Helicopter Flight Information
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Helicopter Flight Information |
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Using the what-if scenario for preventionI recently observed a pilot sitting in a running R44 while his crew refueled the aircraft. I was in shock. I am not a fan of hot refueling in any circumstances, even with turbine powered aircraft unless absolutely necessary. Does it really save that much time and is it that important when the risks are considered? There is no easier aircraft to have a fuel overspill occur on than a Robinson, but all piston helicopters are of similar concern. The hot engine and the exhaust is right below the fueling point, and any overspill will almost certainly ignite. In turbine helicopters, the engine and its hot exhaust are usually situated high above the fueling point, jet fuel has a much lower flashpoint, and a fire hazard is very minimal. Note that in some turbine helicopters such as MD/Hughes, the new Robinson R66, and perhaps a few others, represent an extreme hot fueling hazard. All pilots should use the 'what if' scenario when they asses the risks involved for any operation. They must analyze the importance of what they are about to do. A renter pilot with a few hundred hours of experience returned with the helicopter, and upon giving me the keys, he remarked, "I landed it a little close to the hanger, you might want to move it before someone else attempts to take off". I walked out with another student several minutes later after that pilot had left, and I was shocked at how close he had landed to the hanger. I had not trained this pilot, and I had nothing to do with his rental (which was arranged between him and the aircraft owner). I am happy for that. I will speak to him on this matter when I see him again. I have 4,000 hours and I would not land that close to a building; it is a pointless, and ridiculous display of ones ignorance. In reviewing our recent accident study, you will see that a large number of accidents were caused by rotor contact (over 6 percent). What if your rotor contacts something? What will happen? If dead people could talk, you could get your answer. A dramatic loss of control occurs, the rotor is knocked seriously out of balance, and there is NO chance of regaining control. What if you run low on fuel, much less out of fuel? Can you coast over to the side of the road? is the risk worth it? What if you continue flight into deteriorating weather conditions? Will you be able to control the aircraft, or might you be able to maintain control? What if you just don't take unnecessary risks? You improve your chances of avoiding an accident tremendously, and that is proven. There is no doubt that with enough time in the air, your odds of having some sort of emergency increases. Why add unnecessary risk to the fact that sooner or later you will have some kind of problem anyway? Fly Safe!!!
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