R22 Cherry Drying

A friend of mine drying cherries with an R22. Compared to the other helicopters flying cherry drying contracts in the area, the R22 puts out very little downwash, so there are times where the skids are 3-5 feet off the tree tops. Even though you can't see the effect in the video, from the cockpit it looks like the trees are going to be blown flat.

Along with the obstructions (wires, air movers, etc), he was also flying in on the tail of a storm, which caused some variable, gusty winds.

Category:

Autos & Vehicles

Tags:

• helicopter
• R22
• Robinson
• Robinson R22
• cherries
• cherry drying

[TheFr3sh1]

@marialanger empty weight of an r44?

[marialanger]

I do this work with an R44, which throws a lot more wind. I generally fly 5-10 feet off the tree tops, also following the aisles between rows of trees like this pilot does. The air washes over the tree tops beside me and goes under the trees all around. Really gives the branches a good shaking. Frankly, I don't think an R22 throws enough air for this kind of work, unless it's drying younger trees. It is better, however, for getting into the tight spots around obstructions. Nice video.