I say reckless ice skaters, what were they doing on an ice covered lake anyway

Forced perspective. It's definitely not a model helicopter; even a large one by model standards would be too small to effectively control at those distances. Another key is the head speed; it's much too low to be a model.

I love it, especially the turn at the end. You can see the rotor vortices blow the ice shavings in a concentric pattern.
Would I do it? Maybe after a 1000 hours and with friends who do not have a camera.

I have no problem with it.

Obviously everyone was in on it.

Pilot's response via self reporting to Transport Canada re: video

Now lets all go wash our hands with sanitiser and do mundane safe things
http://m.imgur.com/a/AeZBs

Interesting.

So let me get this straight. So this guy gets together with his buddies and decides to make a unique video with a helicopter. In their infinite wisdom they decide to (safely and with much planning) film a scene that looks like someone with a helicopter is trying to kill a group of people on the ice.

So the internet explodes with 'Holy crap!' Local authorities are probably on the hunt for this 'crazy' pilot so he decides to come clean and explain the whole thing and how well they prepared for the stunt.

Seriously?

[quote="Eric Rouse"]I have no problem with it.

Obviously everyone was in on it.[/quote

Yep.... life is for living. Have at it.

FAA says I have to make myself aware of all info pertaining to the flight. Apparently now I have to consult the Farmers Almanac too.

Someone posts a pretty cool video that none of us know sh*t about the actual details and suddenly many are acting like a bunch of politicians that are horrified at the safety concerns violated! That ice looked really slippery to me and God only knows how thick it was?? I too am "appalled".
Oops sorry, I didn't read Neil's link to the pilot's explanation. I see the ice was 10" thick and could support a "big" truck. I guess I'm a little "less appalled".

Normal enough hockey game it looked like.

The good old hockey game,
is the best game you can name.
And the best game you can name,
is the good ole hockey game.

First period.....


Nothing like Stompin Tom....

Now there is a behind the scenes video of the preparations for making the clip. Can't quite figure out how to link it.

Yes Stompin' Tom would have been proud.

Guys, gals -- as a somewhat experienced 12,000 hour rotorcraft pilot, he was going slow, slow --- look how quick he makes a left pedal turn and sticks the tail into the relative wind -- he was slow --look at the altitude gained before reversing direction -- he was slow - a fast taxi at most --- all were obviously involved -- no big deal -- no, he should not have, but come on!

This film was sped up big time and the skaters were in on the action. There is no way whatsoever that you can make that quick of a pedal turn reversing direction and gaining altitude at the speed it appeared.

I probably would still not do the stunt. With that said, there have been many times I have hovered around a busy ramp with people only 40-50 ft away. An LTE scenario would have been devistating even when flying "normal."

How many people complain about airshows when a pilot in an airplane flys inverted 10 ft off the ground?

Life is risky. As long as the people on the ground were in on the deal I have no problem with it.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zjA24fQcscg

Ruh row…. other helos were complicit

Woah where were the fixed wing aircraft in this hockey matchup? I'd totally land my Bo on that lake !