CH47 lands on RABBIT! Little Switzerland NC, Hurricane Helene Aftermath

[@jbgood7694]

I was a UH-60 Blackhawk Crew Chief in the Army. When a helicopter does a fly by like in this video, they are giving personnel on the ground a 1-5 minute "heads up" that they are going to land. This gives personnel on the ground time to clear out and/or remove obstacles (such as the lawn furniture). The pilot was determining the safest and least disruptive place to lane. The ground was sloped and helicopters have limitations on landing on sloped ground. There were buildings and trees in close proximity. Another concern is people on the uphill slope approaching the helicopter and getting their head chopped off. The pilot and crew chiefs ( CH-47 flight engineers) did a great job of finding a mostly level spot which was really close to the buildings. It appears that CH-47 was from the Missouri National Guard. God speed with your recovery from the storm.

[@TheBenghaziRabbit]

Great observations. That pad was designated as the LZ for the Switzerland Inn. We had received 2 Chinooks prior but this was a new crew to the area.

[@OG-Ghost33]

As someone who served in Afghanistan I’ve seen chinooks land on the edge of cliffs and sometimes they don’t land fully but they allow the front end to hover while the tail sets down if necessary.

[@ninemoonplanet]

Even without power, they must avoid the power lines. The blades could get tangled creating a crash scene. The wash from those blades is quite strong so any structure nearby must be strong enough to take the wind.

[@claztube]

I barely can imagine the full concentration and situational/spacial awareness the pilot must maintain with split second decision making the entire time on approach to the 'LZ' ...Absolutely Amazing!

[@claztube]

That's Talent with Steel Nerves and the Height of Human Dexterity fully on display.👍🇺🇲

[@tggonzales7971]

That, boys and girls, is how you back a chinook into the driveway

[@Blue0cean]

Amazing 🤩

[@kathleenduval1309]

Lol bring it on!! AMAZING

[@keyboardwarrior9199]

i was scared the lawn chairs were going to fly up into the rotor blades

[@e.conboy4286]

Wake UP, Bubba! You ain’t never seen NOTHIN’ like this! 🇺🇸

[@step4560]

You win the internet for a day...

[@technologyt.angela.8150]

I worked for a former Chinook pilot who graduated West Point. Kind, incredibly intelligent, quiet kind of guy who was always trying to help make things better. I was honored to work for the man. Mad respect to this pilot. God bless and take care, everyone.

[@BrianRollins-br549]

Was he a Lenavitt?

[@Steve-Cro-Magnon-Man]

They are isolated and the roads are destroyed, they cannot get out. I used to prepare the tax returns for that hotel, it was named The Little Switzerland Inn then, and I guarantee you they are not rich in money but they are wealthy with goodness. They are dedicated to keeping the place running - it's a great little AAA-approved travel destination. There is ping pong, a pool, shuffleboard, board games, a library… This is not a rich person's playground at all its a working man’s family spot with the stars so close you to you - you can almost touch them.

[@claztube]

You make me want to have a visit just to touch the stars...

[@Sammy-mp9xn]

It's absolutely beautiful against Our Awesome Carolina Blue Sky😍

[@shannanbegley8189]

Sounds like a perfect place to visit!

[@dallasyap3064]

Definitely looks beautiful and comfy to enjoy a quiet vacation in a remote area.

[@jibbygonewrong2458]

We were camping here last year. GOD BLESS my beautiful people and state. We'll be back to help.

[@rocketmanintn188]

That was my MOS in the Army 1974-80. Still get a thrill after 44 years. Glad you got some help. Prayers.

[@greyveteran7007]

67U10 here 95-2000 I miss that bird...

[@ninemoonplanet]

That pilot is so good! Nicely done 👍. They've been flying 16 hours/day to move supplies and do evacuating. Thank YOU chopper crew!

[@ninemoonplanet]

Keeping those blades going keeps the chopper from sinking into the wet mud soil. Those things weight tens of tons unloaded.

