He hovers for a bit then gently lands the helicopter

[Isaac]

[youtube]5HoanHL2iBs[/youtube]
Ahh! Falling!! This is cool!
found it on http://www.reddit.com/r/helicopters

[Mobius]

Not hovering Isaac!

This is called flaring, and it's the exact same thing a paraglider pilot does when they land. A helicopter in auto-rotation needs to fly forwards to maintain good flight controls.Usually about 25-30 knots or so. As you come in to land, you flare the disc, which slows your forward speed while reducing blade speed also. Once forward speed is zero, you should be just a couple of feet off the ground, and can settle smoothly down.

I've been in a chopper twice during scheduled auto-rotation landings, they are very drama free. You only get one shot at it though, and all pilots are required to demonstrate the technique yearly.

[Isaac]

I just love watching this video. He's so high up then lands so gently.