My FIRST SOLO in the R44 Helicopter | Rutland Water & Steep Approach

#R44Helicopter #flyingsolo
My development as a pilot continues, this time with my first solo flight in the R44 helicopter. I've worked hard over the last few months to build time in this aircraft on various dual flights which means I will be able to take passengers on trips soon. As this is an additional type rating I wasn't 'sent solo' during the training so today, with my updated licence in hand, I'm going solo myself.
It feels quite different flying this aircraft so I go for a short local to boost my confidence. It's a very busy day as the weather is good and with restrictions on flying only recently lifted the radio is almost non-stop on East Midlands Radar. Thanks for watching!
If you like my films and want to support me, you can buy me a coffee here - www.buymeacoffee.com/RoryOnAir
Gear list | Flight hours | Blog & more - www.roryonair.com
Join me on Patreon - / roryonair
Facebook - / roryonair
Instagram - / roryauskerry
Twitter - / roryauskerry
Get 10% off Flying Eyes sunglasses - Awesome shades designed for pilots! flyingeyesoptics.com/eyewear/...
That EHEST document I mentioned about helicopter approaches to off airfield landing sites is here: www.easa.europa.eu/sites/defa...

[@barries7957]

Bit behind with my channel watching. Nice first solo Rory .. on a very busy day day too. Well Done Captain !

[@RoryOnAir]

Thanks very much for watching. 👍

[@theflyingfool]

Heehee, "we'll do an anticlockwise lap around this island" and then you proceed around in a clockwise manner ;) Capacity issue? Nice video though Rory!

[@RoryOnAir]

Ha ha - good spot! Yes, bust have been that I think. I tend to turn left with pax onboard to give them a better view so maybe something to do with that. 🤷🏼‍♂️

[@Jerichoom]

Your day always gets better when 'Juggernaught' and co is doing some casual VFR in your area! Love Apaches.

[@RoryOnAir]

Ha ha - yes it certainly made my ears prick up!

[@ahcmit]

Great video Rory, and I love that ATC controller, she is just like a good mum making sure you are keeping a good lookout

[@RoryOnAir]

Ha ha - yes I suppose it is a bit like that, yes! Thanks for watching.

[@togacontrol6153]

Agreed. She is absolutely amazing. By far my favourite controller

[@capt.imanuddinyunusshmh.6549]

Congratsszzz.... I like when you using kneeboard. ..congratsszz

[@RoryOnAir]

Thanks!

[@J2onton]

Thanks for the ride. John.

[@RoryOnAir]

Glad you could join me John. 👍

[@J2onton]

@@RoryOnAir ... Cheers

[@TheFlyingReporter]

Great video Rory. Keep up the good work.

[@RoryOnAir]

Thanks Jon. 👍👍

[@davidwatkins594]

Well done Rory, that was a brilliant flight for your first R44 solo. The video shows just how much more pronounced the pendulum effect of the R44 has over the Cabri. You proved that just like modern cars, the touch screen for inputting data, is much harder to use than proper knobs or buttons when you need to concentrate on other things.

[@RoryOnAir]

Yeah, I have to agree with you about buttons. They are easier to correctly locate and operate in a moving vehicle. The R44 is indeed much more pendulous.

[@andymugridge5034]

And another excellent video 👏👍

[@RoryOnAir]

Cheers Andy. 👍

[@sunshinecatcher8779]

Looks amazing

[@RoryOnAir]

Thanks, it was a lovely day for it!

[@glennwatson]

I got my fixed wing instructor a voucher for an hour flight in a rotary to thank him for getting me through my fixed wing license. Then I flew down in a r44 to the same class D airport for circuit lessons. He had a ball and was able to hover in 45 minutes. And in typical fashion my less than stellar take off happened when he was looking on. Awesome adventure as always Rory.

[@RoryOnAir]

That’s a very nice thing to do! I hope my students do that for me when I become an FI. 👍

[@FlightMariner]

Great video Rory.

[@RoryOnAir]

Thanks!

