Eurocopter HH-65 Dauphin

Aircraft Information
> Aircraft Make: Eurocopter (now Airbus). Model: HH-65. Nickname: Dauphin (Dolphin)
> Aircraft Mil Civ Description: Helicopter
> FAA Category and Class: Rotorcraft/Helicopter
> Engine Description: twin turboshaft

Aircraft Experience
> As of: 11/7/2024
> Number of Hours Flown: 4.1
> Number of Times Flown: 3
> Other Aircraft Models Associated: MH-65, H-65

First Flown Information
> Sequence First Flown: 71
> Date First Flown: 7/13/1990
> Location First Flown: NAS Patuxent River, MD (KNHK)
> Who and/or What Organization First Flown With:
USNTPS, Lee Khinoo

Recollections: The H-65 “Dauphin” (or Dolphin) was a Coast Guard helicopter and is still in service.  It wasn’t at USNTPS very long and I don’t recall how it came to pass that the school operated them.  I do remember that the engine in the H-65 (at that time) was not very reliable, heavy on maintenance.  The engine in our H-65’s was a Lycoming engine (to win the competition an american engine was required) but, unfortunately, this engine just wasn’t very good.  Again, I don’t remember, but I think we got the H-65’s because the Coast Guard wouldn’t fly them and somebody probably thought it would be a good chance for the school to get an affordable helo.  They didn’t last long at the school…maybe a couple of years?  The Lycoming engine was later replaced with a much better engine made by Turbomecca and I hear the H-65 is still a successful rescue helo with the Coast Guard.

I flew with one of my favorite instructors, Lee Khinoo.  Lee was the most patient and fun-loving pilot I think I ever flew with.  He just enjoyed flying.  We flew together a lot, in helos (he raised my piloting skills by an order of magnitude in helos) and in the U-6 Beaver.  Always loved flying with Lee.  A pilot’s pilot, as I had the honor of describing him when his wife asked me to speak at his memorial service.