Allan, the ride lasted about a half-hour, as I recall. We were flying NOE so it was an exciting half-hour! NOE = Nap of the Earth. To add to the excitement, I was in the "seat" where the door gunner would sit, if guns were mounted. That type of flight iswhere the aircraft just skims over the ground, flying perhaps 10-20 feet (3-6 meters) to avoid ground radar signals. We had to go UP to fly OVER power lines! That flight was one of 4 REALLY exciting rides I had while in the Army. I flew a few more rides than these 4, but the others were pretty mundane, as if ANY flying could be considered "mundane!" Tankers generally don't get many flights in ANYTHING so ALL my flights were special, in one way or another. Allan, my last ride in a Blackhawk was probably ... uh, let's see .. around 1987 or 88. They ARE soon to be retired ... like me! LoL!
What is the future of rotor-wing aircraft in the Army? Anyone? I only know that they're studying many dual control types - ones that can be remotely piloted like the drones. If the "Gee-Whiz" folks have their way, most - or all flights will be unmanned. I think this is a bad mistake. Certainly some flying could easily be done unmanned, but not every situation - especially in a combat environment.
Be that as it may, your Blackhawk is looking real good, my friend. Keep up the good work.