[@coffeeguy6673]

Nice one Rory...lovely countryside around Leicestershire...I've been flying the Airbus H135 from EGBG in MSFS2020....I can only imagine the awesomeness ( is that a word ?!! ) of flying for real. Don't forget, if you want a passenger I'm more than happy to join you and help with any costs ( as long as not astronomical of course ) ;-) cheers, stay safe, Daz.

[@RoryOnAir]

I would love to have MFS2020 but I know if I get it I’ll never get any work done. James clearly hasn’t told you how experience helicopters are! Thanks for watching. 👍

[@coffeeguy6673]

@@RoryOnAir It is addictive I must admit. I can imagine it is very expensive to fly, I won't hassle you again for any rides, you've prob got a ton of friends and family that want to help you out there ! I will probably buy one of the experiences available and have a proper go at the controls ;-)

[@LetsGoFlying]

The R44 is such a beast! Looks absolutely mega to fly.

[@RoryOnAir]

Thanks Nick. It took a few hours to get used to the T-Bar but it’s actually a really nice aircraft to fly.

[@helicopterovirtual-msfs6254]

Excelente

[@philipgledhill7227]

I rory hope you are well buddy. Brilliant video as usual. You have got the experience with the other helicopters you just need to keep practicing in the r44.and you will reach the point of perfection phil. Nice to see you I will look forward to the next take care and happy flying rory phil.

[@RoryOnAir]

Thanks for watching Phil.

[@coleschofield4044]

flying like a professionial as always, nice job Rory!

[@RoryOnAir]

Thank you - I’m doing my best. 👍

[@WheelchairWonders]

Hi Rory.. I remember flying as a passenger in an R44 back before wheelchair days. We flew all around Co. Galway and Co. Mayo for an afternoon in the west of Ireland and landed for afternoon tea at Ashford Castle. I have a few photos of the day. It was my friend's way of ridding me of my fear of flying in a helicopter. Thank you for the video once again.. (Phil - Standish)

[@RoryOnAir]

That sounds like a cracking trip Phil! I’d love to fly around Ireland one day. Thanks for watching.

[@alanblack9540]

What a day to take to the skies. Visually stunning as always. Congrats on the first solo robinson outing. Its an impressive machine flown by a very capable and competent airman. Thanks for your efforts as always.

[@RoryOnAir]

Thank you very much Alan, that’s very kind of you. Lots more 44 action to come.

[@thamesking]

Great video Rory. I watched your earlier training videos last year and wondered how you've been doing since. Now back to find you've qualified. Well done! Now subscribed to follow your new career!

[@RoryOnAir]

Welcome back and thanks for subscribing. I feel like I’ve come a long way in the last 18 months but there’s lots more to do.

[@amfwelsh]

Great stuff Rory love watching your flights

[@RoryOnAir]

Thanks a lot Ant. Loads more coming.

[@garydell2023]

You looked confident. Not nervous at all. Thank you

[@RoryOnAir]

Cheers Gary.

[@musoseven8218]

Nice one Rory, well done!

[@RoryOnAir]

Cheers 🍻

[@BS25BaldEagle]

Great job there again Rory. Well done. Wonderful flight. Thanks for having me along.

[@RoryOnAir]

Thanks for riding along with me. 👍

[@coffeeguy6673]

I could have added some ballast for you Rory, lol ! James will tell you , I'm a bit of a chunky chap.

[@RoryOnAir]

Ha ha ha - well that would kind of defeat the idea of a solo sortie. 😉😂

[@coffeeguy6673]

@@RoryOnAir I know , can't blame me for trying though hehe....during my service in the RAF back in the 80s I was lucky enough to go up in the helo squadrons it was my job to support, Chinook, Puma and Gazelle, loved it. I shoulda done better at school !

[@JoeRichardson02]

Nice flying rory, picked a good day for it too!

[@RoryOnAir]

Thanks Joe, yes cracking weather. Everyone was out!

[@gmcl2780]

Great job! Nice looking chopper, brings back memories of learning to fly the R22 years ago. :-))

[@RoryOnAir]

Thanks. I’ve done an hour in a 22 - this machine is a bit more suited to my size!

[@imaner76]

Solid flight. nicely done.

[@RoryOnAir]

Thank you!

