Ramp Hover in Vietnam
Read the background of the photo by clicking the image. Image courtesy of Wally at the USMC/Combat Helicopter Association (popasmoke.com).
A friend of mine – a Marine CH-46 pilot from Vietnam – informed me that the ramp hover was a “fairly common practice.”
“Very often, the only clear spot near the troops would be a rock/hill top with enough room to plant the main gear and keep the rear rotor clear of obstacles. You stay in hover holding the main gear on the edge, drop the ramp, and the gunners on either side of the bird can help keep the zone clear while you load.”
Nevertheless, it’s pretty impressive to me.
A friend of mine was a Phrog pilot during the Vietnam War and said the same thing. But it’s still impressive.
My husband was CO of HMM-262 21 Sep 68 to 24 March 69. He told me this was a common occurance, resupply, extraction flown wether permitting, ignore incoming fire!