when i was working for general builders, about 30 years ago, we did a lot of work for mcdonald's restaurants. one day some of the big wigs flew into our place in a helio. it was a big thing that sat maybe six or so. while they were meeing with our big wigs the pilot came in and asked if anyone wanted a ride. i was the only taker.

i guess he figured i wouldn't complain being a young testosterone filled man.

first impression after only riding in fixed wing craft was as we rose up how many power lines there were to potentially hit. being right next door to the alcoa plant some of them were pretty big.

but we got up into the air just fine.

and we flew out to open country. and i was treated to some maneuvers that i had never imagined a heliocopter could do. he laid it over and banked it into a very tight turn a couple of times with me looking out the side and seeing that we were perpindicular to the ground. and then he put it about thirty feet above the interstate and flew pretty fast just there, having to climb up to go over the bridges.

i was impressed. i thought about asking for mercy but i figured he wouldn't kill himself so i just held on and enjoyed the ride.

after the intense stuff was over and we were flying back to the office i asked him some questions and found he was a vietnam vet flyer. i said ..."i guess any flying with nobody shooting at you must seem pretty safe". he smiled and said "yeah."

tom w

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[SIGPIC] Diesel loving autocrossing grandpa Architect. 08 Dodge 3/4 ton with Cummins & six speed; I have had about 35 benzes. I have a 39 Studebaker Coupe Express pickup in which I have had installed a 617 turbo and a five speed manual.[SIGPIC]

..I also have a 427 Cobra replica with an aluminum chassis.