[@johnsingleton774]

Great stuff Rory really enjoying your progress, look forward to see you flying Lizzie over to Auskerry one day to make your dream complete :-)

[@RoryOnAir]

It’s booked in for the next few weeks so I’m keeping everything crossed we get some high pressure! Thanks for watching.

[@SC-qs3xq]

Nice video Rory! Really enjoyed it - you have a great presenting style and talk through of what you're doing. Just returned to flying the R44 myself following Lockdown and like you been doing a few hours solo to build confidence prior to taking passengers. Look forward to your future videos!

[@RoryOnAir]

Cracking stuff - glad you’re getting back in the air. I’m really pleased you like my video style - lots more videos in the R44 to come. 👍

[@kevchilton908]

It's good to watch your progress, Rory. Your workload and stress may have increased, but you handled yourself admirably. Keep up the good work and keep enjoying yourself. Your dream job is just around the corner! 👌

[@RoryOnAir]

Thanks Kevin. The dream job will be fabulous when the time comes but I’m really enjoying the journey getting there. Thanks for watching as always.

[@JodelFlyer]

Looks like a great machine Rory. I enjoyed the slick video, which was well put together and I liked the honest commentary, voice over and ending to camera. All in all, a really excellent watch and looking forward to the film of a 4 up flight in due course.

[@RoryOnAir]

Thanks a million Tim. The next video with Ben Atkinson is great - almost finished the edit. I really enjoy flying the R44.

[@jason2e1hko59]

You’ve brightened up my day Rory 😎 looking out of my window now from my kitchen under the FRZ for Leicester 🌧🌧🌧 Great Vid, look forward to the next 👍

[@RoryOnAir]

Thank you - I hoped it would cheer people up while the weather is lousy.

[@flycow69]

As much as I enjoyed watching your videos. You’re already nervous and your instructor is watching you from safe distance so I wonder why you are filming at the same time. I had to buy a cup of coffee for Lizzy too.

[@RoryOnAir]

Thanks Frank. I set the cameras up and leave them before I begin the flight so they don’t distract me at all from the flying tasks. I’m used to cameras and mics as I have a background in broadcasting so it doesn’t phase me as it can do for some people who aren’t used to it.

[@ShoestringMedia]

Well done Rory lovely flying great helicopter the 44

[@RoryOnAir]

Thank you!

[@christianhill3426]

Really useful insight into the differences vs fixed wing, as I plan to start helicopter training soon to convert from my fixed wing ppl. Many thanks!

[@RoryOnAir]

Excellent stuff - good luck with your heli training.

[@davidallen9526]

Impressive. Well Done. CONGRATULATIONS !!

[@RoryOnAir]

Thanks very much David. 🚁👍

[@dickmoore7341]

Well that was a great way to start the weekend, taking a ride along is perfect just like your flying skills. You did have one of your shoulder straps twisted but you were a busy guy. Can't wait to see the next size bigger you fly next. Maybe a 6 seater like I took a ride around Paris on. Keep up the great work Captain!!! ;-)

[@RoryOnAir]

Thanks Dick. Yes as soon as I loaded up the footage and saw I had twisted the strap I was like 🤦🏼‍♂️🤦🏼‍♂️🙄. I’m sure bigger machines will come in good time.

[@SimonAmazingClarke]

That looks like great fun. It is always different being in something bigger than normal or when the instructor isn't there. Reminds me of driving an RV in America. I knew that I could manage it, but it made me sweat.

[@RoryOnAir]

Yes, you’re right - it’s a step up and adds to the pressure. I’m much more relaxed in the R44 now though. Cheers, Rory

[@martinbguk]

Great video as normal Rory. I wish my in video chat was as slick as yours.

[@RoryOnAir]

Thank you! A degree in TV & Radio production and over 10 years working for the BBC put to good use. 😁

[@richardkaberry8790]

Great video Rory and loved that overflight of Hambleton Hall. I want to take my wife there sometime

[@RoryOnAir]

It’s a beautiful looking place with a nice menu according to the website. A bit out of my price range though!

