Comments about ‘Helicopter pilot's precision landings help save injured hiker’

That is amazing!

That picture of the Helicopter is going to get a lot of milage this week making it's rounds in the press and photog forums. Awesome shot, awesome rescue work guys! ......"YOU DA MAN!"

Thanks for highlighting those who serve. We can't bank the praise, but it stays with us longer.

Risky business.

True, it's wonderful. But watching these helicopters flying up into the mountains every other day in the summer to perform rescues of hikers and skiers and others . . . there has to be a system put in place for determining which portion of the cost falls to the one being rescued and which to the public.

Great flying! I've been flying more than 30 years and that picture makes me pucker..

There are many more rescues for reckless drivers than for hikers. Hiking is a healthy way of life that we are blessed to be able to do in Utah. I would much prefer spend my tax dollars on rescuing a hiker out of a slot canyon then one who drank all night and critically injured himself in a car accident.

@Sandy | 6:53 a.m. Aug. 19, 2009

I think when skiers are air-lifted out of ski resorts it can cost the patient between $13k and $20k. I guess some forms of health insurance cover that. I don't know what any public costs are.

Amazing rescue.

Great picture. Great story. Better ending. No one died. None of the rescue workers were injured. AMAZING pilot and crews! Thanks to ALL of them!

I watched the helicpoters search for that missing hiker on Monday as I was hiking in the park and said a prayer for everyone involved. I"m glad it turned out well. Thank you search and rescue- you are the best!

Great story, great photo, and some amazing flying. Congratulations to the entire crew involved in the rescue.

Amazing flying. Naval aviator, of course.

There needs to be laws and punishment for iresposible and foolish acts of puting ones self and others in danger and then risking the lives of others at taxpayer's expenes to rescue them. There needs to be a safety first law. I hope he has to reimburse the rescue costs; and thank goodness none of the rescures had to sacrafice their lives for his foolish actions.

Search YouTube for Washington County Search and Rescue to see a video of one of the landings.

Terry is not only an Incredible pilot, he is also a wonderful person with a great attitude. He was an indespensable asset throughout the search.

Very cool! Belongs on a calendar...

Nice job!
Mercer you ARE the man!
You are the real deal.
Could I get your signature?
Love Ya.

I agree. Let's make it illeagal for anyone to watch more than one hour of TV per day and thereby put themselves in danger of cardiovascular disease. obesity is too expensive and taxing on the medical system.

My boy and I frequently spend weekends outdoors. Camping, hiking, climbing, spelunking, biking, canoeing.... I have never needed the assistance of a wilderness rescue crew, nor do I have any acquaintances who have required their services. My only trip in an ambulance was after a car accident (yes, my fault, thank you firemen for bringing the "jaws of life".)

These are isolated and uncommon situations. Suggesting that this accident was selfish and foolish, or that the activities should be outlawed is absurd.

Phenomenal landing! Hats off. Stay safe.

@Irresponsible

I know (from family experience) that Grand County Search and Rescue (Moab) does bill for reimbursement of rescue costs. I believe it's up to each organization to make that determination but I know that the state of Utah passed a law a few years ago that allows search and rescue organizations to go to collections to recover expenses from those who they rescue. Some insurance policies do cover a percentage of those costs and some don't. Even a simple rescue can be very costly and people do need to take that into consideration when they go into the backcountry.

Wow! Great work! Great pictures, Great story, happy ending!

Yes! Mercer is one of the best helicopter pilots in the State. I have to say that because his boss could be reading this. Way to go Hollywood! LOL! GT