Guys I found something interesting: The first airplane-like invention was in 1804 by George Cayley.

I love the Idea of minimum associate with a rating brings formaility to the table buit to hold a masters will not safegurad your safety in any aspect only positive experience. Humble opinion 5500 hours commercial pilot no incident or accident with an associate.

I agree but will not make you a better Helicopter Pilot which is what you are being hired for.

Former CEO of Guam Helicopter Company Sentenced to 405 Months in Federal Prison for Criminal Aviation Violations Hagåtña, Guam – SHAWN N. ANDERSON, United States Attorney for the Districts of Guam and the Northern Mariana Islands, announced that John D. Walker, age 60, was sentenced on June 9, 2025 by Chief Judge Frances Tydingco-Gatewood in the District Court of Guam to 405 months imprisonment. On September 9, 2022, a jury returned guilty verdicts against Walker and his company, Hansen Helicopters, Inc., on 110 counts involving conspiracy to defraud the Federal Aviation Administration (“FAA”) and National Transportation Safety Board (“NTSB”), aircraft parts fraud that caused serious bodily injury and death, employing a mechanic without a mechanic’s certificate, registration violations involving helicopters, conspiracy to commit wire fraud, wire fraud, and money laundering. Walker was also ordered to pay a $250,000 fine, and a $9,900 special assessment fee. Walker forfeited $58,407,513, which represented the proceeds of aircraft parts fraud and wire fraud, in addition to $11,770,000, which represented the amount of money involved in the money laundering offenses. Hansen Helicopters, Inc., was found guilty of conspiracy to defraud the FAA and NTSB, in addition to aircraft parts fraud that caused serious bodily injury and death. Hansen received a five-year term of probation, a $4,900,000 fine, and a $2,000 special assessment fee. Walker subverted aviation laws and regulations, enforced by the FAA and NTSB, which protect public health and safety. Walker used at least 48 shell companies, most incorporated internationally, to operate an illicit helicopter/pilot/mechanic leasing business in Guam. By concealing that his aircraft were unregistered or illegally registered, unairworthy, and maintained and operated by uncertificated airmen, Walker entered fraudulent lease agreements with numerous tuna boat companies. He earned over $400 million dollars through his scheme. He concealed his crimes by forging documents, counterfeiting aircraft parts, and bribing aviation officials. “The defendants built helicopters from an assortment of discarded frames and counterfeit parts,” stated United States Attorney Anderson. “They blatantly disregarded aviation laws to build and operate aircraft that should never have left the ground. Fishing companies throughout the Pacific region relied on these aircraft for spotting tuna. Unfortunately, the defendants’ quest for money resulted in the deaths of many pilots. This was a difficult case to investigate and prosecute, but well worth federal resources. I commend our law enforcement partners on bringing these defendants to justice.” https://www.justice.gov/usao-gu/pr/former-ceo-guam-helicopter-company-sentenced-405-months-federal-prison-criminal-aviation Related criminal investigations of individuals and companies related to Hansen Helicopters: https://www.oig.dot.gov/library-item/46116

1. Why such a short line? The bucket is not on a line. Its belly hooked and common for the type of environment you work in along with the type of equipment used and the experience you have. In this case, a “belly hooked” bucket on an Astar and dipping from this size of water source is good to go. However, utilizing a machine with fixed floats is odd but maybe it’s common for French firefighting aircraft. As purely speculation on my part, you can see, the water is glass which creates a depth perception hazard. Plus, when descending for the dip, the pilot is probably watching the bucket through the mirror which also creates a depth perception challenge. Moreover, dipping in the middle of the pond maybe isn’t best technique. Normally, you’d want a shoreline in your peripheral vision to provide a visual reference. Helicopter downwash on water can give you an illusion of movement and can be scary stuff. 2. Hot dogging or some other reason to come in so hot? Again, one hundred percent speculation. I wouldn’t say he came in “hot”. However, I believe the depth perception issues and little to no peripheral visual reference ques are what caused an overarched approach resulting in a high sink rate. Me…… with a belly hooked Astar, a shallow(er) approach continually moving forward until the bucket contacts the water, rolls and sinks at the appropriate hover height is optimal (https://www.youtube.com/shorts/Np8Lc5q4rK0). Think scooping the water with the bucket rather than dunking it. Going vertical is for confined dips and should be done while hanging on the engine(s)…… All the above is purely based on what I see in the video and my experience/opinion.

Hello members! I've build and flown an ultra lite. Restored a KB-2 gyrocopter and flew it too. While in the army I was a crew chief on the UH-1, OH 58, and the AH-64. I wasn't able to pass the class 1 flight physical so settled for crewing. My grandfather flew P-40's and my father did 2 tours in Vietnam as a dustoff pilot. Years after getting out I spent the money and got my Rotary wing ticket. A few days ago I bought a Mini 500 for a few hundred dollars. The kit was not complete but after a parts inventory i found that I'm missing the main drive shaft; the tail rotor drive shaft, the tail rotor gear box, and lastly the plexiglass windshield pieces. Since Revolution is out of business I'm reaching out for anyone that may have any of this stuff for sale. More importantly any owners that can share some wisdom. I live in SC. I retired a few years ago and willing to travel to lay eyes on a complete one. I'm aware of the bad reputation the Mini 500's have and the good stuff about them too.

Hi, i amm looking for a job as helicopter engineer, in thise dangerous area. Any tips? I have experience in africa in remote area almost 10 years… i looking for good daily rates

High Return 750.00 For Robinson 44 an Hour Clean 900 For R66 an Hour Clean www.flyfams.com 829-839-6541 for more info.

Anyone looking to join an already High return operation in the caribbean Punta Cana Dom Rep.we are looking for partner Investor. Operations can support up to 8-10 Helos flying 60 -80 hours a month each. Great opportunity for anyoone with a ship wanting to move or use their ship as an investment or come down and fly your Helo and make money.