AH-64D

[aerhed]

We took 10 F-18's cross country (headed out for deployment) and completely drained an FBO. They had to call over reinforcments from a competitor. Everyone was happy with us being there that day.

There's nothing like a Sky Crane positioning xc for a fire. It's like a giant moneybag plumping into little FBO's every 300 miles.

[gib]

I only live 2 miles from the Boeing Plant. I get to see these beautiful birds fly on a regular basis. I believe it was Hughes than sold to McDonald Douglas before Boeing. I worked there in the 90's and we were McDonald Douglas at that time.

The company I once owned makes the fire control box for the Apache and still makes them today.

[Flying again!]

Originally Posted by Direct C51

Each aircraft does have its own fuel card. We can only hold 500 gallons max so usually only take on about 400 on a stop. The FBOs have a contract worked out with the military and only make about $.40 a gallon on us. $160 is nothing compared to a Gulfstream taking a few thousand gallons at full price. They usually give us a crew car and don't charge ramp fees, but won't go that far out of the way for us.

From what I have been briefed, the engines are the same however we are getting better gearboxes and more efficient rotor blades to take advantage of the engines we have. Also we are finally getting an IMC rated aircraft again with the block III.

The AH-64E uses the T700-GE-701D versus the -701C and is rated for 1994 SHP. It weighs 456 lbs w/o transmission. About the same as my 260hp O-540!

[Direct C51]

Originally Posted by Flying again!

The AH-64E uses the T700-GE-701D versus the -701C and is rated for 1994 SHP. It weighs 456 lbs w/o transmission. About the same as my 260hp O-540!

I fly 701Ds every single day in our Block II AH-64Ds. Haven't seen a 701C in a few years. There are a lot of changes with the Block III, engines aren't one of them.

[RV7Guy]

Also living not too far from the Apache plant we see them often. I work at Casa Grande airport and they are regulars for the IFR approach here. Big, loud and BAD!!! Flying medical helicopters we occasionally fly the corridor through the Goldwater gunnery range. I've seen Apaches shooting stuff. Pretty cool stuff.

Years ago I had a ride set up in one when I was with our Sheriff's air unit based at Falcon Field where Boeing is located. Sadly there had been some incidents at Rucker and they cancelled all non Military riders

Thank your son for his service to out country. Put the Apache to good use!!!

[Direct C51]

Originally Posted by RV7Guy

Years ago I had a ride set up in one when I was with our Sheriff's air unit based at Falcon Field where Boeing is located. Sadly there had been some incidents at Rucker and they cancelled all non Military

It's kind of like having 1 front row season ticket to your favorite sports team. It's awesome, but you never get to show any of your friends how awesome. It's not just non military. We can't even fly pilots of other army helicopters anymore, unless we get a 2 star general to approve the flight. It is a 2 pilot helicopter, and both must be rated apache pilots.

[gib]

Originally Posted by RV7Guy

Also living not too far from the Apache plant we see them often. I work at Casa Grande airport and they are regulars for the IFR approach here. Big, loud and BAD!!! Flying medical helicopters we occasionally fly the corridor through the Goldwater gunnery range. I've seen Apaches shooting stuff. Pretty cool stuff.

Years ago I had a ride set up in one when I was with our Sheriff's air unit based at Falcon Field where Boeing is located. Sadly there had been some incidents at Rucker and they cancelled all non Military riders

Thank your son for his service to out country. Put the Apache to good use!!!

Hey RV7Guy we need to meet up sometime. I am sure we have mutual friends in the valley. I would love to look at your RV-7 sometime.

Gib

[brmitchell04]

The test pilots used to give Boeing employees and random dignitaries rides during international airshows. I know quote a few Boeing crew chiefs who got sick during the rides haha.