Dragon's Peaks - ALT flying.

[kb]

Hi all,

i know you have missed me immensely over the last 3 days, but let me explain where we been.
Starlite, the heli school i fly with, organised a mountain flying trip. There were 3 instructors, approx 20 students, 5 RH22's, and 2 RH44's We flew up on wednesday morning, I drove up, as I dont need the hours, and took ALL the luggage, pumps, oil, wheels, covers, (booze) etc etc.
Then on wed, all the students got a sortie in. I went up in a 44, 2 up, and 1/2 fuel. Went and did a pinacle landing at 6500, went and hovered out of ground effect at Gatberg (approx 7500) and then did a steady climb, 50-60 kts, up to vultures retreat. Then, at the top, a gentle bank to the right, and flew along side the top of the berg for a min or 2. Next thing, my instructor says, "Closing the throttle, closing the throttle, NOW!!!", and we did a auto, from 9800 to 6500. What a feeling. You should see the smile as I type this. unbelievable. Landed at 6500 again, and then back to base.
The sorties are all kept to under 1 hr, as we are limited on fuel uplift.
Wed night, braai, and lots of drink, good laughs etc, and then bed.

Thursday, greasy eggs and bacon, and back to the airfield. Did a 22 sortie, landed again at 6500, had the low-rotor-RPM horn going off. Then, up to 8000, accross to wonder valley, and again, auto'd all the way down the valley, before doing another spot landing (picture attached) If you have a carefull look in the pic, you can see cathkin peak in the background, amongst the clouds. Then, low level down the valley, confined landing at the cattle dip, and back home. AWESOME.
Last nigth, dinner, then off to play some pool / darts / drinks, and only then did I see the rietfontein gang pics, Don't worry Demon, they are all still on the wall,

Drove back today, while the others did some serious scud running, low level via valley's to get home. Now to bed.

regards.