HeliPilotLeigh

Career Helicopter Pilot
23 yrs & 10K+ flight hrs.
Safety & mountain training Bell 505 MD500 R44 R66 H125 H130
Chief Pilot/Director of Ops FAA 135 133 137 CFI

[HeliPilotLeigh @HeliPilotLeigh]

The Bell505 has the shortest fuel range of any machine I’ve flown…besides the MD500 anyway.
So we’ve learned how to squeeze every last drop into that tank.😅
Easy Wheels are an absolute MUST for every Bell505 JetrangerX on standard skids.

[HeliPilotLeigh @HeliPilotLeigh]

Helicopter rotor downwash awareness with Leigh Coates

[HeliPilotLeigh @HeliPilotLeigh]

POV: Bell 505 turbine helicopter start up in 96° Arizona heat 🥵🚁🌵

[HeliPilotLeigh @HeliPilotLeigh]

Behind the scenes of a 2 helicopter operation headed out for a Waterfall BBQ in Alaska

[HeliPilotLeigh @HeliPilotLeigh]

Exploring Alaska, one landing at a time #FreedomMachine #R44 #Helicopter

[HeliPilotLeigh @HeliPilotLeigh]

@piperaircraft One can dream!

[HeliPilotLeigh @HeliPilotLeigh]

Filing a Flight Plan, the old fashioned way. The FSS in Alaska are extremely useful & the RCO communications system is a great resource.
Get weather updates, insights on weather cameras, update position and arrival time, give pilot reports, and so much more. #alaska #pilot

[HeliPilotLeigh @HeliPilotLeigh]

Pilot doing Pilot things, Carbon Cub FX3

[HeliPilotLeigh @HeliPilotLeigh]

An extra set of well trained eyes outside can be very helpful for tricky landing spots. Solid ground contact with bear paws/back of the skids is essential, as the weight of the helicopter is aft. CG shifts more aft when you get out, and 🚁 can tip back on its tail.

[HeliPilotLeigh @HeliPilotLeigh]

Commercial helicopter pilot flying the coastal mountains of Alaska with ever changing weather conditions, sharing my thought process with deteriorating conditions and limited visibility.