupid for pilots to announce to the world that they have *no* faith…zero faith...no faith in God, no faith in other people, no faith in things, no faith in nuthin."

 

It shouldn't matter what others believe NR. If it keeps you flying straight and being a good person, then that's fine. Others actually don't need it and still turn out to be great people.

 

Trans lift said it great. Just don't push your beliefs on me.

 

"The trouble is, it’s not true...I mean what atheists think. They are wrong. There is *something else*…a supernatural aspect to our universe which is as unexplainable as it is undeniable."

 

Atheists are not wrong, they merely think different than you.

 

It sounds like you really have it out for this woman, and who knows, maybe she is a bad person, but maybe we should just forgive and forget and move forward. It worries me that having such a strong opinion about ones belief or lack thereof can lead to such prejudice without even knowing who the person is.

 

I couldn't care less if you are buddhist, jewish, christian, muslim, or whatever. If it allows you to live a good life and be a good person without harming others than who cares. Others simply don't need that, and if I were a Christian and "knew" I was right, then why would I care or cause such a brouhaha about it. As soon as religion begins to harm people (including mentally) and butt heads with science and logic, then there is an issue in my book...but we won't go there.

[FlyNHighNFast]

Like Trans Lift, I was raised Catholic and was even an alter boy for over a decade. Now, I am very happy without religion, love my wife and she loves me right back, along with our non believing children. In 15 years of marriage, I can count on one hand the disagreements we have had.

 

I don't condemn anyone for their beliefs, and all I ask is that you respect my right to not believe in the same things that you do.

 

We are all born 'atheist.'

[BH206L3]

Well I never said anything out of line about the Legend in her own mind, then again I am far from perfect. I don't blog or do any of that other stuff. I do post comments from time to time as I see things to be. As for this Cherry Drying business, that is what it is, The Cherry Growers contact with helicopters to dry off water on there crop so they can get better prices when sold. Gee its commerce ie Profit. Some how profit has become a dirty word, its not its what pays for all the crap the government says we want but don't really need. With out a profit there would be nothing. As for the business of what helicopter is better for the job well that would be subjective one- while I have no use for an R-44, plenty of people do and Robinson makes a good profit on every one they make because they sell every one they make. As for Legend she is just very bitter for what ever reason, I really don't care because its still a free country and I am free not to associate with the legend. As for Nearly Retired, he has forgotten more about flying helicopters than she will ever know, and I will not be so smug ditto's for me too. He is one of the best sticks I ever had the chance to fly with and I flown with some really good ones over the years.

[pilot#476398]

She also maintains that a ten-foot hover is unsafe, which it is not. Well...it would be in an R-44, but the aviation world is not full of R-44's. A competent pilot in any turbine helicopter can handle an engine failure at a ten-foot hover.

 

So can an R44!

[Trans Lift]

So can an R44!

 

I have done them from around 25-30ft in a 44, as that was roughly where I was hovering while doing my work. I flew with an instructor who came over from the factory do some training with us and he demonstrated it, then I did one. It did it fine and we set down surprisingly soft.

[C of G]

She also maintains that a ten-foot hover is unsafe, which it is not. Well...it would be in an R-44, but the aviation world is not full of R-44's. A competent pilot in any turbine helicopter can handle an engine failure at a ten-foot hover.

 

Yes, because the type of engine that quits has a dramatic effect on the outcome and the pilots ability. Much more so that what the helicopter is hovering over at the time.

[pilot#476398]

Yes, because the type of engine that quits has a dramatic effect on the outcome and the pilots ability. Much more so that what the helicopter is hovering over at the time.

 

How so?

[C of G]

How so?

 

Unfortunately, my keyboard doen't have a sarcasm punctuation mark, so you just have to assume it because what I typed is complete nonsense. Much like the original post.

Edited February 23, 2013 by C of G

[Spike]

The one thing I know. The older I’ve got, the more I’ve needed faith….

 

Rejoice O Young man in thy youth……

[eagle5]

I don't care what anyone says, VRS and SWP ARE THE SAME THING!,...wait a minute,...which dead horse is this again?

[Sonic04GT]

Cliff notes?

[avbug]

Another wasted hour of my pitiful life, and ten minutes or so wasted of yours if you’ve even bothered to real all the way down this far (and God love you if you did!).

 

Ten minutes wasted? No. Just over 60 seconds. My eyes glazed over as soon as I saw who was writing it and what it was about. I skimmed for the readers digest effect, found it was the same crap you were spewing in the previous thread, and gave up. I hear enough from 14 year olds as it is. I've no idea what your actual age is, but your rants are reflective of a juvenile mind and that's enough.

 

Drop it, already. You think she done ya wrong. Got it. Write a country song, sob in a beer, and get over it. Rest assured, everyone else has.

 

When you get down on your knees and pray to whatever God you think created you, based on your interpretation of whatever portion of the scripture remains after you rejected the rest, you can make yourself feel better by praying for the rest of us...the ones you haven't taken to hating in your truly unchristianlike way.

