A chopper that can fly upside down? That’s right, and I was lucky enough (or crazy enough) to be one of the few to take a ride in it. This aerobatics helicopter is one of two in the nation - both owned by Red Bull Energy Drink - that can do stunts normally reserved for fixed wing aircraft.
It’s a BO-105 chopper specially modified for flying upside down. Pilot Chuck is the first pilot in the US to be FAA certified for chopper stunts. There are a couple others in the world, but they aren’t officially certified.
Cockpit photos courtesy Damian Balinowski
Aarons says, “I've been flying for 35 years. I got 18,000 hours and still love to fly. I've been very fortunate and not crashed anything yet!” He practices three to four days a week because he says, like any skill, one can get rusty if not.
"They either love it or hate it," Aaron says, referring to peoples’ first ride. I am an aerobatics pilot as well (flying a Yak 52) so I loved it. Aaron indulged me with about 12 – 15 rolls and loops. Wow! What a blast!
There were a couple other first timers out on this media day, and they report getting airsick from the action, so this definitely isn’t for everyone.
Aaron estimates we pulled a couple of Gs in what felt like a ride at a Six Flags Amusement Park. My ride lasted about 20 minutes from takeoff to landing. It was very unusual compared to fixed wing plane stunts because I’m used to having the power plant in front and in a rotor craft, the engine is above my head.
Mostly, it was weird to think a helicopter isn’t supposed to be flying like that because it puts tremendous stress on the rotor blades and rotor head. I guess I could have been scared but I figured Aaron had done this hundreds or thousands of times in the chopper already. I could tell Aaron was highly skilled and that each maneuver was very gentle and soft, with fewer Gs than I do (4 Gs).
The Red Bull team travels more than two thirds of the month. One of the staff showed me his I-Phone. Each dot on the calendar is a travel day: 23 days away in October alone. “Aarugh,” he sighed. “As fun as this job is, looking at this calendar depresses me.” Then he switched the screen to a photo of his adorable five year old son, who cries every time Daddy takes a road trip. I have a child now so I can totally relate.
If they perform in a city near you, I’d encourage you to check out the sight! It’s really fascinating, whether you’re in the aircraft or on the ground!
One of the other reporters who took a ride had a video camera, so you can check out her video from inside and outside of the chopper. Here’s a link to her footage at KHNL.com. http://www.khnl.com/Global/story.asp?s=7210950
In other news briefs... the state's trying to make traveling smoother at Hawaii's busiest airport. Governor Linda Lingle has released $4,934,687 for construction of a second electrical vault at Honolulu International (HNL) Airport to ensure 100 percent emergency backup power for its airfield operations. “We are continuing to take proactive measures to keep our airports operational in the event of an emergency or power outage,” said Governor Lingle. “The addition of a second electrical vault at Honolulu International Airport is an important step in this direction.”
Currently, all of the airport’s runway lighting, taxiway lighting and navigational aids is powered by one electrical vault powers. If the vault fails, the entire airfield would go black and controllers would have to close all four of the airport’s runways. Construction is scheduled to be completed in January 2009.
And in Lihue this spring... Governor Lingle plans to modernize that airport using $6 million to buy a new in-line baggage screening system that is equipped with an Explosive Detection System (EDS). “This project will streamline the screening of passengers’ checked baggage at Līhu‘e Airport,” said Governor Lingle. “In addition to strengthening security at the airport, the new screening system will ease congestion in the ticket lobbies and make traveling through Kaua‘i more pleasant for residents and visitors.”
This is estimated to cost $22,985,850. Design is scheduled to be completed in December 2007. Construction is expected to begin in April 2008 and be completed in July 2009.
Last fall, the Governor released $82,150,000 for similar improvements at Kahului Airport and Honolulu International Airport. The new in-line baggage screening system at Kahului Airport is scheduled to be completed in October 2009.
CELEBRITY SUITCASE
Jimmy Borges, Singer
My music has given me the opportunity to visit some of the most exciting cities in the world. I’ve performed in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil; Buenos Aires in Argentina; Tokyo, Japan; Auckland, New Zealand; San Juan, Puerto Rico; Montreal, Canada, and every major city in America including Las Vegas, New York, Chicago, Miami Beach, San Francisco, Los Angeles and even Fresno, California!
As great as all that sounds, it’s always joyous to return home to Hawaii . Why? The people, the weather, the island’s natural fragrance, the food, the comfort zone, the golf and so many other things.
It’s important to travel in order to appreciate your own home-land. It also makes you realize how many similarities all the people in the world share.
Travel Tips
Absolutely no luggage – just carry-ons!
Always go first class, even if you have to pinch somewhere else
Travel overnight whenever possible
Three Things I Can’t Travel Without…
“Airborne” for healthy flights
Mouthwash (it’s obvious!)
Eye drops for clear eyes
Jimmy Borges is known to his many loyal fans as the “keeper of the flame” – referring to his musical respect for Gershwin, Porter, Kern, Mercer, Arlen, Rodgers & Hart and the rest of those legendary composers.
Jimmy’s musical career runs the gamut of intimate jazz clubs in San Francisco, Vancouver and Montreal, to the showrooms theater and concert halls of New York, Las Vegas, and Rio de Janeiro. Jimmy’s early film career includes 30-plus segments of “Hawaii Five-0,” yearly Magnum P.I. appearances, made-for-television movies with Dennis Weaver, Bill Conrad and Jose Ferrer, and sundry other shows including the Rockford Files, Charlie’s Angels and the Jeffersons.
Jimmy’s national television singing appearances include the Merv Griffin Show, Jonathan Winters Special and the Victor Borge Special. Jimmy’s local television career included his own television show called “Honolulu AM,” game show host for “Let’s Go To The Races,” hosting various telethons and many national and local commercials including United Airlines, Sunkist Oranges, and Safeway Stores.
