MVPA convention in Cleveland

[Bruce Parker (RIP)]

Originally Posted by chris vickery

hoping I am fortunate enough to secure a ride on Huey 369

Oh yes, you really want to do that!!! I did in Windsor and the pilots are...well... VERY good at throwing that Huey around the sky to the delight of its passengers. Looking straight down out the open door as they're doing a tight turn 500 feet in the air with nothing more than a 2" nylon seat belt holding you in...exhilarating!! Or when they flew at ground level just clearing tree tops to startle a young woman sunbathing on her pool deck. Never seen such big, round eyes.

[chris vickery]

Well Bruce hopefully it works out. From what I hear they may have 2 hueys there this year, even better.
I might have to pull out my VN re-enactment impression gear for this one...
At least for a photo op.

[chris vickery]

Well my ride on the Huey was memorable to say the least!
As Bruce alluded to, thinking you are going straight out the door at 500ft while banking at least 45deg is breath taking.
I spent a lot of time talking with many former combat chopper pilots, door gunners and crew chief. Most interesting was the 1st Air Cav Scout pilot, who incidentally is a Canadian Vietnam veteran.
He even pulled out his non regulation helmet and visor so I could get a photo op.
In VN he had a Canadian flag painted on his visor much to the dismay of his CO which almost landed him in jail a few times. As he explained to me, what was the worst they could do, send him to Vietnam?
19 years old and full of himself, volunteered as a scout pilot one of the most dangerous jobs a chopper pilot could have.
He said he would do it all over again.

[Les Fisher]

Here you go Chris. Oh and congrats for winning the 50 50 draw.

[chris vickery]

Thanks Les! That's him alright. Winning the 50/50 was a nice touch for sure.

[japes]

It looks like there is going to be a change of plans on my part so I won't be able to coordinate anything for the group. I hope you all still get together. Sorry for any inconvenience I may have caused.

J.P.

[Les Fisher]

As the Pres. of the OMVA I just wanted to let all MLU users know that the OMVA has a table in Cleveland at the convention. You are invited to drop by or if you have purchased an item you wish to leave under the table while you continue to walk around or shop please feel free to so.