TV interview and Harkey's mad skills

[Greg McNair]

I have to give a big shout out and thanks to David Harkey, my PIC for much of my AP work. On Friday, his mad skills were put to the test, and all I can say is how proud I am of how he did. We were interviewed for a feature story on a local news channel, and I chose Vulcan, Birmingham's most famous landmark. Topping out at 180', it was built in 1938 to promote the city's ironmaking ability. It is the largest cast iron statue in the world. Restored and returned to original beauty in 2004, it's quite an interesting piece. Thanks again David.

In the first photo, the heli is eye-level with the reporter standing on the catwalk wearing a blue shirt. This was apprx 120' AGL.
http://www.aerialsouth.com/gallery/tvshoot8.jpg

David flying and the reporter operating the camera
http://www.aerialsouth.com/gallery/tvshoot6.jpg

Preflight storyboard discussion:
http://www.aerialsouth.com/gallery/tvshoot2.jpg

In action!
http://www.aerialsouth.com/gallery/tvshoot9.jpg

http://www.aerialsouth.com/gallery/vulcan3.jpg

Next is the video shot from the heli. Before you criticize the video, understand the wind was gusting to 15mph, and David was doing his best to maintain control of a helicopter 120' over his head and trying to hold one position. He didn't have the camera's view for an advantage. Had he been standing next to the reporter, the video would have been much smoother, but I'm not ashamed at all. Considering the circumstances and the fact that this is not $40k worth of aerial cam equipment, I think he did an amazing job.

http://www.scalerchelis.com/albums/album91/vulcanmovie_001.wmv


And some frame grabs from the video:

http://www.aerialsouth.com/gallery/vulcanvidframe7.jpg

http://www.aerialsouth.com/gallery/vulcanvidframe1.jpg

http://www.aerialsouth.com/gallery/vulcanvidframe4.jpg

[Hotshot Charlie]

Now that is cool beans my friends !!! First class job, great PR for our helicopter world ! Thank you for your efforts.

If I remember right, there was a first class restaurant at the foot of the Vulcan, when I was a kid. I barely remember going there with my parents, and my memory may be foggy.... David and I are the same age, so he might remember what I am talking about.

Again, nice PR guys !!!

[NolanManley]

David, You might not want to wear white shorts during those high profile jobs .. Just in case you know :D :dontknow Just kidding. Cool deal.

[WayneBrown]

too cool! outstanding quality footage!
damn nice flying too.. :)

[DavidH]

Thanks it was fun. Vulcan sits on top of Red Mountain. So the wind is coming up one side of the mountain and trying to head down the other side. Makes flying interesting some times. I have flown up there a couple of times for the TV station that did the interview. They are located about a 1/2 mile to the west of Vulcan on top of the mountain also.
Rob, I don't remember any restaurant being at the base of Vulcan. But you may be talking about the The Club. It is a club and restaurant that is located about mile from Vulcan on the crest of the mountain. Also there use to be another restaurant on the crest called Baby Doe's. Those are the only two I remember.

It was a fun day, I hope it helps Greg get some more business with the exposure. The segment will air on Wednesday night at 10 pm news.

David

[Hotshot Charlie]

The Club. It is a club and restaurant that is located about mile from Vulcan on the crest of the mountain. Also there use to be another restaurant on the crest called Baby Doe's. Those are the only two I remember.

It was probably one of those. Heck, we are talking 45 years ago..... man, time flys. The Club sounds familiar, but don't know. It was a fairly swanky establishment. Thanks for helping jar my foggy brain. Both my folks are deceased or they could tell me exactly what it was.

I know ya'll had a ball doing the shoot for the TV station. I was very envious of ya'll, since I work in the TV biz, I would have like to be along for the taping. You did a great job flying and Greg did a great job on the camera.

[Greg McNair]

Thanks for the kind words guys. It was a ball, and I look forward to seeing (and posting) the interview.

[JestRR]

GREG!! That was an awsom video!!! I dont thing i could even tell its was windy in that one. Just looks hard due to it being straight up above the heli operator!! Great job!!!!! :noteworthy

[Greg McNair]

Thanks man...it was an awesome time too.

Update, the tv interview won't be shown until July 6th as they want it to air during their heavy promotion period. I'm all for that. :)

[WillJames]

VERY cool of you to share your experience with David with us Greg!!

That Joker is a great platform.

Awesome!!!