August - September 2008 Issue

Vertical's key mid-year issue not only looks at some traditional subjects: fire fighting, safety and utility ops, it provides a special focus on three helicopter types and the role of rotorcraft in the TV and film industry.
 
To begin, flight test editor Shawn Coyle provides a first-hand review of the new Eagle Single, while technical editor Gary Watson looks at how this single-engine, utility-focused powerhouse is built. Watson also talks with Frank Carson to get some first-hand insight on the new glass cockpit for the venerable S-61. And, Robinson’s legendary instructor pilot, Tim Tucker, provides an exclusive report on the current certification efforts for the new R66.

In our product and company profiles, veteran wildland fire operator Jon Mayer provides a detailed perspective on what the Bambi Bucket’s PowerFill snorkel means to fire fighting helicopters, while editor-in-chief Mike Reyno profiles SEI, the company behind this fire fighting essential. Closing out this grouping, contributing editor Kevin Nelson looks at the challenges small operators like himself face in the industry.
 
For anyone who has ever dreamed of being in the movies or television, veteran film pilot Craig Dyer presents the first in a two-part series on helicopters in the film industry, detailing how you can become a motion-picture flyer.

Among our regular departments, Shawn Coyle looks into the market’s future when he visits the American Helicopter Society’s Forum & Technology Display. He also finishes up his much-valued four-part series on the height-velocity curve with a look at arguably the most difficult part. Long-time international pilot and base manager Allan Cram joins the Roundtable in this issue with a look at how to implement safety management systems. And, veteran EMS pilot and FAA aviation safety counselor Guy Maher takes the industry to task over the current rash of HEMS accidents.

Finally, long-time bush pilot Graham Lavery closes out this issue with the first in his Day in the Life series, talking about what its like to live and work in a remote camp.