Bandit Posted June 27, 2008 Share Posted June 27, 2008 Just got back from Canberra after doing an inter-agency emergency services air observer course. During one of our nav flights in a Squirrel helicopter we were climbing to 3000' when we came under attack.... from a wedge tailed eagle. I saw the flash of brown out the corner of my left as the pilot threw the chopper in a steep right bank. Seems it thought we were a threat to its territory. Close call and a great course! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Ryan Mason Posted June 28, 2008 Share Posted June 28, 2008 So you almost ended up with a wedge tailed eagle souffle for dinner mate? at least your were in an A Star, those things will move on a 5 cent piece. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Geoffman Posted June 29, 2008 Share Posted June 29, 2008 I remember back in 1987 after spending two weeks in the lovely garden spot of Port Keats Mission in the NT with Kiowa (Bell 206B), departing for Darwin and having a main rotor strike with a bloody pelican.... That was fun, it resulted in another week at Port Keats doing inspections on the aircraft, waiting for parts to arrive and test flying.... The mozzies in that place are so large they really should have registration numbers and their own ATC! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Bandit Posted June 29, 2008 Author Share Posted June 29, 2008 Yeah Geoff thats what we were worried about - we didnt have time to have the chopper on the ground that week. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Ryan Mason Posted June 29, 2008 Share Posted June 29, 2008 I remember back in 1987 after spending two weeks in the lovely garden spot of Port Keats Mission in the NT with Kiowa (Bell 206B), departing for Darwin and having a main rotor strike with a bloody pelican.... That was fun, it resulted in another week at Port Keats doing inspections on the aircraft, waiting for parts to arrive and test flying.... The mozzies in that place are so large they really should have registration numbers and their own ATC! How in the hell a pelican didnt bring you guys down is a mystery, but hey I wasnt there, but the ones I come across are about 30 kgs lol Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Geoffman Posted June 29, 2008 Share Posted June 29, 2008 Tell me about it Aussiecop, we got it about 1ft inboard on the red blade, I can only assume we got it across the neck somehow. I can tell you it wasn't fun! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Ryan Mason Posted June 30, 2008 Share Posted June 30, 2008 MAte I have only ever come close to seagulls in the yellow peril that I fly (Enstrom A model) and thats scary enough as I dont have the rotor speed an A star does, I cant imagine how shocking that would have been. I would have called ahead for the landing area to have new jocks ready! lol Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Bandit Posted June 30, 2008 Author Share Posted June 30, 2008 I agree - you win. I would hate to hit a Pelican let alone that Wedgetail. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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