R22 Helicopter First Solo Flight Seattle KBFI 2006

[wa22030]

It is inside the H/V curve as any max performance takeoff is, the key is to get out of it as soon as possible, normal takeoff is 10' to 50kts then climb out at 60kts 500' per minute.

[grwebster]

not his first solo. Takes several hours to learn to hover like that

[wa22030]

If you read the comments posted earlier, someone asked how many hours before I soloed? The answer was about 20hrs. So it did take me several hours to hover like that. About 20 in fact. And yes it was my first solo flight as opposed to dual received.

[SurveyofFilmMusic]

have you earned your PPL yet? If so, are you still flying much?

[wa22030]

I have my CFI and am working on my CFII. Day job is still a line service supervisor until I get a few more hours and the training market kicks up a bit.

[pwnage0013]

I envy you but in a nice way.

I rode for my first time in one of these very same models of this helicopter and it was FUN!

I'll never be able to get a flying license due to being diagnosed with Bipolar Disorder, but I plan to save my money and ride again!

[chopperjockey44]

Haha, I just did my first solo and I did the exact same thing when I picked it up.

[cashmab]

Cool. How many hours did you have when you soloed? Does Helicopters Northwest have any Schweitzers in its training fleet? I'd like to get a helicopter add-on *someday*... {sigh}

[wa22030]

I think it was 20ish which is about average. Heli NW is all Robinson. There are a couple of schools at Auburn and Harvey with Schweitzers. An add on is probably going to take around 50 hours of chopper time and it's usually best to get a private and then commercial so you can log PIC time sooner. Someday soon I hope!

[sideslide23]

I've pilot this helicopter myself and its much easier to fly than any other helicopter, it easier to controll over the bell jet ranger

[smgman13]

You should try flying a R44, much more stable hover and it is not as skwirmy in the sky in terms of trim and wind pushing it around. The only hard thing in the 44 is touching down on the skids after taxiing back to the hangar, it the only thing that is tougher to do than a r22.

[stealhty1]

nice video thanx for share it with all of us

im an fixed wing prived pilot but i fly model nitro gas R/C helicopter wanted to fly the full scales helis but prices keep me grounded for now

[jock150]

Who are you talking to Tree traffic control?

Unless im mistaken and you flying in a secret heli base in a wood?

[wa22030]

The radio call is being made to other helicopters in the training area and flying along a transition route. "Popping out" of a confined area at 500 ft per minute and hitting another helicopter usually ends in a bad day. The secret Heli base is located a few miles south of Boeing Field KBFI and a few miles east of Seatac KSEA and a few miles south west of Renton KRNT. It is no longer used. Hope it's not too grim up North.

[jock150]

Im just surprised your instructor wants you to do confined area take off for a first solo, not that its more technically difficult it just closes your escape options if somthing goes wrong

[wa22030]

The area was used for the majority of our initial training so we were very familiar with it. The trees that you can see are to the east but to the west there runs a wide railway line then some pretty big fields and warehouses with big parking lots and some decent roads under the "pattern". The few trees that we flew over were small and posed little "threat" if we had an emergency and squished them. The trade off for safety vs real life experience was definitely worth it in my opinion. Fly safe.

[Eraser74]

Sweet max peformance takeoff!

[spader699]

the radio control version is rather fun too only its alot easier to do solo flights on the model =P

[Mockeraina]

Only Real Pilots Fly Helicopters!

[madeljacky]

Heh heh i thought that but you said it!

[bluethermal]

try and translasion next time,the collective is not an infinite resourse

[wa22030]

There is about 20ft to some light brush and small trees so it's a tips above the trees, a couple of inches available and max performance. That particular helicopter had a lot of power and was the best for doing those confined area take off's. Otherwise I completely agree. 3-6ft to 50kts then 500fpm.

[bluethermal]

ok,keep up the good work,flying choppers is more art than skill.fly safe always

[bellH1]

I wish I was traning where you are, We cant do solo off airport landings and max performance takeoffs. Not even as a commercial student.

[dwinslow1245]

Max performance takeoff from enclosed area.. nice, lotsa fun but high pucker factor.

[Pilotextrordinaire]

well now it makes sence.... please do not refer to my balloon as a big 'airbag' please show a little respect. Glad your living the dream at last

[Pilotextrordinaire]

yes yes, well done! Is doing a 360 common practice,maybe thats what you do when under attack? stay on the spot and spin round a few times to confuse them?

[wa22030]

It's called a clearing turn lorenz, not so important when you have a big airbag hanging over your head but if the spinney bit stops 'cos it hits something then it expensive and painful!!

[twinchimneys]

Congrats.

Welcome to the new world that fixed wings

cannot bring.

[FlyTheBlueSky]

Congratulations to the pilot on the first solo.

[ivanskye]

hey nice one!!!! must have been well exciting that lol!!