TV Preview: Air Force Afghanistan – Five, 8pm
BUILT to operate in all conditions, a bit like Ann Widdecombe, the powerful Chinook helicopter, pictured, provides a lifeline for the ground troops serving in the Afghan combat zone.
Flying these bulky machines over sand, however, is not easy. The huge downwash created by the
Chinook's twin rotor blades during landing can cause a blinding dust cloud known as a brownout. For that reason, you rarely see holidaymakers arriving in Blackpool on them.
Before they are allowed into the combat zone, all pilots must master the technique of desert landing.
"We rely solely on a visual picture to land out here," explains Flt Lt Steve Badham. "If we lose that picture, we have to abort the landing."
Today, it is the turn of pilot Chris Jenks to undergo Badham's rigorous training. After choosing a particularly dusty patch of desert, the rookie brings the Chinook in to land – with quite a bump.
After a few more attempts, Chris begins to master the correct angle of approach and is soon touching down smoothly, despite the dust.
The key is to keep the dust cloud behind the craft for as long as possible so that visibility remains until the very last second.
Before the day is out, Chris has cracked the technique, meaning Kandahar has one more helicopter pilot ready for action.
Elsewhere, the base's Royal Marines welcome some special guests as a Hercules full of Page 3 girls arrives on a special mission to cheer up the troops. In an emergency they also double as barrage balloons.
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