Blackwater Helo down in Iraq

[ChuckMK23]

From AP -

A small helicopter owned by the private security firm Blackwater USA crashed Tuesday in central Baghdad, killing five civilians on board, U.S. military officials said.

An official, speaking in Washington on condition of anonymity, said Blackwater representatives and the U.S. military responded to the crash.

The official said the cause of the crash was not known and that it was too early to tell if it was linked to the downing of a U.S. army helicopter that killed a dozen American troops on Saturday.

According to a second U.S. military official, initial reports suggested that all five were on the helicopter and not casualties on the ground.

A senior Iraqi defence official, also speaking on condition of anonymity, said a gunman with a PKC machine-gun downed the helicopter over the Sunni Muslim neighbourhood of Fadhil, where witnesses reported clashes between insurgents, and U.S. and Iraqi forces.

The officials did not want to give their names because details of the crash had not officially been made public

 

[Intruder Driver]

As of an hour ago, Blackwater had disabled their website. Still down.

 

[Herc_Dude]

As of an hour ago, Blackwater had disabled their website. Still down.

Which site? The one I looked up was workin. Just wanted to make sure I had the same one you were talkin about.

 

[bobbybrock]

Chuck,
i have some details I'll PM you later I'm flying for the guard tonight.

 

[insanebikerboy]

This is the one I know of, still works http://www.blackwaterusa.com/

 

[A4sForever]

Blackwater would not shut down their website because one of their helos went down --- guaranteed.

 

[MasterBates]

I get "SERVICE UNAVAILABLE"

 

[VetteMuscle427]

recycle it... took a few tries.

 

[VAmookie]

my god how do i get a job with them

 

[phrogpilot73]

my god how do i get a job with them

Last I checked, it was some ungodly amount of hours (like 4000) in a helo... And, you get to fly around Iraq. Thanks, but no thanks. I'd rather take the pay cut.

 

[NeoCortex]

Current Opening


S-92 Pilot Two independent contractor positions available in Kuwait. 16 month contract. Completion bonus, 30 day vacation, housing, meals provided. 3,500 hours total time required. 350 hours NVG experience required. MUST BE S-92 qualified. Salary negotiable.

Thats the openning there now. The reason that you're having trouble getting to the website is that their server is overloaded because of the press they're getting.

 

[Stearmann4]

And do forget, in addition to those benefits, you can get left on an angry street to die at the hands of a Hajii mob, or stranded on top of a windswept mountain range with no hope of any vehicle or American flag on their shoulder to back you up.

Every time you think how cool flying for a private security firm is, recall the video of Scott Helveston's (and friends) charred body hanging from a bridge, or the CASA that crashed in OEF where 3 of the crew survived, only to freeze to death because of leadership issues. Lastly, the MI-17 pilot who survived the RPG only to be walked into a field and shot (on video). All private contract security.

Good money...bad deal. Unless you're trying to live the dream that eluded you on AD, find a cushy civie job flying MD-530s.

Exiting the rant stage now...

 

[phrogpilot73]

And do forget, in addition to those benefits, you can get left on an angry street to die at the hands of a Hajii mob, or stranded on top of a windswept mountain range with no hope of any vehicle or American flag on their shoulder to back you up.

Every time you think how cool flying for a private security frim is, recall the video of Scott Helveston's (and friends) charred body hanging from a bridge, or the CASA that crashed in OEF where 3 of the crew survuved, only to freeze to death because of leadership issues. Lastly, the MI-17 pilot who survived the RPG only to be walked into a field and shot (on video). All private contract security.

Good money...bad deal. Unless you're trying to live the dream that eluded you on AD, find a cushy civie job flying MD-530s.

Exiting the rant stage now...

Hear, hear!

 

[Banjo33]

Since you put it like that....

 

[ChuckMK23]

Thats the openning there now. The reason that you're having trouble getting to the website is that their server is overloaded because of the press they're getting.

"Current S-92 qualified" ha! good luck with that! Only one operator I know of...