The Department had contracted with Park City Helicopters for the flights.  They were staffed to provide seemingly endless hours of flight for UDOT.  Hats off to the guys at PCH for their service and ability. Thanks to Charles, Dan, Danual, Tony, Brent, Ron, Kerry and Luis.

In the end I was scheduled for only three flights - but what an experience it was.  I had experience fixed wing flight previously.  Helicopter flight was a greater thrill.  Each UDOT observer pulled at least four to six hour shifts.  The helicopter landed at least twice during that period to refuel. 

The traffic observation routine was the same, report on traffic congestion about the venues and parking sites.  We also tended to traffic congestion and incidents along major transportaton corridors of the valley.

The back seat of the helicopter was reserved for the SLOC security agent.  Main purpose was to render the pilot or the UDOT agent useless in case of attempted control of the craft in a threatening manner toward an Olympic venue site.  The "bullet-in-the-head riders" were actually great guys assigned from the State of Utah Department of Corrections.  Thanks to Jaime, Brian, Lee and Rod for not pulling the trigger.  They were fun to fly with.  I also learnt about the probation and parole system.

Game Security Agent, Jaime, 
keeping a trained eye on Tim.

The greatest thrill about helicopter duty was flying over Salt Lake City at night.  To see the city hosting the 2002 Winter Olympics and dressed as it was made me proud of Utah.  During the later days of the Games we were granted entry to the air space next to the Olympic hillside rings and above the stadium.  Both forever cherished memories.  I really loved the dive Luis executed leaving the rings, whew hoo!