09-25-2010, 06:32 AM
Here is a response to Paul's inquiry about photos.
The top picture is the Helicopter on "Short Final" approach, passing directly over my house at about 150 ft. As a former Army helicopter pilot, I can tell you with authority that an aircraft on short final, or a high hover, is operating on the edge of the safety envelope. If any mechanical or pilot malfunction occurs in this flight attitude, the pilot is very limited as to where or how he'll end up. Even in the Military and in a combat zone, we weren't allowed to pass over buildings or civilians on "short final" approach.
The next picture is the same helicopter down and idling at the intersection 50 ft. from my driveway, where the shot was taken. Notice the spinning tail rotor(which is invisible to the naked eye)sticking into the road and the lack of any safety personnel around to warn motorists or neighborhood kids of the danger.
Why were these people risking their lives and the lives of my family and neighbors? It was to investigate some people up the street who they thought had a few more plants than their permits allowed. No arrests or action was taken, permits were in order after all.
If Law enforcement and Drug cartels(strange bedfellows?) weren't making so damn much money off prohibition this dangerous and expensive practice would surely end.
The top picture is the Helicopter on "Short Final" approach, passing directly over my house at about 150 ft. As a former Army helicopter pilot, I can tell you with authority that an aircraft on short final, or a high hover, is operating on the edge of the safety envelope. If any mechanical or pilot malfunction occurs in this flight attitude, the pilot is very limited as to where or how he'll end up. Even in the Military and in a combat zone, we weren't allowed to pass over buildings or civilians on "short final" approach.
The next picture is the same helicopter down and idling at the intersection 50 ft. from my driveway, where the shot was taken. Notice the spinning tail rotor(which is invisible to the naked eye)sticking into the road and the lack of any safety personnel around to warn motorists or neighborhood kids of the danger.
Why were these people risking their lives and the lives of my family and neighbors? It was to investigate some people up the street who they thought had a few more plants than their permits allowed. No arrests or action was taken, permits were in order after all.
If Law enforcement and Drug cartels(strange bedfellows?) weren't making so damn much money off prohibition this dangerous and expensive practice would surely end.