It is the 4th of March and the spring has sprung upon us. Yellow daffodils are in full bloom. The chilly wind is still prevailing but the skies are blue with scattered grey clouds. I was ringing the pilot centre to see if someone can confirm if my 'trial tactical helicopter flying lesson' is going ahead or not. No one was able to return my call. There was an over night downpour and the weather wasn't particularly friendly for a new learner. I woke this morning to some sunshine. Fortunately, somebody finally picked up the phone and said that the flying lesson is going ahead as planned.
Every one at home thought I was just going for a ride in the helicopter. I clarified things and said that I am actually going to handle the helicopter myself and it a taster lesson I am going to try. It did surprise my other half and he said oh NICE!
I have to admit I did panic a little bit in my heart and could feel my heart racing. I drove to Denham Aerodrome, which is around 19miles from home. Weather was absolutely brilliant and I arrived well ahead of time before the check in.
I had the chance to see the CESSNA getting fuelled. There were a few CESSNAs anchored in the air field.
I got briefed about the controls of the helicopter I will be flying today. It is R44. The pilot tutor explained little bit about the cyclic, to control the nose and speed of the helicopter, the lever to control the altitude and the left and right foot pedals to control the direction.
After the briefing it was my turn to be on that very seat to handle the controls. As soon I sat there, I saw there was a whole plethora of other controls, which I was not briefed about. The pilot turned the engine on , engaged the clutch, and the blades started whirring. By this time, the BOSE headphone with speakers were on.
My goodness! Driving a car is one of the easiest things to do in life is what I felt. The controls on the helicopter were very tricky to handle. I was going nose down and rotating. It was stomach-churning and absolute fun!! I couldn't have asked for a better experience.
In as much as adrenaline filled activity it is, I was mentally exhausted. I got my certificate for flying the R44. I opened the doors of my M-Sport saloon to drive back home. For a moment I looked at the gear stick and my head was still whirring from the helicopter ride. I said to myself, I will never look at the helicopters the same again!! Life in the skies is all about freedom but it is not without the complexity. The higher one goes finding the balance is lot more difficult. Attention and focus needed for helicopter piloting is absolutely crucial and so is not becoming motion sick.
