Posted By: Gulo
Photo Phriday 127 - Helicopters - 03/15/24 12:26 PM
Through the years, I've used many makes and models of helicopters for all kinds of work. I've certainly found that some choppers are better-suited for some kinds of work than others. More important than the helicopter, though, is the pilot. He or she must understand the work to be done, and be experienced in that work. For instance, a good fire pilot in a Long Ranger probably won't do very good as a darting pilot and ship for a wolf collaring operation.
This is an A-Star, a French helicopter I used extensively in SE Alaska just to transfer people to mountain/glacier sites. Worked well for that purpose.
This is a "Long Ranger", a Bell helicopter. Good "Creature Comfort", but the two-bladed main rotor is not very manueverable and takes nearly an acre to land it. Not my favorite.
This is a Robinson R-22. It has a piston engine which is quieter than a jet-engine, and is very useful for some applications. Don't bring anything more than a small sack lunch, though. I used it extensively for doing golden eagle/dall sheep work in the Alaska Range, and to dart muskoxen and bison at low elevations.
Here is the Robinson R-44. Again, a piston engine, not a turbo. Very good for some uses. I used it extensively for raptor nest surveys in low-elevation area of interior Alaska.
My ultimate favorite, especially for darting wolves and bears. The Hughes 500, "D"-model. 5-blades, very maneuverable, and with 5-bladed main prop, able to land in tight spots.
I've also spent time in Fairchild-Hiller 1100's and Bell-47's. Not my favorites for wildlife work, although they do have their place.
This is an A-Star, a French helicopter I used extensively in SE Alaska just to transfer people to mountain/glacier sites. Worked well for that purpose.
This is a "Long Ranger", a Bell helicopter. Good "Creature Comfort", but the two-bladed main rotor is not very manueverable and takes nearly an acre to land it. Not my favorite.
This is a Robinson R-22. It has a piston engine which is quieter than a jet-engine, and is very useful for some applications. Don't bring anything more than a small sack lunch, though. I used it extensively for doing golden eagle/dall sheep work in the Alaska Range, and to dart muskoxen and bison at low elevations.
Here is the Robinson R-44. Again, a piston engine, not a turbo. Very good for some uses. I used it extensively for raptor nest surveys in low-elevation area of interior Alaska.
My ultimate favorite, especially for darting wolves and bears. The Hughes 500, "D"-model. 5-blades, very maneuverable, and with 5-bladed main prop, able to land in tight spots.
I've also spent time in Fairchild-Hiller 1100's and Bell-47's. Not my favorites for wildlife work, although they do have their place.