One summer I was reassigned to the Bergen base to better service an exploration oil rig operating in more northerly waters.
The regular transport was a smaller Bell 212 helicopter which carried a maximum of 10 passengers just behind the two pilots. I liked to sit immediately behind the pilots. Though my seat faced rearwards I could twist around and observe the crew at work. I had and still have a passion for flying.
One warm, sunny afternoon, with a full load, the large sliding passenger door of the Bell 212 was thumped shut by the ground crew man who gave thumbs up. All clear for takeoff.
The old, crusty, military moustached senior pilot in the left seat, the handling pilot was the newbie in the right seat.
I watched him watching his every move.
The turbines slowly fired up with that intoxicating smell of kerosene. The two long, thick blades started chopping the air while the gearbox gave off its always alarming whine just above our heads.
A normal helicopter takeoff involves the handling pilot slowly raising the machine a few feet, checking all controls are operating in the correct sense, tipping forward slightly, gaining speed to achieve transitional lift and then sweeping upwards along the runway. Any engine failure is eased by the speed achieved which can be converted into extra lift to cushion the emergency return ahead onto the runway.
Takeoff from an oil rig helideck is another matter. Barely bigger than the helicopter itself and on an exploration rig pitching up and down with the swell of the sea it’s a matter of clearing up and away – using a towering takeoff.
This towering technique is often practised onshore with a lovely, long, solid runway as a safety blanket…
The newbie, having checked his controls, started raising the heavily laden machine into a towering hover above the runway. 100, 200, 300 feet vertically up. I watched the vibrating gauges and dials on their instrument panel. No red warning lights. Good.
With a sudden forward push on the joystick newbie tipped forward too much. We were nearly pointing down at the tarmac. Moustache got on the controls with him, hauling the joystick back and raising the collective to get more lift.
The accelerating ship shuddered earthwards getting level just above the runway. With excess speed and powerful thumping from the straining two rotor blades we shot forwards and upwards. Stabilizing at 1000 feet we turned offshore. With just the exploration rig helideck landing to look forward to, we settled down for the long trip…
The withering look from the senior pilot at his new charge said it all.
Neither pilot looked back into the passenger area. 10 sets of popped eye balls and gritting teeth would have been too much.