[@linahanselman-om9xg]

Fact check yourself

[@captaincrustyradio]

Rabbit, this old former Army Guard pilot enjoyed this video. Thank you, brother.❤

[@pnuttheclownh2254]

As a 77 years old/retired/less-abled/bedridden/wheelchaired paraplegic/with PLS-ALS medical conditions. I can only communicate by AAC device, text or email only, I have subscribed, liked. and I am actively watching you and commenting from Quakertown, Pennsylvania, USA.

[@froggynzack]

Sending you lots of love from Nashville TN💜❤️‍🩹💜

[@thehomerworkone3000]

God bless you

[@MikeyDee25]

God Speed dear sir!

[@DraggonCanoe]

Thank you for making my day a lot better. I was poisoned a few years ago and was having a bad day. You made me realize that I am not as bad off as I could be. Stay strong my friend and God bless you!

[@zuzuspetals9281]

Welcome to NC. Sorry you made it for this event, but we need as many eyes on us and the truth as possible. Just like sharing the truth of vets and VA care, we can support each other.

[@karenalvarado5528]

Thank you to all our service members 🙏❤️. God bless all of the people and soldiers 🙏❤️

[@groverwalters6738]

Masterful piece of flying! Thank you to all our service members! ❤️

[@leighreese1780]

Ok THAT is one of the MOST BADASS things I’ve EVER seen!!! God bless the US Army! ❤️

[@chucklesthered2338]

Funny story... many years ago the local county sheriff got help from some state helicopters to fly over certain areas in this county looking for pot grows here in the mountains. They found a grow just over the ridge from where we live but wanted to land somewhere to pickup the sheriff. Since we were the closest to the area, a chopper was landing on a small patch of flat ground not far from our house. My wife had just gotten home from work as they were landing so she was pretty shocked to see a helicopter landing in front of our house. She waited until the rotors stopped and then walked over to the 2 men that climbed out to wait for the arrival of the sheriff. The very first words out of her mouth were "are you lost?". They had a really good laugh.

[@leighreese1780]

@@chucklesthered2338 oh man that is EPIC!

[@FamilyMatterswithAmber]

Gets me so psyched every time! Amazing right!? 💥🇺🇸🫡

[@BrendaSmith-m8b]

There's that miracle I've been praying for you wonderful people. Thank you Jesus. Praying for peace❤❤❤❤

[@VIKING-SON]

This crew and pilot deserve a congressional medal of honor for this action. The skill involved to pilot this aircraft is nothing short of miraculous. I was the Battalion Maintenance Officer during the 90's for a Heavy Lift Chinook helicopter battalion. This aircraft is still one of the best for this type of mission. It is ten times better than any Boeing V-22 Osprey. Plus it doesn't cost a zillion dollars like an Osprey... A retired CWO from the US Army reserves...

[@dallasyap3064]

Except that CV-22 has a much better range and speed than the CH-47.

[@glenncoody]

@@dallasyap3064 Unfortunately, the V-22 reputation is that of a deathtrap. IMHO, it was a solution looking for a problem.

[@fireballshower9716]

I'd like to thank the Screaming Eagles . For your service . Palms 23:1-6 . God Bless America .

[@sandraryan2256]

They need more help,please

[@Dolly-Days]

That was amazing! Never have I seen something that precise before, made it look so easy.

[@KingBluto]

That was an awesome Landing

[@trvman1]

I wonder how many of these pilot's will get some sort of "flying crosses" when this is all said and done. This was no easy landing. However, he did forget to turn on the backup beeping alarm :)

[@HookerDude]

@@trvman1 There's 3 crewmen in the back making sure the helicopter is clear of all obstacles as the pilot maneuvers the Chinook. The aft blade tips are about 75 feet behind the pilots and they can't see a thing back there. And the GIB's (guys in back) are constantly giving movement instructions, such as 10 back, 5 left, 2 down (feet). That's a 5 crew team at its best. The pilots couldn't do that alone. And I've been there. 2000 hours as a Chinook flight engineer.

