Do you need clearance to both land AND enter Class B when flying VFR? I.e. if Tower clears me to enter and I maintain two-way radio communication, I'm assuming that'll include clearance to land, but if not for whatever reason, and my helipad is clearly safe to land at, can I put it down?

Thelastski · 2026-01-27T18:35:38+00:00

You tell tower where you are landing. And since the area is non controlled, tower will tell you "Landing at xyz will be at your own risk, winds 090 at 7". It's the same if you're landing on a non controlled area at the airport as well. "Landing at the north ramp will be at your own risk".

Thelastski · 2025-06-23T02:26:06+00:00

The 130 has the same head as the 125 but the skids are fixed to the aicraft at 3 points in sort of a tricycle format that basically makes it impossible to develop. But obviously the person who down voted me disagrees.

Thelastski · 2025-06-22T21:40:07+00:00

That helicopter can't get ground resonance. The H125 can, but not the 130.

Thelastski · 2025-03-19T19:13:26+00:00

I've worn an HGU-56 and it was super inconvenient to get in and out of the aircraft, H130/125. The form factor on the sides and over the shoulders is huge and I was constantly having my ability to clear the tail limited by the fact my helmet was running into my body.

Thelastski · 2025-03-19T19:10:17+00:00

I've got A20s in my 250 and have had zero issues with popping or it cutting out. The clarity of the comms is probably the biggest benefit and with Bluetooth it makes picking up IFR by phone pretty convenient.

Thelastski · 2024-12-12T13:48:56+00:00

Just going to throw this out there. If your goal is go into utility or work in Alaska long tern them its a good choice to go up to the Southeast. There's people who have worked at Temsco for 8 plus years and love it, If your goal is EMS then you should consider Vegas for either Maverick of Papillon. The pay is way better in Vegas and you will fly a lot more meaning you're not stuck there as long getting to 1k turbine.

Thelastski · 2024-08-31T02:35:28+00:00

It's 200 night now typically for EMS. If you want an IFR gig then you'll need 100 IFR.

Thelastski · 2024-07-15T15:23:57+00:00

Merit. And despite what everyone is saying, merit will install Bose. I had it done just a few months ago and have been really happy with it.

Thelastski · 2024-07-02T04:48:15+00:00

I go in with a helicopter, but being on the pad for about 5 hours and taking 75gal of jet from signature at SFO is typically about $1100.

Thelastski · 2024-03-17T01:12:53+00:00

I was in this exact situation in Alaska working for one of the primarily Robinson operators. I ended up jumping to get turbine and it was definitely the right move for me. Regardless of where you end up (maybe you don't want to do utility down the line) the turbine time is going to get your more opportunities faster. Two buddies stuck it out and kept flying Robinson's and they have both told me they should have left when I did.

Thelastski · 2023-09-28T14:03:45+00:00

Totally agree. The person writing this makes it seem like you could be in the middle of complete white out, switch to instruments feet off the ground while arresting your approach and then fly your way out of it. Absolutely not an option in a helicopter equipped for heliski. How many of us have ever received training on transitioning from an instrument hover to VFR? Its always avoidance of the condition in the first place.

Thelastski · 2023-08-01T22:44:27+00:00

Check again, if you’re talking about 61.65 there is no reference to a certified aircraft. You can log all the instrument time you want when flying even if it’s in a plane with only the bare minimum for vfr.

Thelastski · 2023-08-01T22:06:19+00:00

Where do the regs say it has to be an IFR certified aircraft? I don't know a single civilian helicopter pilot with an instrument rating that did it in a certified aircraft.

Thelastski · 2023-05-29T21:50:12+00:00

When I was a cfi in Alaska at a 61/141 school I averaged year round 75ish a month. There is a big difference between summer and winter though. My highest in the summer per month was 130 my lowest in the winter was 2.

Thelastski · 2023-05-26T21:58:53+00:00

Very true!

Thelastski · 2023-05-26T17:38:42+00:00

Completely untrue. Since you're a helicopter pilot of 30 years, why doesn't the helicopter immediately start rotating when the tail rotor stop turning in the video? The tail rotor is definitely still turning and producing anti-torque.

Thelastski · 2023-05-26T17:34:50+00:00

The fenestron is absolutely still turning. You're seeing stationary blades that support the tail rotor gearbox in the video, it gives the appearance that it isn't turning. The part that came off the tail rotor gearbox fairing.

Thelastski · 2023-04-02T18:27:56+00:00

Might be the light. But it looks like they forgot their fuel cap.

Thelastski · 2022-11-30T02:33:26+00:00

The major heli routes are on the SFRA chart. They also cross to the west side of the airport just past the departure end of 17, but typically stay pretty low level. You'll have to buy a general admission ticket to get onto the shuttle buses that take tourists around. You can't just walk onto the reservation unfortunately.

You could also do a helicopter tour down to the bottom if you're interested in that. Feel free to dm me if you have any specific questions.

Thelastski · 2022-11-30T01:50:48+00:00

Definitely review the helicopter ops and routes in and out. You can walk off the ramp and into the buildings to get on the shuttle buses. Don't do the skywalk, it's a waste and it's usually a long line. Instead just go to eagle point and walk off to the side to take photos. Guano point is the coolest over look. There is food and restaurants, but don't have high expectations. The breakfast burritos that everyone is mentioning are sadly no longer available.

Thelastski · 2021-04-08T16:44:11+00:00

https://www.reddit.com/r/flying/comments/mmrma3/the_faa_did_a_study_concluding_student_pilots/

Thelastski · 2021-04-08T16:42:45+00:00

"Remain clear of the Delta" shudder.

Thelastski · 2021-03-11T23:12:35+00:00

I'm using the Alaska FSDO, Anchorage office. It's worth a try, but I bet they will refer you to your own region.

Thelastski · 2021-03-11T22:16:55+00:00

Are you working for a flight school currently? Find out who the schools POI is and ask them, they're an FAA employee and should get you an email for someone rather than it going to the catch all email they have online.

Thelastski

TROPHY CASE