The Checkride! | Helicopter Flight Training VLOG

After just over a year and a little over 50 hours, I finally took my Private Pilot Helicopter Add-On checkride in the R-44.
#FlightTraining
#HeloVLOG

[@Impulse21s]

"It's a happy ending to a good story". Once again, the Writer nailed it. Great Job Mover!

[@ripgfa]

I think it’s fitting with your motto of making them tell you no that you showed the persistence to get this completed. You wouldn’t take no multiple times with what was thrown at you. Congrats on your achievement

[@HappyBear376]

Lester is like a proud uncle. Congratulations and thanks for the great seris.

[@Skyrat12]

I just LOVE seeing Lester with a smile!

[@vonw.3294]

Right. He rarely smiles, but when he does it means a lot! going to miss seeing him. Hopefully he can be a guest on Mover's channel in the future.

[@Docholliday1106]

He's like a proud papa, and rightfully so, it must be extremely gratifying to see a pupil pass.

[@CakePrincessCelestia]

Innit bruv

[@rusnsc7622]

Good deal, have really enjoyed this series. Will miss seeing good ole’Lester. Again congrats Mover.

[@kenklein4783]

Congratulations Mover! I’ve been with you since the start of this journey. I had every confidence you would complete it.

[@lenator100]

you can tell lester really loved being your flight instructor. as a CFI myself its the relationships with students that make the job as great as it is

[@arthurpearson3407]

Great series with the flying and personal interaction with Lester. As a CFII I understand the relationship that’s built as you go through training and desire to see students gain valuable experience, develop safe habits leading to success and the elation as they progress through each stage and achieve that goal.

[@cjc_0167]

I've enjoyed the entire helo series thoroughly. Congratulations Mover and Thank You for taking us along. 😉

[@HankNinja]

Thanks to both Mover and Lester! Great memories. I remember hearing the theme song the first time and giggling. I remember worrying about Lester after his incident. I remember the relief at seeing him healthy again. Looks like you fellas formed a great friendship!

[@Quotenwagnerianer]

I think it was a really great move of you to wait for Lester's recovery. I imagine that not that many people would have waited until their teacher was back, they would have simply switched to a new one. And I'm sure that Lester was quite happy about it as well. I have the suspicion that this was the real reason why he came with you. It was his way of paying you back for your loyalty.

[@yv295c]

Congrats! You are right you can see Lester's emotions at the end!

[@toweri_li]

Congratulations, Mover, for a job well done - and congratulations to Lester too. He's like a proud father after a birth gone well. :) Having been a Helicopter enthusiast all my life, I had the opportunity to attend (virtually free, sponsored by the state) theory classes for Robinson R22 -- that is some 30 years ago. Never had the money to do the actual practical training, let alone a certification. So, the opportunity to follow up someone else's path to certification was the second best thing. I envy you and I feel so happy for you.

[@moe2898]

As a CFI, I agree with Lester's decision to tag along. Not only for the reason he mentioned, but also because DPEs often times want the recommending instructor present to clear up any paperwork issues that may arise or debrief the recommending instructor on the applicant's performance. I think I know the examiner you used (won't state it for privacy reasons), but I also used him for my CFI and CFII checkrides. He's an excellent DPE.

[@moofdoggmike]

Even at the end of the flight, Lester is teaching... a real proud instructor. Safety never sleeps ... great vlog from start to fini check ride flight! Congrats Mover, looking forward to the interview with Lester. All the best. 🐶

[@TXHusker05]

Lester has birthed another whirlybird pilot into the skies. He looked like a proud dad. I'm proud of you too dude, there were more than a few opportunities to say screw this and bug out knowing you're an accomplished aviator and didn't need the trouble but you hung in. We appreciate it and I'm sure Lester appreciates that more than anyone. Hopefully Lester knows many, many people on the internet now say their fuel is good for about a owa in his voice. My wife will even say that now if we are cooking and something needs to cook for about a owa, owa and a half. People look at us very confused.

[@Paul-hy6rp]

Well done to both of you , you for passing your check ride and Lester for helping you get there.

[@JJC2611]

Fantastic series. Hopefully (after the interview) we see more of Lester. He’s a good guy.

[@markaoslo5653]

Lol! 4:51 {Lester} _"wait, I thought you didn't want me here!"_ {C.W.} _"I don't but, if you're gonna be here, you might as well do something-3G's, toppa T's, no dubya C's..."_ (Edit) If this isn't partnership, no such thing exists! Maybe some day soon-ish - you'll get Lester, trying out your home-sim; or get him on DCS, with you, on a live-stream @C.W. Lemoine - he's great for morale! Love the banter, pointy and, full of heart! Cheers- 🥰

[@baghdaddymike6669]

Congratulations to you. The way you overcame the earlier issues with the R22 really set a great example.