[@commonpatriot7595]

This reminds me of my dog getting settled in his bed at night. He will hover over his “landing” spot, move around, looks like he’s about to lay down, moves around, and almost lays down, then moves around, and finally flops down on his bed. Lol. But on a serious note, rear job to this crew and thanks.

[@2990rick]

👍👍🙀🙀👍👍

[@7018bluegrass]

Amazing job landing that Beast!🚁

[@AnomadAlaska]

When I lived/worked in Alaska my office looked out at the Chinook base on Fort Wainwright. Those crews could maneuver a shipping container into a shoebox if they needed to. And close the lid after. I watched them do some crazy training exercises.

[@Lex5576]

I've been seeing some of the Chinooks flying to the mountains are taking off from Salisbury at the Army National Guard base. Helicopters have been a lifesaver now more than ever for these communities that are isolated because of washed out roads and bridges. A Chinook can fly in a lot of gear and supplies in one run. So thankful our great nation is blessed with a strong military that's more than capable for the task at hand.

[@BeSmarter2Day]

You guys are awesome! CH47. Omg. I love you all! Thank you for hanging in there!

[@planb2222]

Loved and feared by many! The CH-47F Chinook has an empty weight of 24,578 lbs. and a maximum gross weight of 50,000 lbs. max cruise speed is 160 knots. Can carry 36 personnel (33 troops plus 3 crew members) Minimum crew of 3 (pilot, co-pilot and flight engineer.)

[@dallasyap3064]

I believe if they push its limits, it can carry up to around 55 troops. I remember during a wildfire disaster in California few years ago, a group of people were surrounded by fires everywhere, they couldn't leave by land or water, so they stayed near a lake/river. They waited for about 10-12 hours by the time it was nighttime and all they see was fiery blazes around them (like scenes u can see in movies). Eventually Army Chinooks found them and evacuated them. At least one of the Chinooks carried nearly 100 people onboard I believe.

[@tenacioustortoise7151]

Awesome! Glad you guys are getting the help we been getting taxed for!

[@DavidSmith-jj5pr]

your crew and that crew did a great job. nice to see competent people.

[@jonch47av8r8]

Best US Army & ARNG recruiting incentive on planet earth while providing urgent support services for our citizens in need!

[@sandraryan2256]

Please tell everyone to send more help

[@patriciacave4450]

Yes, all the kids are gonna wanna be this

[@Greezemonkey-n6r]

Absolutely!🇺🇸America's finest!

[@prophez23]

Those CH47's are some bad ass helicopters. Faster than a Blackhawk actually. Hella crew running this bird they picked a hard spot to land but their skill level is best of the best for this very thing. Good luck with the rescue missions.

[@rileydj8764]

Faster than cobras and Apaches too. They are the Fastest US military helicopters.

[@DeborahKeagy]

I love my Country. GOD BLESS AMERICA……❤❤❤

[@ES-bl1wy]

🇺🇲❤🇺🇲❤️🇺🇲❤️🇺🇲🦅❤️🦅❤️🙏🏼

[@Norunormii]

Love your country and the people who live there with but don’t ever love your government. Which they are not govern over anything because all of us are free people, born free.

[@jibbygonewrong2458]

Please vote red. Our lives depend on it

[@mt_gox]

@@Norunormii without government all you "free people" would be living in shacks in the ozarks

[@yessicacruzjess]

This was a fabulous video, i giggled and felt like a little kid right next to you in the grass.. best feeling that chopper air....

[@clancycreations]

Holy amazaballs!!! 😱😍😱 Thank you SO much for sharing this! THIS is the America I was raised to believe in! 💜

[@MCM898]

My husband and I were wondering where in earth a copter could land in Little Switzerland. So glad to see they are up there, finally

[@VitalityMassage]

I'm glad he landed safely. I live in Burnsville, NC very close to Little Switzerland. I remember those days when there was craploads of those copters flying over our valley.

