There’s a good reason why the phrase “Don’t try this at home” exists. Fortunately for this crazy-skilled pilot, he was nowhere near home. However, his helicopter was home to a particular rotor feature that — watch for it above — just barely saved his life several times.
Our pilot-saving chopper, the Messerschmitt-Bölkow-Blohm Bo 105, was a first for twin engines when it was introduced in 1970. Featuring a hingeless rotor system, the Bo 105 could withstand much more force on turns and banks than previous helicopters, but its greatest achievement lies in the hands of daredevil pilots: It earned the distinction of being the first helicopter capable of flying loopings, and has since been a popular choice for competitive flyers. Watch an expert pilot take this helicopter to its absolute extremes above!
