If there is one thing that you would think wouldn't mix, it would be going inverted in a helicopter. However Aaron Fitzgerald has proved us otherwise. So we sat down, and got the scoop with one of the coolest heli-pilots around. Not only did we get to hang out with Aaron for the day, he took us inverted aswell. However lets first get to know Aaron and how he makes doing aerobatics in an 810hp helicopter look easy.
1. How many years have you been flying?
Aaron: 26 years
2 .Rough guess on hours you've flown and types of aircraft?
Aaron: 9500 hours. Maybe 20 different types of aircraft.
3. One of your fondest flying memories?
Aaron: Flying for the America’s Cup Racing in Bermuda. I love flying helicopters, I love the Ocean and tropical weather. I love racing. Everything that I love in one job!
4. What was your first thought when you got into helicopter aerobatics?
Aaron: Holy hell, what have I gotten myself into?!
1. How many years have you been flying?
Aaron: 26 years
2 .Rough guess on hours you've flown and types of aircraft?
Aaron: 9500 hours. Maybe 20 different types of aircraft.
3. One of your fondest flying memories?
Aaron: Flying for the America’s Cup Racing in Bermuda. I love flying helicopters, I love the Ocean and tropical weather. I love racing. Everything that I love in one job!
4. What was your first thought when you got into helicopter aerobatics?
Aaron: Holy hell, what have I gotten myself into?!
5. Your favorite maneuver to do in the helicopter and why?
Aaron: If I had to pick a favorite, it would be the BO turn. It is a combination of several moves into one beautiful complex maneuver. It looks great for the spectators and is very fun to execute! It is hard to get right, but very rewarding and and fun when it goes well.
6. What is your favorite characterisitc of the BO105?
Aaron: The rotor head and transmission are what sets that helicopter apart from all the rest. It is an extraordinarily robust and capable machine!
7. What are some of the reactions individuals give you when you tell them you do aerobatics in a helicopter?
Aaron: It’s a wide spectrum that spans from ‘You are crazy’ to ’Show me how to do that’.
8. Have you done every possible maneuver in the 105? Or is it always changing?
Aaron: No way have I done every possible maneuver. I was trained by the absolute master of helicopter aerobatics, Rainer Wilke. He is the one who is out there pushing the envelope and discovering what is possible. As time goes on and I practice to get better and better, there are more maneuvers that are now in my skill set. I will never catch Rainer, but I will do my very best to improve everyday.
9. What would you tell any aspiring pilot?
As in any line of work, the basic elements are the same. Work harder and be nicer than everyone else. If you do those two things, life will be easier, happier, and more prosperous!
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Look for part 2 of this awesome adventure when we take flight with Aaron and get a first hand look what its like to be in the seat of an aerobatic helicopter. Until then check out the video below of his recent trip to New York doing some amazing maneuvers.
tags: breed of speed , redbull helicopter , helicopter pilot , helicopter aerobatics
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