GimbalFan
Elite Veteran
Location: Copter County, Nv
| A spectator reports...DAY ONE, Friday the 17th
A fine start to the 2006 Fabulous Las Vegas Heli Fun Fly. Rocky and crew are doing a fine job as usual. Burgers were tasty, dogs were bigger than the buns and all were burnt to perfection.
Szabo, Larson, Youngblood, Nemovi and many others gave jaw-dropping exhibitions today. Mighty inspirational. Makes you wanna pull your wallet right out and corner a vendor for some upgrades.
Most every heli manufacturer was represented, including a few newcomers. The folks from Bergen were there making sure that turbines (Pistons? We don't need no stinking pistons!) made a good showing. Dr Tim had Alan Jr's old turbine there and it was looking good with its new paint scheme.
The weather was perfect. Mid 50s, light winds, a few high clouds and bright sunlight made videos and stills all come out great. Forum host MR was there with The RR Cam, roaming all up and down the flightline.
I counted four minor 'mishaps,' all with minor damage. I think most were due to a failure to keep in mind the wind speed and direction while close to the ground.
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DAY TWO, Saturday the 18th
Mid 50s, winds SW 10-20.
Szabo -- Fly, fly, fly, lockout, tailblade strike, hard landing but good save. Minor damage.
Larson -- Fly, fly, fly, BAM! Inverted fast foward flight just a WEE bit too close to the ground. Downwind with a 15 mph tailwind was a factor.
Youngblood -- Fly, fly, fly, 3500' auto. That's right, 3500'. Then fly, fly, fly, 200' auto, land, long slide, whoops! Skid spin too soon, bump in asphalt, tip over.
Ibanez & Nemovi -- Fly, fly, fly, simultaneous hurricanes, BAM!
The most spectacular mid-air I've ever witnessed. Girard got the worst of it. Frames cut in two at the boom by Ray's blades, many pieces and parts. Mast assembly in one hand, frame remainders in the other. The birds collided at mid-field at a combined speed of about 110 mph, landed about 80' apart. An awesome bit of carnage.
And you know what? You learn more about the finer points of human nature from seeing how these talented pros carry themselves after crashes than you do from just watching them fly. All grins. All smiles. All wave to the crowd of 300 who applaud loudly to thank them for sharing both the beauty and carnage of this excellent sport.
Sunday's forecast calls for low 50's, SW winds 10-15, 30% chance of rain. Should be a fine finish to the weekend.
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For sure he has burned numerous tanks by now, the kid loves to fly 
that dont even know
