Quote Originally Posted by Loyal Retainer View Post
Possibly, but not likely? The operational range of a Blackhawk is 1,380 miles (2,220 km) with external fuel tanks. As the crow flies it is 697 miles (1,115 km) from Irwin to Boulder. Let's subtract 30 miles so 667, making a round trip 1,334 miles (2,134 km). That 1,380 mile distance is also the ferrying distance meaning it doesn't take into account the added weight of troops or cargo so now we are really cutting it close. Add to it the fact they are searching for something meaning weaving back and forth to find the crash site and we are talking about making a round trip and coming back with fumes in the tank if not worse. If they didn't stop for fuel they might be having a rather unexpected landing well before they reach their destination. Sorry to nit-pick details Kc.
Yeah, Blackhawk wasn't from Irwin. Done the math on this over and over

"1) So, the LO was hanging on the helicopter for roughly 4 hours and a half and only after that time he attacked opening the helicopter like a sardines can?"

Yup.