Helicopters at Oaks

Discussion in 'Rider Down' started by MojoCP, Jul 3, 2012.

  1. MojoCP

    MojoCP New Member

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    Has anyone else noticed a regular appearance of helicopters in the weekday afternoons at Oaks? I've seen these guys quite frequently. More than one style of chopper (so its not just fire, or police, etc... though the most recent one looked like a cop chopper), just cruising around, hovering, circling, etc. They get pretty low in the main valley and in Deer, often below the elevation of the ridge.

    Does anyone know, or have a theory, as to what they're up to?
     
    Last edited by a moderator: Jul 3, 2012
  2. Aviatrix

    Aviatrix Active Member

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    practicing is my guess, but they should have some official reason to be there because they are flying below minimums. I've seen them out there too. Oaks isn't exactly uninhabited where you can be buzzing around 20 ft off the deck legally.
     
  3. MojoCP

    MojoCP New Member

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    I just assumed that they were using the nose mounted camera to poach some free footage of me flying down Yucca. ;) In all seriousness, though, if it were for training, it would seem to make sense to maneuver in/around hills instead of buildings and over populated areas. Perhaps they consider Oaks less "protected" than some of the other more strictly regulated, inaccessible parts of the hills to avoid run-ins with environmentalists?
     
  4. sna2rwl

    sna2rwl New Member

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    I saw Anaheim PD out there on Friday afternoon buzzing around. I have a family member who is retired APD and said they often use that area to do training.
     
  5. MojoCP

    MojoCP New Member

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    ...but heaven forbid we strap on little lights and quietly enjoy a ride after sunset. Carry on, low altitude helicopter training!
     
  6. proraptor

    proraptor The Bikes & Brew Crew

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    Sorry those are my helicopters.....They are taking footage of me riding.....Il tell the guys to fly a little higher from here on out
     
  7. guero

    guero iFroth

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    lol.
     
  8. doubleoh7

    doubleoh7 Called to Creation

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    Redbull Rampage - Santiago Oaks :D
     
  9. MojoCP

    MojoCP New Member

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    My bringing this important issue to the attention of the public, via this thread, has stopped the evil whirlibird menace. I've seen no choppers in over a month. ;)

    Now if I could only install a "ONE WAY" sign to stop bikers from going down Coachwhip.
     
  10. mtnbikej

    mtnbikej Well-Known Member

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    But it is such a great downhill.....nothing says downhill like having to pedal to keep your momentum going.
     
  11. dirtvert

    dirtvert Whine on!

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    Thank you! As we were climbing it a few months ago, we had a descending guy screech up on us and tell us that we should stay on the right--going UP on a s/t. Nice...

    BTW- the sheriff's helo was flying really low in Emerald Canyon yesterday. I used to see them out there pretty regularly, but it's been awhile.
     
    Last edited by a moderator: Sep 13, 2012
  12. MojoCP

    MojoCP New Member

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    After back surgery, 9/10 doctors recommend avoiding stess or exertion and routinely suggest bed rest or going down Coachwhip.
     
  13. pandora808

    pandora808 New Member

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    legally? Airplanes have to stay above minimums, helicopters are allowed to fly under the minimums as long as they don't put persons or property in danger.

    /helicopter pilot
     
  14. Aviatrix

    Aviatrix Active Member

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    Ah, thanks for the correction. Being only fixed-wing trained, I should have not spoken out of school :)
     
  15. MnMDan

    MnMDan Member

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    What about those going UP old chutes?

    Even being an XC geek who gets left behind on descents can't figure out why anyone would want to go down Coachwhip...even for Strava.
     
  16. pandora808

    pandora808 New Member

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    That's part of why helis are so fun, we get to break the rules. hehe. we're also 3 times more likely for a crash to be fatal... doh
     
  17. XcShane

    XcShane Member

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    Definitely less desirable than someone climbing Coachwhip.
     
  18. MojoCP

    MojoCP New Member

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    An appropriate thread to post this picture...

    901780_956975740854_1898177650_o.jpg
     
  19. Joalst1

    Joalst1 Member

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    Was this today?
     
  20. pyrofighting

    pyrofighting New Member

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    I think that's when I crashed and was picked up my OCFA. Happened Jan 21.
     

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