Finally the checklist is complete and its time to go fly. Erik is flying first today. His IP is in his usual charming mood. It would be even better if the fireguard actually had an extinguisher nearby. The IP and student run through all the engine start checks and bring the mighty TH-67 to life.
Blades turning the fireguard is motioned back into the aircraft.
Picking the checklist back up stick buddy continues. The aircraft, like a knat, is brought up to a hover. Hover checks verify the amount of torque required to hover in ground effect. All is well, radio calls made, they hover to the pad and turn into the wind for a hovering auto rotation. Fog lifted, all preflight checks complete, the IP turns the aircraft to get a ground track.