The August-September issue of Vertical is one of our best issues yet. In our cover story — a Vertical exclusive — Ted Carlson goes behind the scenes with the United States Marine Corps Presidential helicopter squadron, HMX-1 (p.42). Read all about the elite personnel who are responsible for flying the POTUS, and take in Ted’s amazing air-to-air photos, which were shot over the landmarks of Washington, D.C. Unless you’re a member of HMX-1, that’s not something you see every day!
In other features, Kenneth Swartz provides a comprehensive account of the involvement of helicopters in the oil spill cleanup in the Gulf of Mexico (p.30). The second installment in our Gulf series, Ken’s story also examines the implications of the spill for the deepwater drilling industry. Meantime, Elan Head pays visits to National Helicopters in Toronto (p.54) and Kaman Corporation in Connecticut (p.62). Farther south, Guy Maher checks in with Hillsborough County mosquito control in Tampa, Fla. (p.70).
We have some terrific columns in this issue as well. In Torque Talk, Shawn Coyle looks at techniques for departing from confined spaces (p.82). Kevin Nelson addresses the question of what makes a good flight instructor (p.78) and Nick Gagnon shines the light on compact flashlights in Gadgets and Gear (p.86). Robin Elledge shares the story of Air America in “Public Carrier, Secret Missions” (p.108), and finally, Dorcey Wingo describes the dreaded experience of accidentally punching off a load in his There I Was column (p.112). Thanks to all of our contributors for another great edition!
The Summer issue of Vertical 911 has been released to coincide with the Airborne Law Enforcement Association's annual conference and exposition, July 14 to 17 in Tucson, Ariz. In keeping with the ALE theme, editor-in-chief Elan Head pays a visit to the Houston Police Department's Air Support Division, which is celebrating its 40th year of service (p.32). And, in "Shots Fired, Officer Down!" (p.70), Jack Schonely describes how critically important it is for tactical flight crews to provide calm guidance and leadership in times of crisis.
In other features, Craig Lunaas continues his series on GPS approach development with an examination of WAAS/LPV approaches (p.60). Dave Majumdar reports on the U.S. Marine Corps' H-1 upgrade program in "Shedding Their Skin" (p.50), and Shawn Coyle sheds light on a notorious helicopter EMS accident in "A Dark Horizon" (p.26). Plus, Dennis Raubenheimer rounds up rescue equipment (p.42) and Terrence Wyman describes some of the more, ahem, interesting distractions with which EMS pilots are forced to contend (p.80).