In June this year when this video was made, the D-663 flew its last flight for the DHC before the helicopter would go into storage. The helicopter has since become WFU (Withdrawn From Use). On the Oirschotse Heide, also known as GLV-V, the helicopters of the Defense Helicopter Command (DHC) train every day. During these training sessions, two Chinooks of 298 Squadron made several duo landings. The helicopters were regularly attacked from the ground by simulated enemy forces. In some cases the helicopters had to abort their landing and as a result divert. This exercise is especially important for communication between the loadmaster and the pilots of the helicopter. The loadmaster sees much more from the open doors of the Chinook than the pilots can see. He therefore acts as the eyes and ears of the pilot and continuously monitors everything which is happening around the helicopter. The helicopters involved in this exercise were the D-663 "Blizzard" and the D-106 "Porcupine". It is a tradition with 298 Squadron to nickname the helicopters. The D-663 is called Blizzard, because the crew that went to pick up the helicopter from Boeing almost got snowed in during the harsh American winters. The D-106 was given the name Porcupine as a reminder of the crew chief who took care of the helicopter. This crew chief wore his hair in long spikes that stood out in the whole unit.
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