Suicidal bugs
 

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!:D 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

RE: Suicidal bugs
 

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. :D:eek:

RE: Suicidal bugs
 

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

RE: Suicidal bugs
 

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~?

RE: Suicidal bugs
 

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.

RE: Suicidal bugs
 

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 ;)

RE: Suicidal bugs
 

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.

RE: Suicidal bugs
 

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