How many of you have noticed that bumble bees as well as other assorted insects like to "challenge" your LMHs. I fly over a field that is used for hay production so it has its share of bugs. They just fly right up into the heli rotors......COOL! Stuff flies everywhere[>:] I've started hovering close to the grass tops just to watch the show. Yes I realize that I am probably "sick"....but its so neat. And yes Russ.....the bug residue comes off much easier because of the slick "protective" oil film
Mark

Ive had dragonflys challenge my heli and also Ive has swallows get pretty close. The bugs i hate the most is the ones that are hounding me while Im flying. There has been times when i had to litterally run around while flying. ive crashed a few times swatting at them.

Hey Darth,
Off works pretty good. I just routinely spray some on before flying. Deer flies are the worst here. They nail you just when you need to concentrate.
Mark

Yeah once you take off, then all kinds of things start flying around. Skipjacks etc. I wonder if they're just getting sucked in by the wash or really think they can take on the thing~?

I see a lot of bugs that simply go through the rotor disk unharmed, but I've seen bug splatters all over airplane props...

I was talking to a guy a while ago about why bugs seem drawn to helicopters. His explanation was that the sound frequencies of the engine and the rotors attract them. Why, I don't remember...

When I used to fly slope combat a lot, I'd always try to chase the hawks, and the smaller birds always like to chase me. Just never was able to hit them.

Mark:

Hmmmm .... Maybe I should spray with Pam before flights ?!?! Aw, then my monogramed hankie will get all gooey. Dang, it's always something!

Happy and SAFE flying,

Russ

Flying yesterday and I saw a Dragonfly go after the corona too. They must be attracted to the sound. Another bug flew over the rotor blades and just missed getting sucked in. I think at this point the ants should look out for me. Never thought about a bird going after it. I sure don't want to hit any birds.

If I could find a hornets' or yellow jackets' nest I could have a blast!....uh....until I ran out of fuel.......then it would be one of those "what was I thinking?" moments.
Mark