Flying Crane

[Witch]

Went to do autos today so I can get fraking soloed one of these days, but the fog wouldn't burn off. The ceiling did go up to 400', and though low, it was ok to do autos. so we did autos.

 

We landed and I noticed that the company that flies the Skycrane-not Erickson-had one rolled out onto the taxiway. We shut down and went inside the office to do the paperwork, and Mike went to his next student. I noticed that the crane on the taxiway was running and went to watch. I watched it for a while and went back to the office to get my things and go home. I looked out the door and said "Woah!, It took off." and ran out the door. Sally said as I went outside "That's what they're supposed to do.". Anyway, it was hovering, pedal turns, max takeoff, hover, etc... I sat and watched it for a good half hour. That thing is so cool to watch, even if it's just farting around the airport.

 

I had to get home, but seeing the Skycrane fly really motivates me to keep flying. Even if I have 35 hours and haven't gotten soloed. The dang autos keep setting me back.

 

Oh, there were some ducks in a pond by the taxiway. Everytime we went past, they'd paddle off in a hurry. Ever try to herd ducks?

 

Hey Aaron, I wish I had brought my video camera like I was planning to do. That would have made for some neat viewing.

 

Later

[tvman345]

Went to do autos today so I can get fraking soloed one of these days, but the fog wouldn't burn off. The ceiling did go up to 400', and though low, it was ok to do autos. so we did autos...

 

...I had to get home, but seeing the Skycrane fly really motivates me to keep flying. Even if I have 35 hours and haven't gotten soloed. The dang autos keep setting me back.

 

Maybe that is because they have you doing them from 400 feet. I think the time from enter to recovery is like 3 seconds at that point. Do them from 1000', hell do them from 2000' so you have a nice long time to play around with the glide. Then start them lower once you have the hang of it.

 

P.S. Have you done hover-autos yet? Those drove me frickin' nuts!

 

Good luck and continued success!!

 

-C

[Guest rookie101]

Hey Aaron, I wish I had brought my video camera like I was planning to do. That would have made for some neat viewing.

 

I would have killed to be there (or at least missed work)

Edited November 18, 2006 by rookie101

[Witch]

Maybe that is because they have you doing them from 400 feet. I think the time from enter to recovery is like 3 seconds at that point. Do them from 1000', hell do them from 2000' so you have a nice long time to play around with the glide. Then start them lower once you have the hang of it.

 

P.S. Have you done hover-autos yet? Those drove me frickin' nuts!

 

Good luck and continued success!!

 

-C

At 400' we get about 20-25 seconds of falling time, more than enough to do a decent auto. We had to do them at 400' because any higher and you can't see the ground. I have done them from 2000' and recover at about 500'. That takes about a minute. What's really fun is settling with power. I like that.

 

My problem has been the recovery. I roll the throttle and left pedal while still nose high. That causes the bird to get squirrely and then I have to fight it to get under control. I need practice on that part.

 

On another note, I did the most perfect hover auto ever. Throttle off, right pedal, settle a little, raise collective, light as a feather and pointed straight ahead. What the frak was that? How'd that happen? It was most beautiful hover auto ever. I was one with the helicopter.

 

So, more autos tomorrow if the fog burns off.

 

One more thing-how many hours does the average pilot have before they solo?

 

Later

[mountainchopper]

Yeah, those are HTS's skycrane's, I'd imagine you'll take your checkride with Ron Gustufson. He works there and is a really nice guy. I've had the pleasure of doing three rides with him. I'm sure if you took him out for lunch he'd love to tell you about them.

[Witch]

I'd imagine you'll take your checkride with Ron Gustufson. He works there and is a really nice guy.

 

I haven't met Ron yet-that I'm aware of-but he's the guy with whom I'll be doin' the checkride. Mike and Nick have told me a little about him, nice guy and all. It'd be my luck that when I do the checkride, I'm gonna frak it up so bad that he'll take my student certificate away. "No flying for you!".

 

Later