[@edwardoliver2086]

The Apaches are pretty cool, even for helicopters😁

[@RoryOnAir]

Ha ha - thanks Edward. :)

[@michaelherriott9230]

Welldone Rory nice to see you solo in the R44 on nice day like yesterday i went out to a garden centre with my wife regards Mike [video first class}*****

[@RoryOnAir]

Cheers Michael. It was a lovely day for it indeed.

[@irisaviation852]

Great video, I was talking to my wife about Hambleton Hall yesterday! I remember going there and thinking it would be nice to go with a helicopter. We changed our transponder for the ‘button’. We had a ‘twist and push’ before and by the time we had sorted it, I had forgotten the rest of the message!

[@RoryOnAir]

I noticed you had the button version - it’s so much easier than the rotary (which we had in the microlight) and touchscreen in here. I think Hambleton looks very nice. Thanks for watching. 👍

[@gordonkerr1]

Rory, you definitely don't need your I-pad to orientate yourself today! You can basically see from one side of the country to the other! :-)) I'm really enjoying watching your progress, well done.

[@RoryOnAir]

Thanks Gordon. Yes the viz was fab for this trip but I always like to have it. It’s more about the airspace around East Midlands and the Wittering Matz - it’s good to see at a glance where that is.

[@tomholmez1236]

oohh nice one

[@RoryOnAir]

Cheers Tom. 👌

[@cjbiz69]

Well done buddy, another great video! Get absolutely everything you can from these flights, 15+ years later and some of my best memories are from trips like these. Great to see such a professional approach to the way you operate too, one day that CRM awareness will be very useful when you’re trying to appease some grumpy cops or paramedics onboard 😉 👏🏻

[@RoryOnAir]

Thanks Craig, this means a lot coming from you. Cops and paramedics can sometimes be grumpy!? I don’t believe that... pilots are never grumpy! 😂😉

[@cjbiz69]

@@RoryOnAir maybe just when they’re working with me! I only jest, the crux of the job is managing expectations and building the team to make sure you can do your job as best you can....stuff you’ll learn a lot about with a 44 full of enthusiastic passengers 😉🚁

[@riverbankfisher]

That twin-handled cyclic lever that Robinson patented for their helicopters has always looked a bit dicey to me. I do realize that either of the two handles can be detached so that a front seat passenger doesn't mistakenly grab the cyclic to steady themselves, but even so, that hydra-headed Robinson cyclic just looks cumbersome and less convenient for a relaxed grip than a conventional cyclic control lever.

[@RoryOnAir]

You get used to it and it’s really not too bad. There are risks with it but it’s easier to rig / de-rig than most conventional cyclics I’ve seen. Thanks for watching.

[@BenAtkinsonVideos]

Spot on !! As ever Rory. It’s such an impressive bit of kit, nicely flown!

[@RoryOnAir]

Thanks mate. Looking forward to sharing the video from our flight in a couple of weeks.

[@flyingkub]

I like you method on new aircraft, it reflects what I have done all through my flying.

[@RoryOnAir]

Thanks. It’s always struck me as sensible to start slowly with a new aircraft.

[@flyingkub]

@@RoryOnAir Yes "Get to be friends with it before you introduce your friends to it.", was what my old instructor told us.

[@RoryOnAir]

@@flyingkub that’s a superb saying!

[@flyingkub]

@@RoryOnAir It was a long time ago but he made a big impression that has kept with me.

[@ericg69er]

Well .......you didn't stir the soup.....good one. 👏

[@RoryOnAir]

Thanks. Yes, I think everyone does that to begin with but I’ve managed to kick that habit I think. 🤞

[@Steeyuv]

I wouldn’t have worried about your standard of radio work, especially when I compare it with that of the Apache formation. Not as impressed with them as I expected...

[@RoryOnAir]

Ha ha yes well far be it for me to critique our military friends but some of the RT was somewhat ‘non standard’ for sure!

[@GolfFoxtrot22]

You could tell how busy the day was and it was interesting to note the capacity reduction CRM is quite an interesting topic, unless I'm just really sad. I've noticed the addition of the 360 camera, does it cause you more work in the edit. I couldn't get on with mine. Enjoyed it Rory.

