This months GASIL has a few interesting articles concerning Helicopters. The first describes a fatal incident involving a Bell 407 pilot who assisted in the off loading of passengers from his aircraft and was struck by the main rotors that were still turning. A dreadful mistake, especially when you consider the cost of replacement blades these days.
Stowage
Another article reminds pilots to consider what they stow under their seats during flights. Not all aircraft have storage available to them but those that do usually recommend at least 5″ clearance to ensure that if there is a rapid deceleration of the aircraft and/or an impact, the clearance will reduce injury to the seat occupant.
Get it checked
The AAIB further reminds pilots to consult with their maintenance organisations if there is any form of technical abnormality whilst operating their aircraft. This ensures that an inspection can, if appropriate, be made to ensure that the aircraft can remain serviceable. (I’m constantly on the phone to PDG and the bills bloody prove it!)
Pilots Licences
Pilot’s are reminded to ensure that their license is valid. There has been some confusion recently, highlighted by the Colin McCrae crash, that pilots sre still unsure as to the validity of their licenses. CAA Licenses are valid for life (I have these) but (cheap and nasty and sub-standard) JAR-FCL licenses have to be renewed every 5 years with (surprise surprise) the appropriate fee to the CAA.
Incidents
There are 5 incidents (infringements of airspace etc) with Bell 206 Jet Rangers. Oddly enough the dates and times of the incidents were all times when i’d loaned G-EWAW to my mate Dave H!!
The other incidents concern R22′s, R44′s, single and twin Squirrels a Dauphin and an S76.
