National Helicopter Day

                Happy National Helicopter Day!

Helicopters are awesome! But for those of you unfamiliar with helicopters, the are “a type of rotorcraft in which lift and thrust are supplied by rotors.” What does that mean exactly? Well, this:

(Image found at: http://jproc.ca/rrp/rrp3/seaking.html)

                The first helicopters were in fact children’s toys from China, which were created around 400 BC. They were made with bamboo, and spun around on a “rolling stick.” It was Leonardo da Vinci’s invention, however, in the 1480s that sparked the interest that eventually lead to the machines we know of today (see above photo). Several attempts we made over the next few hundred years to make a helicopter that was able to fly. This was not achieved until 1906 by Jacques and Louis Breguet. These French brothers “began experimenting with airfoils for helicopters and in 1907, those experiments resulted in the Gyroplane No.1.” Since then, the technology has continued to improve itself until it reached the design and style we have come to know and love…or at least I have come to love!

           

I have only had the pleasure of taking a helicopter ride once, while I was in Alaska a few years ago. I had way too much fun, particularly since you get to wear a headset! It is by far a unique and beautiful way to see a place. I would recommend a ride anytime!

Now, don’t forget to vote on the Daily Poll! Click here to do so.