Jerry Trimble Helicopters, based at Oregon’s McMinnville Municipal Airport (KMMV), is hosting a Touchdown Autorotation Contest Sept. 28, 2024.
During the event, pilots practice a maneuver that could one day be the saving grace if faced with an in-flight emergency, according to company officials.
Jerry Trimble, a well-known name in the training sector of the helicopter industry, will fly with each pilot that enters the competition in the world’s most popular training helicopter, a Robinson R-22.
This machine also has claim to one of the lowest inertia rotor systems, according to Trimble, who flew the second production R-22 in 1979 and worked for Robinson in Torrance, California.
“You have to be fast at the reaction,” he says.
The field of competitors will be limited to 10 pilots. Each competitor has two chances to demonstrate a straight in autorotation.
Jerry, as check pilot, and the other judges will award points based on three criteria: Technique, accuracy, and ground slide.
This year’s event will be the final contest for Jerry.
“It’s been fun to host the event all these years, but it’s time to pass the torch to one of these younger pilots,” he says. “Why should I have all the fun?”
Also taking place on the same day is an FAA Safety Seminar, as well as helicopter and gyroplane static displays.
To register for the event, email Alison Row at [email protected] or call 503-577-6371.
For more information: JerryTrimbleHelicopters.com
Leave a Reply