This is one of those expectedly fascinating reads.
If you haven't, I recommend seeking out the opportunity to go for a helicopter ride or to try your hand at one. They're really interesting aircraft. One of the tidbits I got is that they're far safer in normal operation than the numbers suggest, because they're often flown into the most challenging rescue situations where nothing else will do.
I remember watching the first US Grand Prix in Austin a few years back, and the commentators were specifically talking about how great the helicopter pilot was. I happened to be there for the race, but as it was my first F1 race, I didn't know if all the pilots got that low and aggressive, or if this was unique.
Another tidbit that sadly sticks in my mind is hearing about ex-Vietnam pilots flying over New Zealand while sharpshooters culled (invasive, non-native) deer.
If you haven't, I recommend seeking out the opportunity to go for a helicopter ride or to try your hand at one. They're really interesting aircraft. One of the tidbits I got is that they're far safer in normal operation than the numbers suggest, because they're often flown into the most challenging rescue situations where nothing else will do.
I remember watching the first US Grand Prix in Austin a few years back, and the commentators were specifically talking about how great the helicopter pilot was. I happened to be there for the race, but as it was my first F1 race, I didn't know if all the pilots got that low and aggressive, or if this was unique.
Another tidbit that sadly sticks in my mind is hearing about ex-Vietnam pilots flying over New Zealand while sharpshooters culled (invasive, non-native) deer.