[@RoryOnAir]

Thank you! Yes, I was a bit more maxed out on this one but it’s amazing how quickly you get the feel for it. A few hours later and I’m much more relaxed. The 360 is great for capturing everything but it is a pain to edit. I’m hoping a computer upgrade will help.

[@GolfFoxtrot22]

@@RoryOnAir It seems the phone app has more functionality than the desk app. The phone app can do face tracking, the desktop app can't. You'd think it would be the other way around. Great video and all for the journey of a lifetime.

[@RoryOnAir]

@@GolfFoxtrot22 yes, I tend to just load the raw stuff into premiere and edit it there. It’s a slow process!

[@fortheride5527]

Loving your videos Rory, thinking of putting a GoPro in the R22 but how do you mount it (I would imagine different to the 44) and how do you record radio. Any advice would be welcomed:)

[@mikeyswingsacrossthesky2244]

Yet another brilliant flight, whilst building your flying skills your old radio days make for a great calm presenting style. Do you think making these videos actually helps you with procedures as you include them in commentary and all of us armchair pilots waiting to pull you up?

[@RoryOnAir]

Well if only all the ‘armchair pilots’ were like you! Yeah, I think it probably does help as it’s an extra layer of accountability.

[@davidcartwright5591]

Yet another smashing video Rory . I’ve followed your adventures a long time , and take my hat off to you . You set your goals and went for them , well done and here’s to many more exciting times ahead . Cheers .

[@RoryOnAir]

Thanks a million David. Great that you’ve stuck with me. Lots more ‘firsts’ and new challenges ahead.

[@denzil932]

Hi Rory, I see you had a 360 camera on the back of the left seat. What was it, and were you happy with it? Did you look at the insta 360? Really enjoyed your video, as always.

[@RoryOnAir]

Hi, it is indeed an insta 360. It gets pretty good results as you can see, but it’s a pain to edit as the files are large and cumbersome.

[@paulbury2366]

Great video, as always Rory, the 44 is a nice bit of kit, I hope to get more time flying it this year and then do my 206 rating. Random question about flying eyes , which ones do you recommend ?

[@RoryOnAir]

Thanks Paul - it’s a great machine. I love the sunset mirrored kestrels. They aren’t cheap but they are absolutely brilliant with the headset. You can get 10% with my link which is in my blog along with some pics here: www.roryauskerry.com/blog/flying-eyes-sunglasses/

[@paulbury2366]

@@RoryOnAir Thanks mate , ill have a look at them and use your code - Is anything cheap in aviation lol

[@RoryOnAir]

@@paulbury2366 ha ha - no you’re right there. 😂

[@john3Lee]

Hi Rory - I assume that squawking 7000 is an unassigned squawk code that the next frequency you tune to, knows that they need to re-identify you, so that a new code can be issued? Cheers... Great use of 360 camera..... Plus thumbs up from me...

[@RoryOnAir]

Thanks very much John. Yes, 7000 is the VFR conspicuity code so it means you're not tied to any particular ground station. Once you put on a specific code it shows you are speaking to a specific station like 4571 is a common one to be given by East Midlands Radar, 1177 is common to London Information.

[@john3Lee]

@@RoryOnAir Thanks for information Rory.....

[@togacontrol6153]

Like rory said 7000 is VFR conspicuity. 4571 is an East Midlands Specific conspicuity code and only shows other radars and TMA units who is working the traffic. It doesn't mean your identified. Codes like 4550-4557 are used on traffic service as you have to be identified.

[@aceace5457]

good to see you rory lol

[@RoryOnAir]

Cheers Ace.

[@aceace5457]

@@RoryOnAir your welcome rory if only i could walk talk and move normally i would come up to see you but disability after a brain heammorage etc really puts you down but keep at it rory .

[@RoryOnAir]

@@aceace5457 well I’m glad you’re able to enjoy the videos at least.

[@aceace5457]

@@RoryOnAir thats the thing i can only do plus make tea with help of course lol keep up the good work rory .

[@subculture-records]

Augusta 109A is a great helicopter, Robinson however..! I wouldn't even walk near one.

[@RoryOnAir]

Thanks for watching. The 109 was good fun.

