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PractiCom

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#24096 15-Jul-2008 10:40

Hi everyone, new to this forum and enjoying the articles and discussions etc. I run a small computer repair shop in Whangarei and also fly helicopters part time with the local rescue service. I'm keen on flight sim etc and spend a fair bit constantly upgrading my game machine to keep up!

Great site.

Cheers.

Dratsab

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#148030 15-Jul-2008 11:15

Sounds interesting! Welcome to Geekzone...

tonyhughes

Hawkes Bay
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#148033 15-Jul-2008 11:28

Welcome to Geekzone!

I love Helicopters. I used to be a Rural Firefighter, and Red Cross E.R.T. Member. Have done quite a bit of work and training in Iroquois, Hughes 500's, and Jetrangers, both privately and with the Airforce, including winching, basic Loadmaster stuff, landing/takeoff prep, buckets and medical evac.

When I was working for a communications company, we went out with a local Heli company to repair some transmission equipment here in Hawkes Bay. The pilot viewed AND answered an SMS while taking off (15 feet off the ground), and later en route to destination, my door (front passenger of a 500) flew open - the pilot said "happens all the time, just lean out and pull it shut real hard". LOL

PractiCom

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#148045 15-Jul-2008 12:08

Hi guys, thanks for the welcome.
Yes helicopters are hard to beat. sounds like you had some interesting adventures Tony, great machines that you mention. The 500 is a lot of fun going on the couple of hours i have in one, very sporty.
Cheers for now.

tonyhughes

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#148051 15-Jul-2008 12:18

PractiCom: Hi guys, thanks for the welcome.
Yes helicopters are hard to beat. sounds like you had some interesting adventures Tony, great machines that you mention. The 500 is a lot of fun going on the couple of hours i have in one, very sporty.
Cheers for now.

Most fun was in an RNZAF Iroquois strapped into the side-facing seat, doors removed, following the river at Dip Flat, and rolling around 45 degrees or more (i.e. facing down at quite an angle, with some decades old webbing holding me in the side of the bird).