Marine Helicopter pilot lessons Part 1 ......and the 3000th post this year.

1. Once you are in the fight, it is way too late to wonder if it was a good idea.

2. There is no such thing as a "fun" hot LZ.

3. It is a fact that helicopter tail rotors are instinctively drawn toward trees, stumps, rocks, etc. While it may be possible toward off this natural event some of the time, it cannot, despite the best efforts of the crew, always be prevented. It's just what they do.

4. NEVER get into a fight without more ammunition than the other guy.

5. The engine RPM, and the rotor RPM, must BOTH be kept in the GREEN.
Failure to heed this commandment can affect the morale of the crew.

6. There are only two kinds of helicopter pilots: those that have crashed,
and those who are going to.

7. Cover your Buddy, so he can be around to cover you.

8. Letters from home are not always great.

9. The madness of war can extract a heavy toll. Please have exact change.

10. Always remember that helicopters are different from airplanes. Helicopters are thousands of pounds of parts all flying in lose formation often in opposition to each other, and unlike airplanes, they fly by beating the air into submission.

11. Decisions made by someone over your head will seldom be in your best interest.

12. The terms "Protective Armor" and "Helicopter" are mutually exclusive terms.

13. The further away you are from your friends, the less likely it is that they can help you when you really need them the most.

14. Being good and lucky is not enough, there is always payback.

15. "Chicken Plates" are not something you order in a restaurant.

H/T Shelly