learning to fly

Yeah, I know.  I've done this before.  Almost two years with a fixed-wing program makes me no stranger to flight nursing, but this rotor thing is a whole different animal. 

The first thing I've realized is that on a lear jet, I'm a passenger.  A passenger with a patient, perhaps, but a passenger nonetheless.  When I'm on a helicopter I will be a crew member.

Which means eyes out, help your pilot, check your aircraft before take-off, help manage the personnel in the LZ (landing zone), and in all instances securing the safety of your aircraft over the stability of your patient.  Because dead crew members don't help anybody.  This is stressed over and over at PHI.  Safety.

Tomorrow is night vision goggle day (or night, I should say).  All day of class, then dusk/night training.  Sure beats the hell out of the OB training we had today.

Here's a few photos I've managed to take while here.

Comments

[nat]

wow - this is so exciting! I have been witnessing helicopters landing righ next to me on the busy streets after an accident quzite as lot (my office is on a busy street) and I'm always amazed how this is managed and how quick it is gone! You rock girl!

[Jeanet]

Oh wow..Donna..I really think you have an amazing job...you fly...wow!
Reallly admire you..all the skills you must have to do this job...it's so much more than we think..not even to mention the emotions that go with it.
Good luck on your training!!

And wishing you a very happy birthday...have a wonderful day!