Tours
Australian Army's Operational Service of the Bell 47 'Sioux' in South Vietnam |
Category: Helicopter Description:MASH Combat Mission
The Bell 47 'Sioux' was the first helicopter to be used in the battlefield. In the Korean War (1952 - 1954) the Sioux was used as a front-line observation platform and a medical rescue vehicle. It evacuated American and allied casualties from the front line to Mobile Army Surgical Hospitals 'M.A.S.H' units. The Bell 47 transported over 18,000 wounded soldiers in Korea - many of which would not have survived had it not been for this 'Angel of Mercy' - as it became known. Your visit will start in the hangar with a sit down briefing of the mission. This will be followed by a close inspection of the helicopter with the pilot/commander. You will have time to ask questions and will then help the pilot tow the helicopter to the dispersal area. Then its time to strap in and start the engine. You will have a headset and be able to talk to the pilot at all stages in the flight. Transit to the battlefield will be at 1000' altitude whereupon our descent into the combat zone will be marked by the distinctive 'chop-chop' sound that only the legendary Bell helicopter makes. At low level you will experience the real thrill of helicopter maneuvability as your pilot takes you on a tour of the mountain ridges and rivers in our simulated 'South Korean' combat zone. This is not a gentle scenic ride! This ride demonstrates the unique manoeuvrability of the Bell 47 helicopter including hovering, tight turns, landing approaches to confined forest areas, maximum performance take-offs and evasive maneuvering. Due to the performance demands on the helicopter this ride is limited to one passenger per flight to reduce weight and provide a high power reserve. If you bring guests they are welcome to attend the briefing and if they want .... volunteer for the next mission or take a gentle scenic flight afterwards. You will come away from this flight having experienced the full flight envelope of the Bell 47 helicopter. Even if you have had a ride in a helicopter before its unlikely you've done anything like this. Further, you will have an understanding of how helicopters fly, what they are capable of and why helicopter pilots live to fly! SAFETY: Your pilot has over 29 years flying experience in aeroplanes, helicopters and gliders and has completed over 6000 accident free flights. Pilot Qualifications: CASA approved Commercial Helicopter Pilot CPL(H), CPL(A), 3 FAI Diamonds, BSc.Eng Degree. Your pilot has owned this helicopter for 4 years and has full liability insurance for commerical operations. Your helicopter is a 1971 Bell 47 G5A that has flown just over 8000hours and is maintained by CASA certified engineers. Helicopter parts are all 'lifed' and replaced after a certain number of flying hours or calendar time. Many parts on this helicopter are less than 10 years old. However, the frame is from 1971 and is regularly Xrayed during maintenance. All flights conducted within the aviation regulations. This will be a flight you will never forget.... ....and might not get the chance to do again in a piece of living history. Price: $549 |
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- Fill out the order form stating your preferred day/time. Alternatively ring/text your pilot, Andy, on 0403873814 for a booking
- Flight subject to weather
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