Helicopter Flight: Ellensburg, WA to a Friend's House

Рет қаралды 22,807

5 жыл бұрын

COME FLY WITH ME as I leave Ellensburg, WA after an FAA check ride and take a scenic route back to the Wenatchee area. Along the way, I fly up a canyon I've never explored, go over the top of the Mission Ridge Ski Resort, and decide to make a stop at a friend's house where I have some chores to do. This is a narrated flight with some radio chatter and lots of great valley and mountain views.
If I'd driven from the airport in Ellensburg to my friend's home in Wenatchee, the ride would have taken nearly 2 hours. In this video, the flight is less than 17 minutes.
About Me and the Helicopter
- I have been flying for about 20 years. My nearly 4,000 hours of flight time is in Robinson R44, Robinson R22, and Bell 206L (Long Ranger) helicopters.
- The helicopter is a 2005 Robinson R44 Raven II -- the same one that appears in the photo at the beginning of the video. You can learn more about them here: robinsonheli.com/r44-specific... I own this helicopter. It is the third helicopter I've owned since 2000.
- My helicopter has ADS-B Out and is picked up by radar facilities. You can see my track for recent flights on Flightradar24: www.flightradar24.com/data/ai... This is a great site for tracking any almost any flight, including the airlines.
About the Video
- The video was recorded with a pair of GoPro cameras, one of which is connected to the helicopter's intercom system. Both cameras record audio, but I dialed down the helicopter sound to about 25% of normal volume so it wouldn't be annoying. I wouldn't mind leaving it out altogether, but lots of folks seem to want it, so there it is.
- The video was edited on a Macintosh using Screenflow software. (Screenflow was the only affordable software I could find that allowed me to do picture-in-picture.) Learn more about it here: www.telestream.net/screenflow...
- The intro music is by Bob Levitus, famed "Dr. Mac." You can find him here: www.boblevitus.com/
I'm trying to drop flying videos like this one every Sunday morning and usually drop "extras" with more info about owning and operating a helicopter midweek. I also host occasional livestreams with Q&A chats. Subscribe so you don't miss anything new! And tell your friends. The more subscribers I have, the more motivated I am to keep producing videos like this one.
Still reading? Thanks! Maybe you'll consider buying something from my Etsy store to help support this channel? Start here: www.etsy.com/shop/FlyingMAir

Пікірлер: 194

@jaydebbiefrye5420 5 жыл бұрын

Thanks for not adding music. These flights are great just the way you are doing them! Wouldn’t mind checking out the Airbnb. : )

@willford8475 5 жыл бұрын

I don't think these videos need music. They are great as they are!

@bentoncushing8693 6 ай бұрын

Thank U ,,,,I've spent weekends hiking those hills,,,nice view from the Air,,,lived in Selah..

@timhutchinson3264 5 жыл бұрын

First of all, Maria…CONGRATS on your check ride! As though there was any doubt, anyway. Also, great video as usual. What’s interesting is that it really doesn’t matter how “routine” your flight is. For someone who loves aviation it’s always thrilling to be able to look down and see the world from above. That’s why your videos are always so fascinating.

@bandislife2004 5 жыл бұрын

You nailed it Tim! 💯%

@timhutchinson3264 5 жыл бұрын

@saratogapilot6100 5 жыл бұрын

Yes. I did enjoy the ride. Very much, thanks.

@bandislife2004 5 жыл бұрын

Great video! Beautiful scenery! Enjoy all your videos!! Thank you 🚁🚁🚁♥️ Congratulations on your check ride 👍👍 👍

@MisterItchy 5 жыл бұрын

Very nice ride. Music isn't necessary ... listening to the helicopter is good!

@bitethedevil 5 жыл бұрын

Wish I had a helicopter so when my sister and her husband and nieces come over too see my dad, I could fly to my sisters house in five or ten minutes and wait them out. :)

@athloneduke 5 жыл бұрын

Maria, well done on the pass of check flight, but never doubted you wouldn't pass. Sitting here in Ireland watching it full screen, fantastic :)

@frankbaran3800 5 жыл бұрын

So relaxing just watching

@Matt-pp6bg 5 жыл бұрын

Congrats on passing your checkride, Maria. Loving your videos!

