The BIG Adventure

Driving back from work in Powell Butte (August 2008) I passed the Prineville Airport. It being fire season it wasn't too surprising to see some helicopters, but it WAS startling to see a heavy lift Sikorsky. Making a risky turn I pulled into the airport and drove closer to the amazing machine.

I was so glad that I had my camera.


 


Look closely at the figure between the cabin and the water tank, if you would, and you can get an idea of the size.



I took several pictures.


 



 

The guy pictured above - was walking along the runway as I passed by and I found out


that his name was Tyler;
that he was the chief mechanic of N722HT;
he was 23 years old (!!!);
he had already been to Australia - where they were required to have a name for the helicopter, and so, "Rocky", as in Rocky Balboa (Tyler grumbled that the name really should be a feminine one for an airship . . . );
The water pump is at the end of the orange hose and is hydraulically driven, capable of filling the 2,000-plus gallon tank in about a minute;
and sure, he would let me take some pictures.



I took several pictures.


 


 



The clear bubble in the back is to give a view for the crew handling the water pump to suck up water and to see where to dump the load.

If you need to ask then you don't know the luck of the Irish. Yes, I did get to climb in . . . tee hee . . .

I still get a thrill every time I remember gazing at the "SIKORSKY" on the foot pedals . . . ooooh, goosebumps!



I took many pictures.


 



And, Yes - Oh, My Brother - I did indeed SIT in the seat!

Tyler even flipped on the the batteries.

Pretty lights!!!

I took a few more pictures.


 



Many Thanks to Tyler! It was nice to meet a truely informative and friendly person

Just a few more snapshots.