Let's start with the basics. This is a sample picture of the aircraft I'm training in, as I have not yet invested in a digital camera from which to take real photos. We have two training helis at my school, both of them are the Schweizer 269c model.
I fly out of Harvey Airfield, in Snohomish, WA. Even though the airport is 45 mins away from my house, I save money by commuting up there because the airspace at the privately-owned airport is not regulated by air traffic control, and there's a lot of open fields in the area for training in. I've never had to fly more than two miles away from the airport to do any maneuver, which saves me money because rental fees are expensive.
I have 12 hours of flight time so far, not counting some introductory flights. In this time, I've learned to do the basics like lifting off, taxiing, radio comms, traffic patterns, hover work, coordinated turns, emergency recoveries and landings. My instructor packs a lot into each lesson, as you might be able to tell.
Sometimes I think the hardest part about a flight lesson is getting the thing started. After the pre-flight inspection, there's a complicated process for starting the engine and engaging the clutch to start turning the blades. I've been meaning to photocopy the checklist and take it home with me, but I always think of it when I'm in the cockpit and not in the office.
Even being at the airport is a rush. As I said it's a small airport, only one runway (though in summer it can get quite busy). I've had a hard time adapting to turning 27 years old this year, but when I'm out at the airport I feel so much younger. Even though flying is risky business, it's an experience that makes me feel like a giddy kid again.
I also like feeling in control of something, that might be what gravitates me to wanting to become a rated pilot. Earning the responsibility of the FAA's designation of Pilot in Command means your decisions are final, and it's your bum on the line should anything go wrong. Although that's a lot of liability, I love the idea of being the brains of a bird, and of having ultimate authority over the machine and its operations.
I'll try to post something as I pass various milestones in my training. I intend to buy a camera by the time I have to get some cross-country flights in, so pictures are to come.