@glennmaxfield6618 5 жыл бұрын

Lovely flight, nice tour of the area and explanation of some of your instruments. You don't need any music to spoil what is a great format.

@markh.harris9271 5 жыл бұрын

thanks much for inviting me along for the ride; beautiful

@ralphwhillier7720 5 жыл бұрын

Congratulations. You passed !! 🚁😎🥂🍾

@charliehewgley504 5 жыл бұрын

Thanks for the ride ,enjoy looking at the beautiful scenery,sometimes not having commentary and just enjoying the views is refreshing ,waiting on my t shirts and sticker,should be coming next week,thanks again.

@WildCaptures 5 жыл бұрын

I’m really enjoying this channel excellent video quality and great commentary👍🏻👍🏻

@BenSeigal 5 жыл бұрын

Love your flights, thank you.

@MrKeene-zz8bv 5 жыл бұрын

These videos NEVER EVER get redundant! Thank you thank you thank you!

@travis2659 5 жыл бұрын

I really like that you're willing to show us more on the scenery "360 view" with half tank gas 😆🤗Some cool info in the video, like you can't land in national forests, two radios coming in at the same time create the sound...and the climbing info. New to your videos, my new favorite channel! My new goal in life, land at friend's houses with a 🚁...

@alanbraswell9905 5 жыл бұрын

Beautiful scenery with a very very talented pilot. It's just like being there and thanks for sharing

@simoncorporation3 5 жыл бұрын

I like your videos, I didn't know Cherry drying was actually done with helicopters, I see them as somewhat expensive machines for such simple tasks. Thank you for sharing, this particular trip was enjoyable & very inspiring.

@sam1174 5 жыл бұрын

I usually can't stay focused on a video for more than two or three minutes. Then I get bored and drift away to some other video or website. Every time you post a video I think "SEVENTEEN MINUTES??? I can't watch that whole thing!" But then I start watching, and before you know it, seventeen minutes have passed. This might be your best one yet. The scenery is amazing.

@FlyingMAir 5 жыл бұрын

I’m trying so hard to make shorter ones!

@watermouse9296 5 жыл бұрын

Grats on the check ride! Must be awesome to fly from house to house! Also Helicopter camping sounds amazing, I was just thinking how awesome that woudl be right before you said it, especially if you could get in near that stream/river.....or a bit away and walk in to it.

@andygray9285 5 жыл бұрын

thanks for posting

@Bill_CBR 5 жыл бұрын

I'm making my first trip to great state of WA tomorrow for business. Will be in the Chelan area. Your videos have helped me to know a little about the area. I'll be keeping my eyes open for any cherry orchards, and in particular any helicopters making low passes. Thanks for a putting these up, it's helpful on so many levels.

@FlyingMAir 5 жыл бұрын

Cherries are pretty much all picked out in Chelan, although they’re still working on some high altitude orchards in the Wenatchee area. Enjoy your trip up there. The weather should be perfect.

@Bill_CBR 5 жыл бұрын

@@FlyingMAir Coming from South Florida, it most definitely will be perfect weather. Can't wait... thanks.

@GenwealthPartners 5 жыл бұрын

Awesome ride along.

@DFWWARPIGS 5 жыл бұрын

Thank You....great videos....have a blessed day....and keep them coming!!!!!

@luismiguelmarques6584 5 жыл бұрын

Thanks!

@MrK67017 5 жыл бұрын

Wish I had learned to fly 20 years ago. Great video. Love the clarity.

@Rickenbacker69 5 жыл бұрын

I love these flights - very relaxing!

@Dazza1969 5 жыл бұрын

Love the way you just fly around like I drive brilliant video your views are spectacular not like boring old UK

@steveowens4694 5 жыл бұрын

Such a vast, open space to fly about in and what a marvellous way to get about. We don't often see private helicopters here in England, but I would love to fly like this. Stunning and endlessly interesting to me. Keep it up ☺️

@magnus9806 5 жыл бұрын

I have relatives in Snoqualmie and Seattle surroundings, so it's great to follow you. In this vid I had Google maps open at the same time so I could follow your flight! Keep posting! Hi from Sweden!

