Today I got my first ride in the very plush UH72 Lakota helicopter. I was at Mid State Airport near Phillipsburg, Pa. on Army training. I flew up in a Chinook helicopter and was about to board it for the return flight, when I saw Tom Luckenbach, one of the pilots who has flown nearly every aircraft in the Army inventory. He flew up in a Lakota. I asked if I could ride back with him.
Ten minutes later, I was in the small scout helicopter and listening to the pilots and crew chief go through their pre-flight routines.
Even with choppy air, the small, new aircraft was quiet and smooth for the 100-mile trip. Here's some pictures from my seat.
