Helicopter Makes Dramatic Landing to Rescue Skier In French Alps

Now, this might be helicopter piloting 101 so before you call me out about it, can you not. Let's just appreciate the efforts from this pilot to rescue a skier who found himself well and truly in the danger zone.

The operation took place in the French Alps on January 2 when 19-year-old Emmanuel De Bellavoine became weak and began to struggle while skiing.

According to US News, one of Emmanuel's friends called for help and captured the amazing rescue mission on camera. The skills are pretty damn impressive.

The video footage was uploaded to Facebook by Nicolas Derely and shows the helicopter roaring towards the group from the distance before slowing down and wedging into the side of the mountain on its skis for rescuers to dismount.

The chopper then seamlessly lifts back into the air to return some time later where the daredevil pilot strikes again, bringing the blades of the aircraft very close to the ground.

Facebook/Nicolas Derely

Derely said it was a miracle that he had 'four bars and 4G' on his phone which enabled him to call the emergency services. And I can't even get 4G on a walk around the countryside.

When the helicopter returned it picked the crew back up, alongside Emmanuel and then airlifted someone else as it went. Which definitely looked as cool as it does in the films.

The Facebook videos have now been viewed over 700,000 times and people have posted messages of appreciation to the pilot and crew members for their swift, and undeniably risky, action.

One said: "Congrats to the rescue team we are eternally grateful for and happy new year to all the equipped".

Another added: "The videos are awesome, the pilot is a real pro. The wounded is brave. Fortunately everything ends well."

Facebook/Nicolas Derely

And a third commented: "Congrats to these men and women for this rescue! I'm bluffée by helicopter control, impressive. Thanks to them and to you Nicolas for these beautiful images.

"And always remember that the mountain remains a difficult playground."

In case you were wondering, Emmanuel was safely flown to safety at a hospital in Chamonix, France.

Topics: Pilot, Awesome, Community

Rebecca Shepherd

I'm Becky - a journalist at LADbible. I graduated with a First Class BA in Journalism before going on to cover criminal court cases, medical tribunals and breaking news for the national media - which inevitably and eventually became as glum as it sounds. Can often be found rocking a bag for life - which I made a 'thing' way before Rihanna. You can contact me at [email protected]

@RJShepherd94