Original Message

Rosanna Danna typed: "It's so fun it's boring? Or is it so boring it's fun?"

I really, really, really wish that helicopter pilots had better reading comprehension skills. It might make me think more highly of them! So with a big sigh I will explain it like I'm talking to a fifth grader. And maybe I am.

The task of cherry-dryhing is boring. Up and down the rows, back and forth at a slow hover - make sure you get EVERY tree, not just most of them. Then, you get done and the farmer says they're still wet, so you go back and do them again. It can be tedious, or, put another way: boring.  It's like mowing an endless lawn.  Believe it or not, it's not that easy. I've sent home a couple of "old-timers" (even a CFI or two) who just couldn't hack it. Hovering is a perishable skill, I reckon, and once we're out doing our professional pilot stuff, we don't do a lot of hovering. We usually just pick up and go.  Low-timers "get it" quicker than old-timers.  

But the job can be fun. It's always a great group of guys/gals of widely varying experience levels. The camaraderie is enjoyable. There's plenty of opportunity to sit around and shoot the bull with like-minded people. I found that even the least experienced pilot had valuable input. You can learn something from any pilot if you're willing to be open and not so set in  your SkyGod ways.  So yes, cherry-drying itself is boring, but the job can be fun.