[Vhfcn-l] TET

[Roger W. Ek]

> On Jan 27, 2020, at 3:13 PM, Terry McCollum via Vhfcn-l <vhfcn-l at lists.vhfcn.org> wrote:
> 
> 
> I hope you helicopter types wont mind my story about a great fixed wing.
> 
> Terry McCollum

Here in Maine we have the world’s only remaining DC-3 on floats and they are amphibious floats. Man, is that tall on wheels.

-break-

I once flew with the “Chief Test Pilot of the Cambodian Nation.” He got his wings at Pensacola and the Army test pilots at Vinh Long figured I was somehow responsible for that. I have a photo of SIX brand new H-Models painted with Cambodian markings. None of the Army pilots would fly with the “Chief Test Pilot of the Cambodian Nation.”. They asked me to test fly the bird that had just been assembled. I was introduced to Major Sihanouk and I did a preflight, checking the tail boom mounting bolts and rotor head carefully. He started the Huey and we air taxied out toward the runway. I figured it would be good to turn on the radios and lights since the tower might take an interest in this activity. We headed up the Mekong, climbing up to 2,000 feet. Suddenly the “Chief Test Pilot of the Cambodian Nation.” put in full right rudder. The bird rolled hard to the left and I said, “I’ve got it!” 

When my heart rate slowed down I asked him why he did that. The “Chief Test Pilot of the Cambodian Nation.” said, “Make sure tail boom stay on.” He did not comment on Plan B, should the tail boom not stay on. I told the “Chief Test Pilot of the Cambodian Nation.” that it was a very fine helicopter and we should go back to Vinh Long now. We landed and the Army pilots congratulated me on our flight and welcomed me to the group who had flown with the “Chief Test Pilot of the Cambodian Nation.” I should have had a clue when the Cambodian crewman was terrified to fly with the “Chief Test Pilot of the Cambodian Nation”.

You can’t make this stuff up. 

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                 /<<< \_\_         Roger W. Ek
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