Rotor Torque

Chopper Cropper Club

The AGM of the Perth-based, but international, Chopper Cropper Club, is held on March 19th each year in University House at the Western Australia University. The club was formed by West Australian journalists Alan Hale and Frank Platell, in 1972, after surviving helicopter crashes at Shark Bay and the Bassendean town rubbish dump respectively. The membership is an international group of about 50 helicopter pilots, crew members and passengers, who have survived helicopter crashes. While the majority are military pilots, there are a number of civilians including two lady members. One is a nurse who distinguished herself by returning to her wrecked helicopter to rescue the pilot and patient, although she had a badly broken arm and shoulder.

Since many people prefer to try and forget unpleasant experiences, such as a helicopter crash, the club policy is not to approach prospective members. However, anyone who qualifies is made most welcome and issued with a club membership card. They are also entitled to wear the club tie with of a silver helicopter, upside down on a green background.

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