[@JakeNeutgens]

We’re from Minnesota! Very cool video of us coming in! Stay safe

[@froggynzack]

What an amazing job!! So thankful for the men and women who serve our xountry no matter what branch they are from. Thank you for your service. Love from Nashville.

[@blk77sunshn]

That was AWESOME !!!!! I was waiting for the song, FLIGHT OF THE VALKYRIES, to start playing !!!! Great job guys !!!!!

[@MrJohn49g]

That was some nice flying by the crew.

[@tamelarich77]

I can't believe how good everything looks! Even the flowers are blooming!

[@tenngirl4trump]

This is what my friend Chris Donaldson flew in Afghanistan. He was KIA in Afghanistan on 5/5/06

[@arribaficationwineho32]

Waste of life and talent

[@lynnedwyer6716]

Very sorry for his and your loss.

[@Russojap2]

Wow, great views from that place, would like to visit it someday. Greetings from East Tennessee 🤠

[@technologyt.angela.8150]

It has the best views in NC. Wonderful family who own, run the Inn. Well worth the visit!

[@hollyjensen2371]

that was just beyond amazing!Nice... no haters commenting (and grateful to see them have to finally STFU). Blessings and safety to all of you down there. Been sending what I can in donations, its not much, but pennies turn to dollars turn to basic needs met for fellow americans.

[@rats2themoon]

OMG! that WAS the most spectacular thing you have ever filmed…EVER!!!!!! HANDS DOWN!!!!! UH MAY ZING!!!!!!

[@kirknelson235]

I am seeing these beauties flying out of the base here in Va. Beach all the time. God bless them!

[@SpookyEng1]

Such a tragedy. I have stayed there on a motorcycle trip through the blue ridge. Beautiful country and beautiful people. Great job by the Chinook crew!

[@amftpt]

Rock solid hovering.

[@axebeard7677]

That was incredible piloting skills. I’m never gonna complain about backing the boat in again. This guy just nestled a massive chopper into a tiny spot. So awesome

[@DavidWilliams-gq2jb]

What a COOL video! Thx for sharing. Stay strong up there, sending love, prayers and money!

[@DubWubs]

There's zero reason the national guard wasn't there immediately carrying out rescue missions and air drops all around the state

[@Are_Guy936]

Agreed

[@RedRubyFarm]

That’s what they’re for isn’t it?!

[@JamesWeaver-n4t]

They were ready, but were not allowed to go.

[@frankrizzo5967]

national guard and even coast guard were doing flight missions right away.

[@ZHBraden13]

Uuh You people do realize who the National Guard of those states is right? They are the PEOPLE who got caught up in this mess, lost their house, their vehicles, are cut off, lost family members, or dead etc. Kinda hard to help others when your in that mess as well.

[@Treasuremonk]

He’s probably trying to tell you to go down there and get all those chairs off that cement pad so he could land there

[@navret1707]

Wow, it’s not often you see someone parallel park a CH-47. The ground effect off that slope must have been a *itch. Not bad for a loose formation of nuts and bolts going in the same general direction says the retired fixed wing NFO.

[@sfc.m]

MN Army Guard, parking a bus in the compact slot, and made that look easy too,... 😉

[@CarolGernand]

Wow I found out I was holding my breath the entire time, watching that thing try to land. I am assuming it came in to evacuate people from the area? I know Hoyt at Big Lynn Lodge had a lot of folks that he was needing to get evacuated. Thanks for sharing. Just wow. :)

[@mountaingirl5013]

Glad to see ya'll! What a way to get an update on ya'll! Beautiful. Hope you are doing as well as you can up there. Prayers and thoughts with you all.

[@FamilyMatterswithAmber]

Dude! 😎 The one videoing....BAD ASS THANK YOU SO MUCH FOR BEING BRAVE ENOUGH YOURSELF RO GET RIGHT IN THERE! 💥😅

[@unclemikeb]

Those are awesome helos. First time I ran up in one I could not believe how huge it was inside. It's like a flying bus. The ones we had in 1968 Nam could lift ten tons of equipment. They probably are stronger now. This is the perfect helo to move large amounts of goods as a relief effort. Once a safe landing area has been marked they could come and go several times each day with all the necessary items folks need to survive.

