How I spent my day...

**phxflyboy** · 11-25-2009, 01:14 AM

Not sure if this is the right place or if anyone would even be interested but this is how I spent last Tuesday...

I was assisting in training a new class of tactical rescue firefighters for doing mountain rescues. I had to pick up 2-3 of them at a parking lot in the desert, fly to an LZ on the side of a mountain (an LZ that was only large enough to fit about half of my helicopter on), unload the firefighters, pick up 2-3 then return to the parking lot. Then repeat. About a dozen times. Then repeat. At night.

It's actually quite fun. Very technical flying with very little room for error. As I am landing on the mountain, I am setting a 6000 lb helicopter about 3 feet away from 3 firefighters with about 3-4 feet of blade clearance to the rock face in front of me. Even more fun in the darkness!

Anyway, just thought some of you might enjoy the pics.

phxflyboy

**Archammer** · 11-25-2009, 01:31 AM

Well done sir!! Well done.

**StringBean** · 11-25-2009, 01:37 AM

Looks like a rough way to make a living.

Thanks for posting.

peace,
the Bean

**Chairborne** · 11-25-2009, 01:48 AM

It's aviation-related, so it belongs here. Of course! Just don't offer to sell me any cheap Blackberries or a fake Rolex...

And your shots are very nice! As is the adventure you related! Thank you!

**phxflyboy** · 11-25-2009, 01:50 AM

Yeah, I always say, if I've gotta work 40 hours a week, this isn't a half bad way to do it.

phxflyboy

**phxflyboy** · 11-25-2009, 02:00 AM

Here's our newest toy, for you fixed wing guys:

phxflyboy

**Archammer** · 11-25-2009, 02:09 AM

God I love Pilatus!! Nice plane! Needs some paint love!

How was the flight?
http://flightaware.com/live/flight/N620FB

**mnpilot** · 11-25-2009, 02:15 AM

Great post! Looks like a blast. What type of plane is that?

Jon

**phxflyboy** · 11-25-2009, 08:51 AM

It's a Pilatus PC-12, NG model. And Archammer, boy did you hit a touchy subject. Pilatus gave us a deal to take that custom paint job, and promised to change it if we really didn't like it. It actually looks very nice in person.

phxflyboy

**Ragtopjohnny** · 11-25-2009, 09:08 AM

Nice PC-12 - Saw one take off from our local airport, and talking with the guys at the FBO while I was there, the person bought it and was flying it back from SWITZERLAND

Gotta love those stories, wish I could do the same