 

In the mean time, have you nothing more to contribute than whining and ranting about a woman who said something about you on another site, or god forbid, her own blog? Perhaps you two can have blogger wars, confining your comments to the blog, instead of dragging this childish stupidity into the public in an attempt to air your dirty underwear.

 

Grow up, for god's sake. Yours, too.

[C of G]

Ten minutes wasted? No. Just over 60 seconds. My eyes glazed over as soon as I saw who was writing it and what it was about. I skimmed for the readers digest effect, found it was the same crap you were spewing in the previous thread, and gave up. I hear enough from 14 year olds as it is. I've no idea what your actual age is, but your rants are reflective of a juvenile mind and that's enough.

 

Drop it, already. You think she done ya wrong. Got it. Write a country song, sob in a beer, and get over it. Rest assured, everyone else has.

 

When you get down on your knees and pray to whatever God you think created you, based on your interpretation of whatever portion of the scripture remains after you rejected the rest, you can make yourself feel better by praying for the rest of us...the ones you haven't taken to hating in your truly unchristianlike way.

 

In the mean time, have you nothing more to contribute than whining and ranting about a woman who said something about you on another site, or god forbid, her own blog? Perhaps you two can have blogger wars, confining your comments to the blog, instead of dragging this childish stupidity into the public in an attempt to air your dirty underwear.

 

Grow up, for god's sake. Yours, too.

 

Amen!

 

I fear for when he goes from "Nearly" retired to "Fully" retired. To quote Tropic Thunder "No one goes full retired!" Just imagine the time he has on his hands then...

Edited February 24, 2013 by C of G

[C of G]

The one thing I know. The older I’ve got, the more I’ve needed faith….

 

Rejoice O Young man in thy youth……

 

Oddly enough, this is what makes the world go around: I feel the complete opposite. I recall a Deacon in high school telling me "There are no atheists in foxholes." To me, that made my argument all the more solid. Wishing doesn't make it so, no matter how much I want it.

[helonorth]

The whole faith, religion and Christianity thing has just been used as a convenient excuse for NR to attack her. Don't fall into the trap that this is a debate about religious beliefs (or a lack thereof). Nobody gives a sh*t what your beliefs are. Many of you have, this is why we are where we are. NR is nothing more than a common troll with a chip on his shoulder. As far as I know, nobody on here has even met the woman. NR's attack her on her by pretending to take the moral high ground of Christianity is really an insult to Christianity and Christians.

[Spike]

Oddly enough, this is what makes the world go around: I feel the complete opposite. I recall a Deacon in high school telling me "There are no atheists in foxholes." To me, that made my argument all the more solid. Wishing doesn't make it so, no matter how much I want it.

 

O to be young……

Edited February 24, 2013 by Spike

[C of G]

O to be young……

 

If only I were.... it's all relative.

[Spike]

If only I were.... it's all relative.

 

^^^^^^ That’s you in your avatar right? Not a gray hair on your head…. You’re young…..

[C of G]

That's not a recent pic. I had my first grey before I hit 21. Now there is a respectable amount of snow on the roof. The grey in my beard would make Wolfman Jack jealous.

 

Now, young at heart.... Always!

[Counterrotate]

Nearly Retired, how Christian of you to bash Atheists. I am married, with kids, perfectly happy in all aspects of my life, and I have no faith whatsoever in anything except myself and my fellow human beings. I work hard, I provide for my family, and when I make mistakes, I have no one to blame but myself. It's called personal accountability. I am responsible for my own actions. I do at times need guidance. I seek it out from those around me with experience in such matters as I am dealing with. It works wonders. I have never had a conversation with any supernatural being or seen any other sign of such. I don't believe what anyone says or writes or claims unless I can somehow verify it myself to a level that satisfies me. Taking anything at face value unverified is foolish. If at any time I have an experience that leads me to believe otherwise, I will adapt my views. Until then, I am happy to believe that I am made up of the same stuff that the universe is comprised of, having at some point been the enriched guts exploded from some distant star: Hydrogen, Oxygen, Carbon, Etc... We are made up of the most common stuff in the universe. As Neil DeGrasse-Tyson puts it "If we were made up of some rare isotope of Bismuth, we might be able to say 'We're special', but we are made up of some of the most common stuff there is!" We are not special. It is very likely that life in the universe is an inevitability rather than a miracle. As for a creator, if there is one. I see no sign of that based on my own experience or feelings, and my interactions with those of faith has convinced me that most (MOST, not ALL) are very closed minded. I don't like closed minded people because I cannot share my passion for exploration, discovery, new insights, new paradigms, new ideas... We are stuck as a species because people are rooted in an archaic belief system that encourages us to keep our heads down and mind our own damn business. How that makes anyone happy, I have no idea.

 

As for that woman, I've met her personally and she seemed both very nice, and very happy. Maybe I caught her on an off day. Divorces happen for many reasons. It's none of your damn business what that reason is and it's perverse of you to presume anything about it. Absolutely disgusting of you to share it here.

 

I've lost a lot of respect for you after reading this thread. I hope your high horse throws you.

[avbug]

I hope your high horse throws you.

 

Now that was funny.

[superstallion6113]

Like the wind through our rotor blades...these are the days of our lives.