[@ardyzink7928]

Congrats! Way to go. (No surprise, though.) I think that Lester went along because he gives a damn. You found a good one with him.

[@medea27]

I love Lester - a consummate educator! Reminds me of my driving instructor back in the day - she made a point of coming to the licence office for my test & waiting to get my results with me. It was notorious as the hardest office to pass at, with the strictest examiners in the state - but I was determined to pass at that office. I now know that she insisted on being there for several reasons - along with the moral support & debriefing she wanted to understand the process & examiners at that office specifically. It's extremely helpful to understand what an examiner looks for with something as variable as assessing flying skills, since you'll get a full range from 'by-the-book' through to assessing your skill & ability to rapidly problem solve rather than if you stuck that landing 100%. So I'd wager that Lester was quietly picking up a lot of info on that trip.... as well as being there for support of course! LOL 🧐👍 Congrats Mover!! 🚁☑

[@ChannelGregg]

Congratulations! I will miss this vlog with Lester. Best of luck with your future efforts.

[@jennscott6858]

Congrats, Mover! 🎉 Gonna miss seeing Lester on the channel. Looking forward to the interview/recap. Definitely gonna go flying when I make it to NOLA! 😎

[@spurgaming5400]

Man, that's absolutely awesome and congrats! Onward and upward now but I'm definitely going to miss Lester lol.

[@demmertp]

Congratulations Mover! Well done! Lester looked like a proud papa.

[@Garythefireman66]

Congratulations! 🚁 This was a long and winding road, but you got there. Thanks for having us along for the ride.

[@holgerheinrich2992]

Congratulations, Mover! Another check ride done successfully! Have fun up there, stay safe!

[@rorygallegos7581]

Congratulations 👏 hell of a transition from jet(fighter) pilot to rotor pilot along with an awesome IP (lester) to guide you on this journey 👍 will still continue to follow you. With all the b.s. going on in the world now more then ever, it always good to see another vet (myself enlisted nco army OEF 2011/2012 ) doing the damn thing and keeping positive! stay safe....

[@adg1017]

I liked hearing the side conversation after it was all over and you were chatting with Lester. Good stuff. Congrats again.

[@redlock4004]

Congratulations on your success, you worked hard to get this. I liked the fact that you gave the examiner the courtesy of not recording your ride, well done. Sometimes just because one can do something, doesn't mean one should. That showed a higher level of professionalism on your part.

[@DuckyD22]

Congratulations - hope the helicopter videos continue. And I hope there’s more Lester in the future too

[@MemoGGG16]

Lester is a good friend. Congrats, Mover!

[@Vlerkies]

Before you RTB'd that look on Lesters face was that of a proud dad hehe. Well done dude

[@SCVIndy]

Great series .. well done .. we’ll all miss Lester

[@brienmiller1005]

Well damn done Mover. And Lester. So proud of you!

[@muzzaball]

Congrats Mover. It has been a long time coming for various reasons, but we enjoyed going along for the ride, with all of the hiccups included - as frustrating for you as they were. Rotary and fixed wing certainly are different beasts, and whilst I am sure your years as an airman helped, it was still a major jump sideways for this qual. Very happy that it all ended well, looking forward to that final relaxed interview with Lester, and the future Helicopter Flight VLOGS. What would be an appropriate Callsign for Les - you flew with him for long enough! Cheers mate.

[@MeatandTatersGaming54]

Congrats man 👏🎉👍 and I love the T shirt thank you for this series and hearing from Lester in the next video is going to be the icing on this learning cake 🙂.

[@virginiafrank317]

Congratulations! After seeing what you've already accomplished and knowing how you handle life's problems I knew you'd pass your check ride. Thank you for everything you've done in your service to our country and its citizens.

[@waynegilchrist3535]

Good job buddy and congratulations! You should be very proud of everything you've accomplished so far. Stay safe and don't ever be in too big of a hurry or cut corners. I always say "safety never takes a day off ".

[@seanmcerlean]

Congrats Mr Lemoine.Very well done after all the tribulations.

[@mmichaeldonavon]

Mover. Needless to say, we are all very proud of you. IMHO, there was NO doubt you'd kill the check ride - and you did. This is just another "notch in your pistol grip of life." I will miss following you and Lester. You, Mover, "are da man." Thanks for taking us along during this period of your life. Go AIRFORCE! Retired USAF Avionics guy. p.s. I know that Lester is going to miss working with you.

[@SkipTerrio]

Congratulations!! Hopefully we'll see Lester again when you go for your instrument rating, or some other collab.

