I've seen this done more than once in the moutains of Laos and Cambodia. No place to actually land,so the Huey pilots would sit down sidways on the slope with the skids on once side almost touching so the troops could jump in. Huey's couldn't lift off straight up in the air. They had to have forward movement to be able to climb.
The SVN AF helicopter pilots were flying the old "Kingbee" helicopters (H-34's,I THINK),and they had a little more freedom. They could climp straight up like a express elevator if they wanted. Their real weakness was only having a machine gun in the only door on the right side. Lots of times you would see the co-pilot leaning out a window and firing his 45 to keep the NVA away while they were loading.
Most people won't realize this,but there is a lot more to that photo than what is obvious. The thin mountain air really reduces the power of the engines and makes it much harder to maneuver at low speeds. It takes a deft touch to pull away from a mountain peak with a loaded helicopter. It ain't for beginners.
My hat is off to whoever it is flying that thing. He's taking a risk and testing his skills in order to save lives. There is no action more noble.
