Jerry Trimble Helicopters (JTH) of McMinnville, Ore., held its first touchdown autorotation competition at the McMinnville airport on June 26. Twelve pilots competed in the event, with Mark Stott, a JTH flight instructor, taking first place.
Adam Goad, also a JTH flight instructor, took a close second with Shannon Glenn of Apex Helicopters taking third. Scoring was based on technique, accuracy and slide distance. Trimble flew with all pilots unless they provided their own helicopter.
The judges for the event were Mike Moffett, Life Flight pilot for Air Methods, Michael Wilson, Vice-President of Evergreen Helicopters and Klara Rizell, helicopter pilot from Sweden.
“We were very pleased with the turnout and caliber of pilots that competed. Mark did a great job and we’re very proud of him,” Jerry Trimble said. Mark Stott did all of his training at JTH and is now working for JTH as a flight instructor, hoping to get a job in Alaska next season.
The number of airplanes and cars that came to the event far surpassed years past, according to company officials. There were 92 classic cars and many unique aircraft were on display as well. The Coast Guard flew the HH65 Dolphin from North Bend, Ore., finishing off the day with a SAR demonstration. Jerry Trimble Helicopters gave $10 helicopter rides, with the Lions Club serving up pancakes as a fund raiser for their charity programs.
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