Helicopters and timid Italians

It's been about two weeks since my last post, so I figured I should write at least something.

Yesterday, I flew by helicopter down to Shindand for a site survey. I, more or less, was just along for the ride. My new boss needed to go there to figure out where the Italians wanted to build their new expansion on the Shindand FOB. We needed to know this because wherever their expansion ends, we will begin the U.S. expansion there. We just couldn't pin them down. There was an Italian Colonel with us who just couldn't make a decision. If it were a U.S. Army Colonel with the authority, it would have been decided months ago. Something about getting approval from their government. Absolutely ridiculous! There is plenty of land and the coalition forces own the ground. Just decide!

Helicopters. I've always enjoyed riding in a helicopter. This one was new because I've ridden in all of the U.S. Army's cargo helicopters, even the obsolete Huey when it was still in service. However, this one was a Spanish Cougar. Pretty smooth ride. Other than the take of and landing it's about the same as riding in a really noisy car. The different perspective of the landscape is what is interesting. It was great because the aircraft had two door gunners so the crew had to fly with the doors open. Some great terrain and views. Unfortunately, my camera battery was dead, so no pictures.

Take offs are really neat because a pilot will typically do a slow take off. What this does is cause the helicopter to shake and vibrate as it is trying to take off, but it hasn't created enough lift. Once it does, however, it shoots straight up in the air and you're off!

The return trip was really great because we were flying though and over some mountains to the south of Herat. You don't realize how high you are or the magnitude of the terrain until you see another helicopter in the lift off in the distance. It puts some perspective on what you are seeing.