???The turbine engine roared and the rotor blades split the air, causing a gust of wind and hats to fly as the Bell-206 Jet Ranger helicopter touched down next to the University Bookstore, offering students a free aerial tour of North Campus.
???Monday afternoon, a few lucky students saw UB like never before as the chopper took them high above campus, offering a rush of speed and a beautiful view of campus and the surrounding area.
???The U.S. Marines brought the helicopter as part of a flight orientation program for students interested in the Marine Corp. officer program. The program can guarantee a spot in Marine aviation school, part of the fifth largest Air Force in the world, according to Capt. Richard Witt, officer selection officer for the U.S Marines.
???To ride the chopper, students needed to sign up ahead of time to receive a red water bottle that served as their ticket.
???Once aboard, students buckled in, placed a headset on to block the noise of the thunderous engine and connected to an intercom system, allowing communication with the pilot and other passengers.
???Ellicott Complex was the first site, bringing to view the entire Lego-shaped buildings, tennis courts and Creekside Village. Followed by the Ellicott flyover, Governors was the next target, offering riders a spectacular angle of Cooke, Hochstetter and the Natural Sciences Complex.
???Soaring ahead and cruising over Flint Village, the chopper presented an aerial view of the Academic Spine and the busiest parking lots, providing what could be a useful reconnaissance tool to students in finding spots. Heading towards UB Stadium, Alumni Arena and the baseball fields were in perfect view.
???Flying over UB Stadium, students down below came to view, using the track and working out on the field. Out the other side, many houses of the Town of Amherst dotted the landscape, looking like perfect rows of tiny boxes.
???Coming back around, the Oozfest mud pit, South Lake Village, Lake LaSalle and Baird Point came into view as the chopper descended and headed towards the Ellicott Complex making its final turn landing near the bookstore.
???"We use this chopper because civilians aren't permitted in military choppers," Witt said. "However, by allowing students the experience of flying in a chopper, we hope it will peak their interests and get them to look into our aviation program and officer training."
???Witt is an experienced pilot himself, becoming a marine after graduating from the Rochester Institute of Technology (RIT) with a degree in aerospace mechanics and engineering. ???He started his military service while in school, as part of the Marine Platoon Leading Course (PLC). After completing the course, he qualified for flight school and had the choice of flying choppers, jets or planes.
???Choosing to pilot Huey helicopters, Witt trained then served three tours in Iraq between 2005 and 2006, stationed in the Ambar province.
???"Our mission was to provide close air support for our ground troops," Witt said. "The first tour was very kinetic and we saw lots of action, flying over Baghdad, Ambar and other hostile areas. [The action] didn't last though, half way through our second tour things calmed down considerably."
???The Marines do not offer flight orientations and bring a chopper to every school; UB and RIT are the only schools in the area to get free chopper rides, according to Witt.
???Only offered to college graduates, the PLC program takes place during the summer and candidates can receive college credit or pay. Those who successfully complete the program are a step closer to becoming a Marine Officer and only officers can become pilots.
???For more information students can visit www.buffalomarines.com or www.marineofficer.com
Photo: Courtesy of Laron Fomby
