In the first part of this gripping story, John shared the anticipation and preparation for Rhino dehorning flights. In part 2 he continued the story with some unwelcome mechanical drama when his JetRanger began to make alarming grinding noises from deep within the engine.
THE BROCCOLI-LOOKING canopy of trees slipped below me, looking more hostile than ever. With taught nerves and a gnawing lump in my throat, I played out the varying scenarios in my mind. None of the outcomes had a happy ending. My rule is, if there is doubt, then there is no doubt.
The machine was behaving perfectly, everything in green with no amber lights blinking. It was time to abort in a gracious manner, but I did not wish to create unnecessary alarm among my trusty pax. And then the ENG chip light came on.
"Guys, why don't we go and top up on fuel while we are close, take a quick break?" I said in a nonchalant manner, hoping they would all agree.
"Sam do you copy?"
"Standing by John, I have a nice gaggle of rhino waiting for you, they all calm so you can take your pick." rinding
"Copied, Uhm.... we are going and was to stand down for a bit, refueling while we are close to the LZ, I have your Co-ords. I think you should return to base and stand by. Thanks for all your help."
I climbed away, aiming directly for the safety of our LZ, zigzagging to each open area, the longest six minutes ever.
After shutting down I casually opened the cowling, which is actually a normal thing for me. I always have a random glance during normal operations whenever I refuel, and over the years it's amazing how that habit has paid off.
This story is from the April 2023 edition of SA Flyer Magazine.
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This story is from the April 2023 edition of SA Flyer Magazine.
Start your 7-day Magzter GOLD free trial to access thousands of curated premium stories, and 8,500+ magazines and newspapers.
Already a subscriber? Sign In
SACRIFICE
John continues his anecdotes about the sacrifices he has had to make in the course of his helicopter bush flying career.
KENYA - SAA PARTNERSHIP DELAY
KENYA AIRWAYS AND South African Airways announced the establishment of a highly anticipated Pan-African Airline Group three years ago.
TO PARIS FOR LUNCH
One morning I arrived back at Lanseria from a two day charter to a dreary Northern Cape iron mine. Entering the terminal, I removed my wings and epaulets, thrust them into my flight bag, and headed for the restaurant.
ASCA'S MPUMI MPOFU: READY FOR TAKE-OFF
Ms Mpumi Mpofu has occupied the hot seat as Chief Executive of ACSA, the Airports Company of South Africa for a tumultuous past four years.
HYDROGEN POWERED PLANE TESTED
WORLD’S LARGEST liquid hydrogen-powered aircraft, using a 1 MW fuel cell engine, has been tested.
CAMEROON - BLAMES BOEING
BOEING JUST CANNOT STAY out of trouble. It has become the whipping boy for endless absurd claims.
IRIS GOES TO SOMALIA
Having spent the last couple of years flying to a rota, I was thoroughly enjoying the freedom and randomness of flying charters at Sunbird Aviation.
TELEPORTATION
One of the best clients for whom I ever flew was BP, the British oil giant. I was with them in Algeria for about seven years, from the very start of their large gas projects, right in the heart of the Sahara Desert, near the small towns of In Amenas and In Salah.
FEBRUARY 2023
February has shown steady growth in the number of aircraft registered. Four fixed wing and one helicopter were added while the non-type certified (NTCA) register grew by seven.
RIGHT SEAT RULES NO. 16 FUEL SYSTEMS WHY SO COMPLICATED?
You know those aggranoying people who say, “Oh I wouldn't fly in one of those little things - you can't just pull over and fix it if something goes wrong\"? What makes this particularly irritating is that the bastards are right.
