We got our first helicopter in 2003. It was a Robinson R44 four passenger piston helicopter. Click here to read about our start in helicopters.

Our New Chopper!

Update June 30, 2006:
I now have over 300 hours of flight experience. With Camille a part of our family now, the old helicopter was just too small. With her, two large dogs, and luggage; we often were too much for the old ship. Out of necessity, we finally moved up to a much larger turbine helicopter.

This one seats seven people in total luxury and is faster than the old Robinson. It is also fully IFR capable. (It can fly in the clouds.) Just like our plane, I can pretty much take off, press a few buttons, and it will fly us where we need to go all on its own. Then, it will even fly approaches right down to the runway in bad weather. All I have to do is land it the last few feet.

Some of the avionics and gadgets: