Helicopter Views of Sedona Red Rocks
May 22, 2020 16:14:56 #
Because of my fighter pilot background I used to sneer at helicopters as "a collection of moving parts all going in different directions" but after taking a helicopter tour last year I have recognized the error of my ways. I was totally blown away with helicopter's ability to fly up narrow, dead-end canyons, stop, turn around in place and fly back out as well as it's ability to hover in place while I took photos. ( as a quick aside, I have flown through the red rock country of Sedona before but it is hard to enjoy the scenery when you are dodging rock formations at 500 mph).
The helicopter we flew in was a 4 place and was air conditioned and quite comfortable and thanks to the courtesy of my wife, I got to sit up front next to the pilot (who looked like he should still be in high school) and the takeoff amazed me: we went from to dead stop to a gentle climb in about 10 feet at an airspeed that you would normally associate with an automobile. (a fighter such as the F-100 with a full load of armament could take 6 to 7 thousand feet and a liftoff speed of 165 knots and a climb speed of 300 knots)
Needless to say, if you spend any time in Sedona, a helicopter tour should be on your dance card. I would suggest one later in the afternoon as the "golden hour" sun really brings out the colors of the red rocks.
The helicopter we flew in was a 4 place and was air conditioned and quite comfortable and thanks to the courtesy of my wife, I got to sit up front next to the pilot (who looked like he should still be in high school) and the takeoff amazed me: we went from to dead stop to a gentle climb in about 10 feet at an airspeed that you would normally associate with an automobile. (a fighter such as the F-100 with a full load of armament could take 6 to 7 thousand feet and a liftoff speed of 165 knots and a climb speed of 300 knots)
Needless to say, if you spend any time in Sedona, a helicopter tour should be on your dance card. I would suggest one later in the afternoon as the "golden hour" sun really brings out the colors of the red rocks.
May 22, 2020 16:19:44 #
May 22, 2020 16:20:59 #
Shaun wrote:
Because of my fighter pilot background I used to s... (show quote)
Nice photos.
Being 101 ABN Infantry I loved flying in helicopters and C130's.
I also fly fixed wing and when I lived in Gilbert would fly to Oak Creek Canyon/Verde Valley a lot. Beautiful views of Verde Canyon people do not see by air.
May 22, 2020 16:24:12 #
May 22, 2020 16:27:47 #
May 22, 2020 16:36:19 #
May 22, 2020 18:54:10 #
Back in my film days I was hired by a local church to take photos from the air of their building for their 250th anv. They hired a chopper for me to do the job. They wanted me to give them the film as they had someone with a lab. It was the last and the only time I gave up my film. I never got to see the photos. A lesion well learned. Never give up your negs.
May 22, 2020 20:51:35 #
May 23, 2020 06:25:25 #
Thanks Shaun, that gives a whole new perspective on some familiar rock formations. Love em.
Jack Olson
Jack Olson
May 23, 2020 07:27:20 #
Beautiful set, Shaun. You sold me on taking a helicopter tour next time I’m in Sedona. Thanks for sharing your beautiful photos.
May 23, 2020 07:32:13 #
May 23, 2020 07:38:38 #
nospambob
Loc: Edmond, Oklahoma
They don't call em 'eggbeaters' without good cause. Choppers fly by thrashing the heck out of the air and pulling themselves up into it somehow.
May 23, 2020 07:39:51 #
May 23, 2020 07:44:40 #
Beautiful photos of one of my favorite Arizona places--now you’ve got me thinking about such a ride.
May 23, 2020 07:48:47 #
nospambob wrote:
They don't call em 'eggbeaters' without good cause. Choppers fly by thrashing the heck out of the air and pulling themselves up into it somehow.
Thrashing ? The blades have an airfoil shape and when they are rotating creating lift. Thrashing HAH!
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