xeniv23

45 year helicopter pilot retired here. They will rebuild the data plate and the log books. From spare parts. Accidents like this are usually the result of a long chain of seemingly insignificant events that may happen in a remarkably short amount of time. Takes a little experience to recognize a lengthening chain and break it. All the rotating components are trash due to sudden stoppage. Some airframe accessories, fuel filter housings, things like that, may be reusable but I would not be that comfortable with it. Probably re-use the seats after a good cleaning. They will all get lots of medals for this.

About 6 years ago I had a bicycle accident at only walking pace. I ended up landing on the crown of my head on the only rock around. Fortunately, I won't throw a leg over a bike without a bike helmet on. The force of the blow was such that I had the imprint of the air holes in the helmet were contused into my scalp. Took a few days for that to fade. I had a severe concussion, vomiting, dizzy, blurred vision. Passersby called 911 and I spent the night in the hospital and a week in bed before I was able to walk normally. I live in Chalong on Phuket. I drive here and find it sporting but I drove in Russia and Ukraine as well so it was not so much of a shock for me here. What is shocking though, are the numbers of people without helmets. Thai and Farang alike. People have no idea how fragile your basic brain housing unit really is. I watch the young guys on "big" bikes go blasting through, weaving and following just a few feet behind traffic. I drop back slowly so I won't be directly involved in the wreck. Once in Bangkok that was a good move and the motorcyclist, sans helmet, did not survive it. You could just see the inevitability of it all and were helpless to do anything about it except avoid. I wish everyone who rides without a helmet could see those brains leaking onto the pavement and the unseeing eyes staring wide at the sky.

Helicopter logging and firefighting pilot with short stints flying offshore oil support, moving seismic drills and construction. 45 years of saving my life, sometimes several times in a day. If a young friend or relative expresses the desire to become a helicopter pilot quietly drown them to save them from their disillusionment, the failed marriages and financial disaster. However, despite my best (or worst) efforts I find myself retired with a higher net income and benefits than I ever earned as a working pilot. ?. Beats me.

45 years as a utility helicopter pilot, logging, fighting fire, moving drills. Grew skilled in saving my life daily. Retired in 2013. Missed work for all of 12 seconds. Recently relocated to LOS, kayaking, hiking, fly fishing for Mahseer......I intend to never be cold again.

Retired in 2013. First visited Thailand in late 2019. Moved here in December 2020. I'm a guest here, it's their country. They have granted me privilages and there are rules. I try to do what I'm supposed to and be invisible otherwise. I can't think of one thing to complain about. I love it here. With just a little bit of money it's a great place to live and be.

I'm working feverishly and diligently behind the scenes to tie up the bucket selling franchise in Bangkok and Nonthaburi. It'll be worth billions.......

I travel multiple times per year as well and I understand your frustration. I choose to forgo the one year extension when I reenter and renew my insurance at my normal extension date. Saves a lot of trouble and eases planning greatly. Willow in the wind.

I just returned from a trip to America in October. My O-A visa was good until Dec 17. So was the insurance that I obtained to originally enter Thailand. The IO stamped my stay until Dec 17. I could have applied with my health insurance company, Pacific Cross, for a change of benefits to extend my insurance ahead one year from Dec 17 and the IO would have stamped that date in my visa extension. It's just a matter of paperwork and paying the additional premium for the insurance. It's not difficult. I could have easily done it excepting the laziness......

I arrived October 5th. Today is my last day of quarantine. I'm an O-A visa holder. Yes there were some hoops to jump through. Nothing insurmountable. I'll be happy to get home tomorrow.

Possibly bi-polar with a little borderline personality disorder thrown in for spice. Have been down that path. Never again.