@davidsmeaton3082 5 жыл бұрын

Congratulations on passing the check ride, I am sure it was never in doubt. Also thanks for posting the videos that allow use to vicariously fly a helicopter. I really enjoy the explanations as you go as well.

@mspates5982 5 жыл бұрын

Another fantastic video Maria! I absolutely love the views! I've Fallen totally in love with the little town that you live in! I may have to put it on my bucket list to visit there someday soon! Wow that would be so nice to go out camping. You can land in an area where nobody has access to and have the place all to yourself! I mentioned something similar in one of my other comments on one of your videos do you ever just land someplace and just enjoy the view and relax? LOL you said no!

@russ155 5 жыл бұрын

Nothing like a Sunday flight . Thank You

@ddtddt8493 5 жыл бұрын

Number one question that everyone asks or would ask and that you might be the first one to answer clearly: how much does it REALLY cost to own operate and maintain airworthy an R44? It’s just a suggestion but it might be worth a specific video.

@FlyingMAir 5 жыл бұрын

A video is coming.

@ddtddt8493 5 жыл бұрын

@@FlyingMAir yeeees its going to be a hit

@dallas8555 5 жыл бұрын

I enjoyed your video. Thanks for sharing 😁

@jasonburns6411 5 жыл бұрын

The landscapes on approach were beautiful!

@tomkenney5365 4 жыл бұрын

Great video! I grew up in Ellensburg and had plenty of friends that lived north of town. It was fun spotting old stomping grounds. This was back when we played in the actual outside and sometimes had to go miles to find things to do. That was Naneum Canyon you followed out of Ellensburg. At the mouth of the canyon Wilson Canyon angled to the left. I knew a couple hunters back in the 90s that would horseback up Wilson Creek for a couple weeks every fall who said they regularly saw grizzly sign. Pretty remote for being so close. Thanks again. Stay sharp. Complacency kills.

@peterww3241 5 жыл бұрын

Maria, you're such a cool lady. I enjoy all your videos very much. Thank you for sharing. Blessings.

@angelreading5098 5 жыл бұрын

Another lovely scenic flight Maria hope your day went well,it certainly is a beauitful area that you live and operate from.

@codmott286 5 жыл бұрын

What a relaxing video. When I began my fixed wing PPL training I quickly noticed I did not enjoy flying anything over 1500 ft. The world disappears and becomes a flat washed out wasteland of nothingness, the only beauty being the clouds if any are present. Quite simply it was boring. But helicopters are the real magic carpet ride. Still connected with the earth, floating just above everyone's head the way you would if you could levitate like superman. Each detail you spot you could go there. "Hey look at that, lets have a closer look!". Saving up for my Helicopter CPL and hope I can land a tour gig right out the gate

@FlyingMAir 5 жыл бұрын

That’s exactly what flying helicopter’s is like. You’re close enough to see the details of what’s below you and going in for a closer look is easy.

@wb6she 5 жыл бұрын

Great flight Maria, thanks for sharing!

@hiighflyer13 5 жыл бұрын

Congrats on the check-ride!! Thanks for the tour.... Beautiful country!

@thelert 5 жыл бұрын

Followed your route on google earth and you at the same time. Beautiful country, thanks for sharing.

@1000left 3 жыл бұрын

Another great video!! Thank You!!!

@glenwoofit 5 жыл бұрын

Another great flight, Thanks.

@peterpurpose 5 жыл бұрын

Absolutely wonderful. Thanks for sharing.

@SolomonSorcerer 5 жыл бұрын

Beautiful landing, really smooth. I enjoy your videos.

@BobKlumpp 5 жыл бұрын

Thanks for the ride!

@Hunting451 5 жыл бұрын

This is so great ! 😎

@jackgunnette6687 5 жыл бұрын

Thanks for informative flight.

