|
Heli Aust Helicopters performed a controlled environment stunt on Wednesday for Nitro Circus. The publicity stunt required Travis Pastrana (the worlds greatest extreme sports champion) to perform a backflip jump over a hovering Bell Jetranger helicopter on a motor cross bike.
|
|
|
The controlled stunt was the culmination of many hours of risk assessment, safety briefings, and thorough safety analysis to ensure the risk to all concerned was no higher than regular helicopter operations.
The jump was set to standard exhibition distance that Travis has jumped many thousands of times, with the take off and landing ramp having been tested by Travis extensively prior to the helicopter being brought in to position. Once Travis was satisfied with the performance of the run up ground and ramps, a thorough check of the brand new motorbike by a Suzuki factory mechanic was performed to ensure that everything would remain attached to the motorcycle whilst in mid air over the helicopter. This inspection was also accompanied by the Heli Aust pilot and crew to ensure both parties were satisfied the equipment was safe to proceed. In addition the Bell Jetranger helicopter used for the stunt, was only a few months into service from new, and as such was in perfect working order and thoroughly serviced by Heli Aust’s engineering department prior to the stunt.
The helicopter pilot, Richard Shur, is highly qualified pilot with many thousands of hours flying experience, and is also chief pilot at Heli Aust, and as such was the best choice to ensure a perfectly stable hovering manuvoure. Travis and Richard discussed the trial jumps where the helicopter was not between the ramps, then further testing with the helicopter stationary on the ground, and also how the actual stunt would be conducted, taking into consideration emergency contingencies, and options should conditions become tricky at the critical moment.
The Stunt was conducted within a very strictly controlled space, with Heli Aust safety staff in full radio contact ensuring the pilot was fully aware of his hover height and position between the jump and landing ramp at all times.
Whilst this stunt may have appeared dangerous (and we don’t wish to diminish the courage of Travis and Richard to perform the stunt), both pilot and rider are highly experienced professionals who have both been in far more dangerous situations as part of their everyday working lives. In addition, full insurance was provided for the jump, which had there been any substantial risk factor involved we would not have been able to attain.
We would like to congratulate Travis on his professionalism throughout our dealings with him and his crew, and wish them the best of luck in his upcoming events around the globe.
http://www.nitrocircuslive.com/videos/ByDate/Travis-backflips-hovering-helicopter/10002/
|
|
|
>>>
For more information click here to contact us
|
){kind=link}