Helicopter Flight Information
|
Helicopter Flight Information |
|
|
Fuel Starvation is a Major Cause of Aviation Accidents.In a helicopter, there is little reason to run out of fuel since the aircraft can be landed virtually anywhere. Helicopters are required by regulation to be flown with a realistic planned landing reserve of 20 minutes fuel remaining. This means that when winds and other factors have been considered, the planning must have been realistic (and in good faith). This does not mean that it is ok to continue flying until the engine quits, it just means that in cases where there were more negative effects of wind etc than had been forecast, then you can get to a safe area to land whether there is fuel at that location is something that you will have to deal with, but getting the aircraft on the ground with some fuel in the tanks is absolutely necessary. If during the flight, unexpected winds or other factors have resulted in a lower than expected fuel situation, it is necessary that you find a suitable landing site. If this situation results in a landing in a school yard while school is in session, or if the landing occurs in a busy Wal-Mart parking lot, your judgment is likely to come under scrutiny because obviously there was something wrong with your initial planning. And also your choice of landing areas may come under question. In an actual emergency, landing any place is acceptable provided you don't endanger a people on the ground. If on the other hand, you choose to make a precautionary landing in a remote pasture, or some other place where there would likely not be anyone around, then your secondary judgment at least is good. The low fuel condition may not have been anything you could change if you had the flight to do over. What is important, is how you handle the situation once it has become evident that the potential for a problem exists. If you actually let the aircraft run out of fuel, then your judgment was indeed bad not only once, but twice. Even more so than if you had chosen to land in a busy parking lot or school yard. A precautionary landing is not an emergency, and does not have to be reported; so long as there was nothing wrong with the aircraft or pilot which may fall under reporting requirements. It is your responsibility to know what does and doesn't need to be reported. However, if you get a visit by local law enforcement as the result of someone calling to inform them that a helicopter has just landed in their back pasture, you may have fun explaining to that officer and land owner what a precautionary landing is. If you land in a busy parking lot, or a school yard while school is in session, you will most likely have to answer to the FAA. Never trust fuel indicators; measure your fuel with a piece of dowel or something similar, and top off your tanks when gross weight permits. Know your fuel consumption rate, and plan accordingly. Always, always, be safe first! Keep a good check on your fuel, and fly safe!!
|
Send email to
rb@helicopterflight.net with
questions or comments about this web site.
|