Last Flight of the Skycrane (part two)

Part 2 of the documentary featuring Norm Nielson and the last flight of the Army's Skycrane helicopter

Category:

Autos & Vehicles

Tags:

• Army
• Helicopter
• Military
• Skycrane
• Film

[debmckay]

My Dad flew these his last tour in Vietnam - I never got the chance to see him fly these helicopters, although I did watch him fly several others such as the Huey. It was with this aircraft that he received 2 Air Medals with V devices for Valor. My own hero, my Dad - 3 war veteran and not so much as a hangnail. Turned 84 years young this past April.

[Neillil411]

Sikorsky is not a Russian company. It is a American company owned by United Technologies in Stanford Connecticut. Sikorsky Helecopter was founded in 1925 by Igor Sikorky who was an American who imigrated from Russia.

[yomomsajohn]

@rogerthathooah Thanks for the reply :) !

[da959]

An "ugly" bird?? I don't think so. Sometimes you need to forget the latest technology and just go with what works! I can't see retireing something like this.It's proven itself many times over so why not just keep it active and upgraded??

[rogerthathooah]

@yomomsajohn it was all done in DC with the wizards down there. I am a former CH54B skycrane fligh engineer with a few hours under my belt. the army wanted to streamline rotary wing and use multi-mission type helo's like the 47. almost 100% of cranes were sold to the civilian side and are used daily and are maintained by numerous great companys to this day. I have aways been a Sikorsky guy. On a nice day flying around at 2500agl is like flying in a '72 full size caddy, -Bubba- OIF1 2003

[smileymike100]

@M3JakeL I think this is probably a true statement, Fuel weight is heavy remember, there are many factors that come into this training for Helicopter pilots that are training for a specialist job, not only for the Helicopter but for the pilot too, its a test to put pilots under pressure so that when it comes to the real thing, they can cope and act in the appropriate manner when the situation really arises in combat or normal everyday sorties / missions. I don't think its Bullsh*t at all :)

[kingg213]

@M3JakeL I could not agree more! I thought he sounded like an idiot and risking lives and the aircraft for a silly stunt is not a good idea.

[M3JakeL]

Cool chopper. I was always intrigued by them. I work 60's and 53's. But that dude talking about testing his pilots by flying until the fuel lights come on and then having them hoist a bus... come on. A bit OTT don't you think? Really, until the fuel lights come on? What the F is the point of that? A test to see if you will continue to fly even if you think you're about to die? A bit stupid and a shame the put that in the video. Clearly the guy is talking out his ass.

[bearwoodbrown]

I used to live in Carson City I remember seeing this baby doing various missions in the area , it was always awsome

[yomomsajohn]

Does anyone know why the retired these choppers?

[audis2quattro1]

Wow Betty, you are certainly a career girl...

[fuhQ2129]

holy fuck a female command sergeant major?