An Unforgettable Encounter with the Skies: A Helicopter Adventure
It was a dreary day in the late 1990s. I was en route to one of our branches, driving through the monochrome landscape when I passed by a helicopter dealership, a sight not commonly encountered on my usual commutes. Earlier, I had come across an advertisement in a car magazine stating that one could purchase a helicopter for the price of a Jaguar XJS sports car. Intrigued by the notion, I decided it was worth exploring.
Upon arrival at the dealership, I was greeted with exceptional hospitality. The staff proposed an enticing offer: “Why not join us for a flight and experience the thrill for yourself?” Seizing the moment, I left my secretary in the car and embarked on what would become a memorable journey aboard a Robinson helicopter.
The takeoff was smooth, and we soon found ourselves gliding over the picturesque Oxford countryside. The pilot, a seasoned professional, navigated with ease and confidence, providing a serene flight experience. However, the tranquillity was disrupted when he broached the subject of engine failure. He flicked a switch and the engine cut. As we rapidly descended, he explained that in such a scenario, the rotors would spin faster, slowing our fall. True to his word, the helicopter’s descent slowed, and he skillfully flared the aircraft for a gentle landing. With a flick of a switch, the engine roared back to life, and we ascended once again. In that moment as the adrenaline flowed he offered me the controls. I was not at all sure that my hand could control things smoothly. That moment remains etched in my memory.
After some thought, I decided that I could not justify buying such a machine, although it was affordable. Landing the helicopter in Salford where we had a branch would have resulted in its destruction by the local yobs in seconds.