[@marcgrv4376]

the fact that you can use your radio without even thinking about it makes for 1 less thing to worry about ! nice video as always

[@scottglenn7715]

Well Done Mover on getting your Heli PPL, great video's and have really enjoyed the blog as well. Cheers Scotty.

[@Dsm2000]

Congratulations Man!!!! it is bittersweet, but I've loved seeing it. Gonna miss Lester, but looking forward to the Helo Vlogs!!

[@glendor2]

Congratulations!! Keep Lester on the channel!! He's a good dude!! As we used to say when I was in the military, he rates!!

[@bdaileron]

Congratulations! I got a kick out of Lester guarding the cyclic on your auto! I flew with 2 instructors; one of whom was like Lester. I never did an auto with him without "assisting". The second guy never uncrossed his arms! We won’t name him, but you’re right about the DPE! I’ve known him since the 90’s but never flew with him till the Heli check ride. He’s an incredibly professional and knowledgeable fellow! One more thing, my first ‘hydraulics off" hover was also on the check ride.😮 If you’re in the Sunset / Grand Coteau area, stop in! We’re in the database.

[@gtr1952]

Congrats Mover!! No doubt in my mind at all you would ace it.!! It's a little sad as its been an honor and privilege getting to know Lester, and getting his sage advice on flying and life. 8) I really hope you could find some way to include him here in the future, if he is willing!?!? This whole series has been an eye opener, and learning experience for me. Very well done!! Regarding 'giving away age', I took my ppl check ride in 1978, at 26. It would have been earlier, but... stuff happens. Again, congrats and thanks much for sharing!! 8) JMHO --gary

[@WhiteEagleTube]

Congrats, and good job Lester your the man.

[@andresilvasophisma]

What an awesome shirt. You need a helmet like that, hopefully with an Apache sight system.

[@moorera364]

Congratulations Mover. Really enjoyed your progress, reminded me of when in did my training. Wish you safe and happy flying. Look forward to what is next

[@Y.M...]

Thanks for walking us through the whole process through its ups and downs, sir. Congratulations!

[@et9120]

I was like.....I DIDN'T COMMENT THIS?!?! HAHA

[@Y.M...]

13:06 great words from Lester. Thanks to Lester for being an awesome instructor throughout the series.

[@TheRobSJ]

I do believe I heard a hint of the Airwolf theme in the start there! Nice touch.

[@adamking3171]

Congrats Mover, and special thanks to Lester for putting up with the added stress of filming. Always a little harder as an instructor when your being watched and possibly evaluated as well. Will miss watching this serious but look forward to new content

[@6Sally5]

Congratulations Mover! This has been a lot of fun following your whole journey. I sure learned a lot too. Thanks for taking us along. BTW...I’m really enjoying N.O. Justice!

[@IcthioVelocipede]

Congratulations! 100% agree with not filming the checkride for all the reasons you mentioned. I think it's a good idea to have your instructor or another pilot come along for a checkride that's not at the helicopter's home base. Some people may have a pretty severe emotional reaction to failing a checkride, and it's NOT a good idea to try to fly home again in that condition. Good to have the option for someone else to fly the ship home just in case.

[@A-A-Ron_FTW]

It's been fun following along with your story. Congratulations, brother!

[@Stefano50]

Well Done Mover !!! CONGRATULATIONS!!! Hell........... I am bursting with pride for you and I wasn't even there. Always thought about adding Helicopter to my ticket but I guess fixed wing is my fate. Love your flight and training videos and Lester needs to be in more in the future. What a gem he is! Lakefront was my home field for many years....... love that place. TANGO MIKE !

[@williamarmour8762]

Congrats! That video brought back some great memories. I just retired after 30 years of helicopter flying. CFII, DPE, Company Check Airman etc. However, my most memorable flight was the private pilot check ride. I was so friggin nervous but my instructor prepared me well . It was surprisingly similar to yours. Again, congrats…keep it in the green, bro!!

[@acros6653]

Congratulations - keep checking back in with Lester, he’s getting to be family. Can you ride as an observer with the Sheriffs dept. on a real patrol?

[@-Spatz-]

Congrats on getting your helo license Mover! I've been following since the beginning and it paid off!

[@Chucky90tt1]

Congrats! I have enjoyed this vlog. It was great to follow along on your heli training. All the best on all your future flights in the heli. Cheers to Lester also!

[@vincentgiasson7551]

Thanks Mover, it was a great series of video. Lester will be miss!!!

[@caleblarsen5490]

Congrats Mover! Glad you passed. Sorry for asking about the check ride being recorded. It was just a genuine curiosity if you were going to record it or not. I fully agree that it's not something that should be recorded, you made a good call. You're gonna do great as a helo pilot. Thanks for taking us all along for the ride!