[@j.d.7574]

Kudos to that pilot and crew and God bless you.

[@0001-r3o]

This gave me chills. Memory of Vietnam.

[@lisatesneary332]

Bless you, Thanks for your service🫡♥️🙏🏻

[@miskaknapek]

great video - many thanks for it. I used to live near one of the main Berlin (Germany) hospitals, and you'd have rescue flights every 10-15 minutes, through most the day. The sound of the EC-135 is great.

[@thatsmyrc]

pure awesomeness what a rush it must of been to experience this live in action!

[@patdurkin5642]

THE RABBIT RULES👍🇺🇸🇺🇸🇺🇸👍

[@kswalker75]

My family and I were just there back mid June staying for a few days!!! Glad to see the property is ok. We love this place!!

[@Generally_Specific]

8:00 lol AIRBORNE!! You would have made an awesome Paratrooper Rabbit!

[@steve7730]

One hell of a LZ, one hell of a Hello Driver

[@raghknarrscott1790]

I served aboard the USS OGDEN LPD-5 as an LSE (Landing Signalman Enlisted) in 1979 & 1980 and helped Literally Hundreds (if not a thousand or more) of these Chinook Pilots to land on pitching & rolling decks only a few yards square. If any LSE’ trained Sailors are available to help these brave men & women pilots to land in tight dangerous environments it would be infinitely less stress full for all involved. We have the trained personal, even a Vert-Rep dropped LSE into the intended LZ could be of enormous benefit !

[@lesliepadgett5481]

Amen glory to God in the highest and All the people helping others out God bless you all in his name Amen 🙏🙌😊❤

[@JoseyWales-ed]

That’s badass!!

[@claztube]

That's Talent with Steel Nerves and the Height of Human Dexterity fully on display.👍 Let's Go AMERICA 🏁 TRUMP/VANCE 2024 💪🏻 Make America Strong Again!

[@AmericanGirl6128]

I'm always Heart. Thank You 🙏

[@13-3ddbi]

got a video of that unit coming over barnardsville saturday evening when we were up helping clear roads!

[@karlhoffman5290]

There we go!! Awesome. Happy those folks got some help

[@willfriar8054]

I stayed there with my family for a weekend about 30 years ago. I'm glad that it didn't fall down.

[@susanroper8328]

Very impressive! 👏🥰

[@GeorgeJones-qu6hg]

Amazing skill!!

[@DudeGuyWho]

Had lunch there with a buddy last year... would have never thought I'd see one of these landing there.

[@Marc_Gagne]

Awesome! I LUV American Eggbeaters!

[@natasha5141]

🤘 You are F....Real and You are Awesome!!!🤘

[@ChrisWojcik-v9t]

What an exciting and wonderful video thank you

[@MacMcGregor1962-e5l]

Slow and steady ❤

[@MrCoopersdad]

Love this video ! ! !

[@keithguidry2841]

I hope you're alright Rabbit and Lion!

[@f0rumrr]

Thats one hell of a pilot.

[@AmericanGirl6128]

Thank You 🙏🎉

[@perry5598]

We're here in Florida, my wife's Aunt has a chalet on top the mountain of Little Switzerland her driveway is treacherous even in the best of times. You can't access it during the winter. We don't know how her place has fared after the Storm.

[@stevenkaskus6173]

Awesome piloting skills

[@HawaiiTunya]

GOD BLESS AMERICA! ❤🇺🇸

[@raf4887]

I played Transformers Skorpenok music with it ... AWESOME.

[@griddlemethis8804]

Well done US Army! You guys rock!

[@mountainmyst9026]

I saw a couple of them flying over Boone / Blowing Rock on the way west yesterday.....this one's color looked familiar.