@joeblack7660 3 жыл бұрын

Good overview of area. Thanks

@maguinun3 5 жыл бұрын

Great video, thank you

@Sobbayi 5 жыл бұрын

Great flight, looking forward to the next one

@DanCalloway 5 жыл бұрын

Nice video. I really enjoy watching you travel from point A to point B. Not so much with the cherry drying. I'm sure you understand. Congrats on your flight re-certification.

@karhukivi 5 жыл бұрын

Very enjoyable! I was wondering if your descent rate was comparable to an autorotation when you answered the question - thanks! As a fixed wing pilot, flying up a canyon is something we don't do, a helicopter has a big advantage here.

@FlyingMAir 5 жыл бұрын

Canyon flying is definitely a perk of helicopter flight, but it’s still possible for a pilot to get into trouble in high density altitude or windy situations. That was a perfect day to fly, though, and the canyon wasn’t very deep or narrow.

@larrygrimaldi1400 4 жыл бұрын

It is great to see this geology on a clear day!

@MabrysDad 5 жыл бұрын

Great vid, great scenery. Keep them coming!

@barryg41 5 жыл бұрын

Enjoyed the ride thanks!

@sherrieg98 5 жыл бұрын

Love these videos. Thanks for making these M.

@otekaieke111 5 жыл бұрын

That boosted my day :-)

@PsychoPayco 5 жыл бұрын

Thank you for the ride...i like your videos...

@FRRitter 5 жыл бұрын

Congratulation on passing your check ride! (No question in our minds); thanks for including us on your trip. Such nice scenery. Fly safe.

@ccacrislan 5 жыл бұрын

nice video, watching your videos makes me wish I could fly a Heli, but it is sooo expensive...

@FlyingMAir 5 жыл бұрын

Tell me about it! 🙄

@shoe612 5 жыл бұрын

That was fun! Thanks for tonight's ride! Shoe

@eagleeyeviewimages 5 жыл бұрын

Always great videos

@jonathancava1236 3 жыл бұрын

so cool!

@Abby-bc6mb 4 жыл бұрын

Loved the video

@davidmcc359 5 жыл бұрын

Can't fault these clips and whilst you are lost for something to say at times, the scenery is beautiful enough to keep us content until your next techno brief or geography lesson.. Love your videos and your easy going narration..

@southo69 5 жыл бұрын

Love ya work !!

@kenhoward3512 5 жыл бұрын

Thanks for the enjoyable flight, with such great, all-around visibility through that big bubble. While helicopters have been around for so long, I still find the vertical take-off and landing pretty amazing (and convenient, not always needing an airport).

@keithp5669 4 жыл бұрын

Fun ride!

@keithcope8113 5 жыл бұрын

Congrats on passing your test lol. The road in the canyon that you said was about impassable is just the type of roads i like to drive on while exploring here in south eastern Arizona. Enjoyed the flight stay safe

@pkane5472 5 жыл бұрын

Nice flight Maria. Please don't feel like you need to "fill the air" with voice. We love watching you fly whether you're narrating or not!

@wv_ 5 жыл бұрын

Makes me want to get my R44 and R22 type rating back watching this

@pyrousa 5 жыл бұрын

Really enjoy your channel!!!!!!

@ChrisAtTheMovies 5 жыл бұрын

Great video,would be good to see the area in Winter,when it has snowed,keep the videos coming..

@FlyingMAir 5 жыл бұрын

Probably not from me! I go south for the winter and leave the helicopter home. The days are too short and dreary here in the dead of winter.

@sol3cito33 4 жыл бұрын

Awesome content!

@mahanehsani1246 5 жыл бұрын

👏👏👏 Awesome

@carp566 5 жыл бұрын

Yeah, always announce yourself on the radio at airports and look look look always. I was in traffic pattern one time, fixed wing, I did everything you supposed to do at non controlled a airports on left base and one of my passengers casually asked me "what kind of plane is that" and it was a J3 cub on final I didn't see and I did a sneaky s turn to avoid a collision and put some distance from it without my passengers knowing anything, so yeah, you can never be too careful.

@Johnson13210 5 жыл бұрын

I feel like I am in the passenger seat next to you....great footage!

