FlyGirl

Well, I've been talking and thinking about it for years and finally just decided to go and do it. Had a helicopter lesson last Saturday (2010-06-19). Awesome! 0.8 hours in a Robinson R22. We took off from Palo Alto airport, did some "off-airport operations" (i.e. landed in a field) flew back and did some hovering at KPAO.

Modesty aside, I think I did pretty damn well. Actually managed to hover it without any help from the instructor for several minutes -- apparently an unusual thing to accomplish on the first lesson -- and damn fun!

The hardest part was not overcontrolling and learning to not death-grip the yoke! Had to keep reminding myself that like a glider, or especially, a hang-glider, it only takes a gentle touch and, in fact, you can control the cyclic with just your fingertips.

Anyhow, liked it enough that I am signed up again for another lesson this Saturday. With a nasty cough and having come home from work early today (Wednesday), I have some concerns that I won't be well enough but, damn, I hope so!