[@iaincoats251]

Congratulations Mover enjoyed the journey with you and Lester

[@MichaelEdelman1954]

Really enjoyed the adventure. Congratulations.

[@barryhuizing2804]

Congratulations Mover never had a doubt! Never overconfident love it the sign of a professional! Woohoo

[@robertspeer8340]

Congratulations on getting your license. Thank you for Lester's information. I will see if maybe I will take my lessons with him, or find a flight school here in Texas.

[@terryrutherford2114]

Hey! I got my private in 2002 too, however, I was 35 years old. I have not flown since 2007. You've done very well with your aviation career and life style! I got to fly a Sweitzer 300 in Las Vegas a few years ago. The CFI said I was a natural. I think he just wanted me to sign up for lessons. Haha! Thanks for the video.

[@alec_f1]

This was my favorite thing on your channel. Wish there could have been video of the check ride and/or Lester on the way back. I'll fly with you anytime!

[@johnnyballbag8916]

Well done Mover, as if there was any doubt! This has been a brilliant series

[@ulvar51]

Congratulation Mover! This have been a great serie and Im a little sad that its over :( on the other side, super happy for you! And.... we all going to miss Lester! What i great guy!

[@Skyrat12]

CONGRATS Mover!!!! HUGE accomplishment, although that's nothing new to you... Haha. In all seriousness, great job and thank you for sharing your journey with us.

[@robh4671]

congratulations to Mover for your Pass and congratulation to Lester for his Brilliant instruction, Happy vertical Landings Mover ;-)

[@angelhelp777]

Thanks for taking us along for the ride. Congratulations! Bravo Zulu.

[@Skkyyyyyyyyyyy]

LETS GO MOVER!!!!!!!!!!! Thank you for taking us with you on this journey!

[@cshamm]

HUGE Congratulations Mover!! Been with you the whole time and a little jealous ;-) Great job! Super proud!

[@ronneglia5164]

Congratulations Mover! Thanks for taking us on your journey. It was like being there with you throughout your training.

[@aboyandhisbike]

I've really enjoyed following this series, congratulations!

[@Stellicopter]

That's actually a very valid reason for your CFI to come along with you. I'm VERY familiar with this particular DPE, and I'm sure Lester is too. And yes, we RARELY operate helicopters to the actual runway at Acadiana. I asked to use the runway the other night when it was too dark to takeoff from the seaway, and he still gave me lip about it. LOL

[@gimpau]

Congratz... Rotary AND fixed ... thats an achievment for sure.

[@JK-uj8ur]

Lester is such a legend.

[@Tsamokie]

You look better clean shaven. Congrats on your successful check ride.

[@tbirdracer460]

I even wore my new shirt for ya! Lol. Congratulations on the check ride.

[@russian244]

Congratulations mover! What an accomplishment.

[@adavidf03]

Nice job. I noticed a while ago that your intro theme music sounds like the theme of Airwolf, but only today that Lester is your Dominic Santini. All signs of the love of aviation. Looking forward to your next chapter.

[@JC-uk8lp]

Congrats Mover! It’s been fun watching the progression. I particularly appreciated your candor about the highs and lows throughout as you learned this new skill set. Thank you for sharing this journey, can’t wait to see what’s next.

[@JayEss414]

great series .HELICOPTER VLOGS !!

[@Docholliday1106]

Attaboy Mover! Onwards and upwards! Congratulations! Another Make Them Tell You No story with a happy ending!

[@TheWeekendflyer]

Well done! Thankyou for sharing with us

[@patcavanaugh4941]

Congratulations! I don't know how you kept that secret for so long, I'd have been screaming it from the rooftop! Looking forward to the interview with Lester. Great job, I've enjoyed the series, and will miss it.

[@ik04]

Welcome to the family! Now comes the hard part- thinking like a helicopter pilot!

[@ronhudson3730]

Congratulations! Your presentation style is excellent. Asare your video-making and editing skills. With your varied experience, do you do public speaking? Recruitment, service organizations etc.? If not, maybe you should? Your a great advertisement for an aviation career, civilian or military.

[@rgscomputers1]

lester looks like a storm tropper in that helmet good ole lester

[@luckyirvin]

makin good ones, oh yeah. Bless y'all for your service to america

[@charlies40556]

Congrats mover glad to watch this from start to finish! :)

[@thestrum71]

Congrats on succeeding!! Loved watching this! Lester is cool on so many levels! The right guy to have if you want all of this to happen!!

[@PilotEye-Number1]

Congrats! This has been one of the best vlogs on KZbin. I look forward to your future adventures! Also I am sure Lester would be happy to fly with you anytime!