@aaronprice7835 4 жыл бұрын

Thanks for the beautiful tour thinking of coming to CWU for college. 👍🏾👍🏾

@dakotaedmonds6612 3 жыл бұрын

did you end up coming to CWU?

@Gmar69 5 жыл бұрын

Love that collective friction for adjusting stuff.

@FlyingMAir 5 жыл бұрын

Not necessary on an R44. My collective stays where I put it.

@Gmar69 5 жыл бұрын

Oh, my bad, I was thinking R22, duh on my part. Nice aircraft though, and beautiful scenery.

@willymakeit5172 5 жыл бұрын

Morning, thanks for the ride along. If I had the dough, I might have to add rotary to my ticket. I was a little nervous about that canyon; they like to string power lines across them. Fly safe.

@FlyingMAir 5 жыл бұрын

I kept a sharp eye out for wires, but it seems as if they were all at the mouth of the canyon.

@LonerBecause 4 жыл бұрын

This is beautiful 😫 Cause I never seen WA at this angle. And the landing was cool.

@stevenmurata4392 5 жыл бұрын

We've got lemons & avocados so interesting when you explain cherry growing. (Used to have a little bit of helicopter spraying done.) Thanks.

@lomascouk 5 жыл бұрын

Your videos are getting very moreish to watch. Looking forward to the next one.

@JDManring 5 жыл бұрын

I love living in Washington! I hope I can get into Powered Paragliding soon to get a taste of how you see it.

@desertfox3860 5 жыл бұрын

No need to add music to cover for lack of narration. The soft sound of rotors in the background is the music. A little "there's a lake " or "That's a nice spot to land " is plenty of narration for me. Good going on the check ride.

@RichieRouge206 5 жыл бұрын

Great video - very relaxing to watch. I’m so surprised that Washington is so dry - it’s almost like you are flying over Arizona in places

@FlyingMAir 5 жыл бұрын

Thanks! The climate here is very similar to Flagstaff or Prescott, Arizona.

@randyporter3491 5 жыл бұрын

I know where I would have to land first and that’s at the Rainier Cherry orchard ! lol! Those cherries are amazing and to be able to pick up some “unwanted” cherries that hit the ground, being ever-vigilant not to bump branches, causing more to fall... 😁

@javivalle13 5 жыл бұрын

Grest video!!!😊 (Why does there always have to be a person who puts a thumb down??) Buen video!!!😊 (Por qué siempre tiene que haber una persona que ponga pulgar abajo??)

@FlyingMAir 5 жыл бұрын

Some people can never be happy. 🤷🏻‍♀️

@javivalle13 5 жыл бұрын

@@FlyingMAir From the first time I saw your videos I was hypnotized. I wish you the best and good health cause I want to continue enjoying your videos 😊

@saratogapilot6100 5 жыл бұрын

Poor eyesight results in poor aim with the mouse. They meant to click the thumbs-up icon instead.

@billybob1511 4 жыл бұрын

I'd love to see a tour of the R44, open all the hatches and the engine show us what daily checks are etc.

@FlyingMAir 4 жыл бұрын

It's on my list.

@nolpieters5378 5 жыл бұрын

lovely flight i must com over from australia loved it

@Sven2157 5 жыл бұрын

Congrats Maria (on your passing of your check flight ride)! (like we even questioned that! ... -_- LOL!)

@Sven2157 5 жыл бұрын

Also Maria, @10:45 you say you're at about 7000ft ASL, but your Altimeter is showing about 9100ft. Is this an editing thing?

@Sven2157 5 жыл бұрын

Never mind! At @9:45 you explain RADAR ALTITUDE. and I "THINK" you might have confused RADAR ALT with BAROMETRIC ALT. Am I right?

@FlyingMAir 5 жыл бұрын

I think you're mis-reading the altimeter -- or maybe looking at the wrong instrument? I never get over 8,000 feet on that flight.

@FlyingMAir 5 жыл бұрын

I was definitely less than 2000 feet above the ground when I talked about the radar altimeter, which you can't read in the video because of flicker. Not sure what you're seeing here.

@Sven2157 5 жыл бұрын

@@FlyingMAir definately mis-read it! ;-) Damn eyes don't work so well these days!