Elan Head

In memory of Guy Richard.

In memory of Rocky Rochford.

A new year, a new Photos From The Field topic — feel free to post.

Thank you for all of the feedback on the forums redesign. Most of you on here know that the existing forums have a strong Canadian lineage. After weighing all of the responses, we've decided it makes sense to keep these forums predominantly Canadian, and start a new forums for our U.S. and international readers. We'll be doing that in the near future. Meantime, I'll be consolidating discussions into the General Helicopter Operations forum. Please consult the Forum Rules or Help Section if you have general questions about posting or moderation. If you have specific questions or comments, feel free to contact Mike Reyno, mike@verticalmag.com. Cheers, Elan

Photo of the Day from the Vertical Photo Contest: A British Royal Air Force Merlin flies over the desert near Fort Irwin, Calif. during pre-deployment training. Skip Robinson Photo

Hi Wiggins, That story was a press release issued by StandardAero. Here's a link to the original press release, which includes contact info if you'd like to follow up: http://www.standardaero.com/media_center/pr.aspx?prid=310 Elan

Photo of the Day from the Vertical Photo Contest: Nighttime at a petrol camp with a Eurocopter AS 355N. A Maglite and a red filter were used in the exhaust pipe to get the light effect. Sebastien Diernaz Photo

Photo of the Day from the Vertical Photo Contest: The new Bell 429 flight training device photographed from above at the Bell Training Academy in Fort Worth, Texas. David Morgan Photo

Shoot me a PM and I should be able to assist. Elan

FYI, Helicopter Foundation International has extended its scholarship deadline to Dec. 31. The program offers flight training, maintenance, and safety scholarships. More details here: http://helicopterfoundation.org/Default.aspx?tabid=1751&language=en-US

Hi DSD, The Aeronautical Information Manual has some useful chapters on airspace and air traffic control, among other things. You can find it online here: http://www.faa.gov/air_traffic/publications/atpubs/aim/ The Airport/Facility Directories (A/FDs) have info for airports and FBOs. You can find the digital version here: http://www.naco.faa.gov/index.asp?xml=aeronav/applications/d_afd Enjoy your flight! Elan

Another Photo of the Day from the Vertical Photo Contest: A Bell 212 on its way to deliver another load of water while fighting a bush fire near Hobart, Tasmania, Australia. Ron Hackett Photo

Great photo, Iceman, thank you! Today's Photo of the Day from the Vertical Photo Contest: Members of Rescue Team Fenix conduct a rescue of students in Nevado de Colima National Park in Mexico. Juan Pablo Vigueras Photo

Another Photo of the Day from the Vertical Photo Contest: Chopper 6 hovering over Citizens Bank Park while covering the World Series. Jeremiah Haas Photo

Thank you for reposting the links, Splitpin; they're definitely worth a read. We'd simply like to keep individuals from being the focus of a general discussion about operations in Afghanistan (unless they volunteer for the privilege!). Per your request, I'll come up with some more guidance on this topic shortly. Meantime, best wishes to everyone flying in Afghanistan for a safe return home.