Originally posted by SSGGeezer Trying to load our Ahkio sled into the British Sea King Helicopter up on deck, it blew away from us a couple times due to wind. (Sled weighed over 200 pounds!) This was when the insertion had been delayed 24 + hours since the weather was more extreme the day before. Then when we got into the helo, we found out that Senior British pilots fly with only a crew chief and no co-pilot. I think it was Prince Andrew flying our bird. (his squadron at least!) Thought we were done for since the water is all of 2 or 3 degrees Celsius! February of 82. Near Bardu or even North of that,( not that there is a whole lot more North of there!)
I guess it makes sense with just one pilot. If you lose a chopper you lose just one pilot instead of two... Besides, the Sea Kings were made in the early 60ies, weren't they? They didn't break in a hurry. Or don't - we still fly them here. And in Canada, I believe.
I can do well without those winds. But it's an utterly beautiful part of the country. At least in summer it is. In winter I guess it's more exotic than beautiful
Oh, and in summer the sea temperature can easily go up to about 12°C.