Water is heavy and on a hot day - especially one this hot - helicopter lift is substantially reduced. The pilot must gain altitude pulling almost straight up until bucket is clear, plus some extra because the loaded helicopter is out of ground effect and will dip as it attempts to gain forward airspeed. That is a fast moving, on-going grass so far. I just googled it and the news reports it has reached the local airport and some hangers are burning. Sure hope it is put out shortly!
Water is heavy and on a hot day - especially one this hot - helicopter lift is substantially reduced. The pilot must gain altitude pulling almost straight up until bucket is clear, plus some extra because the loaded helicopter is out of ground effect and will dip as it attempts to gain forward airspeed.
That is a fast moving, on-going grass so far. I just googled it and the news reports it has reached the local airport and some hangers are burning. Sure hope it is put out shortly!
Nice work.
Thanks!