TIF

[Rattlegun]

On friday I had the privledge of taking a Trial Introductory Flight with Heliwest in Toowoomba. I cannot overstate what a fantastic experience it was! The staff at Heliwest were very professional, confident and helpful (especially regarding my CASA troubles ATM). The briefing was very thorough and their obvious commitment to safety was both impressive and quite reassuring. I was worried that I'd be quite anxious and tense once in the air, but I felt more comfortable, and was able to think more clearly than I had expected. This, I think, was mainly due to quality instruction rather than any ability on my part.

My absolute highlight was when my Instructor (Col) took his hand completely from the cyclic of the R22 and left me totally in control. What a buzz! Like surfing your first wave, or even kissing a girl for the first time. Just awesome! (Okay, I know that sounds a bit wanky but I don't care, thats how it was).

An experience I'd recommend to anyone.

Rattlegun.

[helothere]

Good for you Rattlegun, many of us have been there, for some of us it's just a bit longer ago than for others... Mine was a while ago but still vivid. It sure is a great feeling, thanks for taking the time to share it with us. Thanks also for the kind comments toward the operator, I'm sure your words are appreciated. Be sure to keep us up to date with the next step!

[black duck]

So who came away with the biggest grin you or Col????

[Rattlegun]

Not sure about Col, but I'm still grinning.

[Fling Wing]

Ahhh....the memories of that first TIF. Magical!

I think the instructor is still in rehab!

[high flyer]

Congrats, Def know that feeling.

Wait until your first SOLO. An even bigger and more amazing feeling.

Good luck with it all

[hand in pants]

Well done rattlegun, enjoy the rest of the learning phase, hard work, but it is worth it in the end.

Unfortunately my first tif is a blur, not because of the dementure but I was just so overwelmed that it seemed to be done before I could work out what was happening. Main thing is that it worked and the hook was set well and truely.

Scary thing is you mention it was better than kissing a girl for the first time, really, you may need to step back and have a good look at who you are locking lips and swapping spit with.......................

[bladepitch]

I think the instructor is still in rehab!

im currently on day release only!!! having a few side effects with the meds......

[Nawty]

I doubt very much that you were 'totally in control'........a vivid imagination is a good thing but.

[Pegs]

Congrats Rattlegun, I know Col personally and can vouch for his commitment to the aviation industry and his passion for instructing and working with helicopters and people. Good to see some great feedback on a business and its instructors. Enjoy the training.

[Rattlegun]

Guess I should clarify for the likes of Nawty:

When I say "totally in control" I mean that I got to be the only one holding the cyclic for a brief period of straight and level flight.
When I say "Straight" I mean that we were vaguely headed toward some hills off in the distance.
When I say "Level" I mean that we climbed 800ft.

I learned that I've a lot to learn.

Thanks for all the support guys,

Rattlegun.

[Bedouin Prince]

When I say "Straight" I mean that we were vaguely headed toward some hills off in the distance.
When I say "Level" I mean that we climbed 800ft.

Haha, no mate that was when Collywobbles was flying
Just jokes. Col's a champ. Good on ya mate.

[harold]

"Every long journey starts with that 1 first step"!

Happy travels!

[astrocantfly]

Maybe it's because My life has been a sheltered one. Maybe because My first kiss was with a girl without all her teeth(and not much hope for the remaining ones) but, My first TIF far surpassed the first time I put an erection to any sort of practical, intended use...
Happy slappin' peeps.

[Nawty]

RG....we all knew that.

Cannot remember my first TIF....not sure I ever had one, think I went straight into it.

I do remember my first ever heli flight though vividly.....it was with Kerry Slingsby.

[BenThomas]

Well done mate

[CYHeli]

Hey Rattlegun, this was the start of a long journey. All those years ago, where has the time gone?