[@crisjpalmer]

Awesome video, as always. That cyclic control looks so awkward compared to a regular control column. Did it take long to get used to it? Does the R44 feel more or less stable in level flight? Does the Hyd assist make it more twitchy? Or does the extra mass make it feel a bit more solid and planted?

[@RoryOnAir]

Thanks Chris. It took a couple of hours to get used to but it’s actually fine. It feels very stable in level flight, probably more so than the Cabri as it’s bigger. The Hydraulics don’t make it more twitchy, just much lighter and easier to fly with your fingertips.

[@crisjpalmer]

@@RoryOnAir Awesome, thanks for the feedback, I have always been fascinated by rotorcraft. If only they were as cheap to operate, as their fixed wing counterparts.

[@RoryOnAir]

@@crisjpalmer ha ha - I agree!

[@johnfitzpatrick2469]

G, day Rory on air channel from Sydney, Australia. Solo in the R44 after 18 Hrs that's good work. *Is it an endorsement or rating? *Has Helicentre a Bell? *What about working for the Crown for rotor wing jet turbine? I thought we were all going to a cafe: obviously no? R44 🏈🇭🇲

[@RoryOnAir]

Hi John. This is a rating so its specifically stated on my licence. Helicentre used to use Jetrangers but not anymore and I can't wait to get rated on a turbine. There will be plenty of cafe action in the next couple of videos I'll be releasing.

[@ForFunFlyer]

Interesting stuff, Rory! Is the power pedal in this helicopter opposite to the other one?

[@RoryOnAir]

Spot on Jolmer. This is an anti-clockwise rotor so the cabin wants to spin clockwise with the torque reaction. Therefore the left pedal is the power pedal in this and all other anti clock machines. The Cabri is a clockwise system to Right foot is power in that. 👍

[@ForFunFlyer]

@@RoryOnAir OK, then confirmed it is 😋 The AS350 of Craig (that film pilot friend of mine) has the same tendency as the Cabri? His tail rotor is at the starbord side, blowing air to the RH side, so turning clockwise, to counteract counter clockwise?

[@RoryOnAir]

@@ForFunFlyer yeah the squirrel is a clockwise rotor also so the cabin wants to rotate to the left, hence the TR pushing its wash to the right.

[@ForFunFlyer]

@@RoryOnAir Aha, got it. Funny how one really has to think about those things. Very impressive machines for sure...

[@wam2610]

#thumbsup

[@Ronald7077]

4 stripes already on shoulders👍 I am wondering after microlight licence what was the total cost to get you to this point ?

[@RoryOnAir]

Yes, now with a CPL(H)! I’m thinking about doing a video about costs at some point - I’ll have to do some sums to work it out.

[@ableese2068]

"We just raise the collective off the stop and we get the horn." Does this happen every time, Rory, or just on the first solo?

[@RoryOnAir]

Ha ha ha - you’re the first person to pick up on this. It makes me laugh every time I say it to myself. 😂 I’m over half way through your excellent book already and thoroughly enjoying it.

[@ableese2068]

@@RoryOnAir Cheers Rory, I'm glad that we both have a schoolboy sense of humour - that may explain why you're enjoying the book.

[@RoryOnAir]

@@ableese2068 Very much so - I've laughed a lot.

[@miller745]

How quick were the CAA at returning your licence with the new R44 type rating?

[@RoryOnAir]

That took about 10 - 12 days I think.

[@waynekerrr9027]

Rory..what sort of cost is involved to pass for a licence of helicopter from start to finish please ????

[@RoryOnAir]

Well the integrated CPL H course I was on gets you from zero to qualified commercial pilot for about £60,000.

[@waynekerrr9027]

@@RoryOnAir Many thanks Rory, appreciate it 👍👍👍

[@lookingforwookiecopilot]

Why didn't you remove the instructor grip on the cyclic?

[@RoryOnAir]

No real reason to when I’m flying alone and it was going to be used duel again after me.

[@lookingforwookiecopilot]

@@RoryOnAir It'd feel weird having that thing sticking up like that when I'm alone,...but to each his own I guess.

[@defender714]

Wearing a lot of uniform for first solo. Are you a Squadron commander