[@4catsnow]

That starter battery must look like a suppository for King Kong...

[@patriciacave4450]

Lol😂 … you can give it to King Kong. I’m not lol

[@eileenh4772]

Thanks ❤

[@meltcmelinda4012]

What an outstanding master of this huge chopper, she seems alive as the pilot brings her in slow and set her down to rest. Thanks to the USA Army and all the armed forces that are still coming to help WNC. We thank you and thank God that he is the keeper of our lives on into eternal life.

[@maryelkins611]

So very cool to see one up close! Thanks for sharing!!

[@CC777PATRIOT]

I 🦅🇺🇸🦅 *LOVE* HEARING THAT SOUND!! Whenever they fly over my house (usually in pairs) I run out onto my back deck & raise my hands in the air, in a fist pump motion (like an excited kid) and say outloud: *THANK YOU & GOD BLESS AMERICA!!!*

[@jackfrost5794]

Good job on this video Bro! ⭐!! Wow, I could almost feel it through the screen....😳👍

[@barbara1314]

Wow you are so excited! 👍🇺🇸🌟 God bless y'all ✝️

[@barbara1314]

Lucky for getting to see that land. Thanks for sacrificing your ears to record it for us! ❤️🐎

[@Generally_Specific]

Supporting!

[@trippcollins6118]

Freakin' great example of American Exceptionalism. No other country in the world can train, mobilize, equip, coordinate, and deploy a crew like this and 'copter to a patch of grass in Little Switzerland with the competence displayed. That's a stellar example of my tax dollar at work!

[@TheBenghaziRabbit]

Agreed

[@Joseph-c4b1y]

Wow great video and thanks for the smile and chuckle it gave me, watched many videos of the storm and most if not all are heartbreaking 🇺🇸🦅👍🏻

[@DoveF73]

Love you guys

[@aspec404]

Exactly where our forces should be in times like these. All of our resources should be here helping and getting good practice and experience in so when the next emergency comes, we are better prepared with response times. Every tool we have should be here working as well as all hands, folks should be getting sick of seeing OD green. These states should be flooded with military resources. I can't think of a better place for our soldiers to be working and I'm sure our soldiers would agree.

[@jfb3567]

Anselm Franz’s T-55 turboshaft engines (since 1955). Powering the Chinook since 1961 Upgraded over the decades of course

[@ponderrosie4975]

Why were they there? The back of the CH47 looked empty? Have you seen any of them bringing in fuel (TEMPERATURES are dropping in the MOUNTAINS) or temporary bridges (or Engineers and equipment) or bobcats/back hoes (to clear debris)? So far I have found a whole bunch of videos of Chinooks landing. I grew up on military bases. Seeing them in the sky or land - impressive, sure. But right now can anyone share what they are actually doing? I want to know what their MISSION is and WHY it took them so long to get there!

[@TnTAdventuresPhotography]

Evac. The 221 and 321 washed out.

[@lulkLogan]

@@TnTAdventuresPhotography You're presenting facts to a person that doesn't care about facts. They just want to be angry, loudly, on the internet.

[@HSHTX]

What they are doing? Uhhhh evacuating people that had gathered at the mtg spot. Folks who lost everything, etc. Is that a good enough reason

[@technologyt.angela.8150]

​@@lulkLogan sir, you're not in the thick of it 12 days after the storm and this is THE FIRST help of any kind you've seen. People have a legitimate reason to ask this question. Not just in Little Switzerland, but all over the affected areas. We're the tax payers, they are our employees. When you remember that, maybe you won't be so snarky about someone asking a simple question.

[@marvinjohnson424]

Amen brother it looked empty to me also. We were supplied a lot in Tonkin Gulf with CH47 but it always had a full cargo net each trip.🤔🇺🇸

[@markwalton5138]

That takes talent to hover in ground effect like that, as well as backing the aircraft in “to the loading dock”. Hats off to out Army pilots (all military pilots) 🇺🇸