Helicopter pilot dies...

[Gatordev]

Yup, or when one guy decides to start getting out of the cockpit w/ various assorted straps and boots near the collective while someone else comes into the arc. When I was the PC program manager, it was something I made sure all guys going to the board were aware of, and something we harped on during the PC board.

 

[HeloBubba]

Wearing my former PC hat, we never cleared folks in from the left (or 9 o'clock). Anybody who need to approach a turning helo gathered out at the 3 not under the arc (usually by the NC-8), waited for the PC to get the pilot's attention, then "walked" them in.

As for Sly's question, what would be the PC hand signal for two groups of folks approaching the aircraft at the same time from two different directions?

 

[MasterBates]

Two fingers one left and right, with similar "in" motions.

 

[HeloBubba]

Two fingers one left and right, with similar "in" motions.

I thought of that, but what about the fist-over-your-head that is supposed to go along with that? Just as a personal note, instead of a fist, I held up fingers to show how many folks were coming in. Just as one more bit of info that might come in handy.

 

[Circle K]

Yup, or when one guy decides to start getting out of the cockpit w/ various assorted straps and boots near the collective while someone else comes into the arc. When I was the PC program manager, it was something I made sure all guys going to the board were aware of, and something we harped on during the PC board.

Pretty standard line in the sqaudron's SOPs now about that. Either pilot door open = nobody in or out of the arc. Still a very good thing to go over with any PC.

 

[MasterBates]

Is that "door-open, no people in arc" a relatively new thing? (say last 9 months)

I would never let anyone in or out while someone was getting in or out, but we would often keep the doors open to get some air moving in the cabin.

 

[ChuckMK23]

When I was flying EMS, our Part 135 Operations Manual clearly stated that with engines running/rotors engaged, the pilot had to be at the controls and strapped in. Anyone entering or leaving the rotor arc had to first make visual contact with the pilot (we were single piloted at all times) and en exchange of hand signals followed.

Even at an accident scene "hot loading" a patient - engines/rotors turning - was a BIG deal. And the medical team always consulted me first. My personal preference was to shut down and get the rotors stopped - an accident scene with first responders scurrying around and a turning helo was a recipe for disaster, especially at night.

Besides I could get the bird shut down and started back up again in no time - I typically could go from cold to 100% Nf/Nr in under 3 minutes in the BK-117 (No FADEC, manual modulated start and all!)

A lot of small 135 operators do the "hot loading" thing - even with a single pilot - as a way of saving cycles on the engine. Stupid of course - unless you are a tour operator with lots of safety staff. But a pilot walking away from a turning aircraft is just asking for it IMHO. We used to debate this at the hospital all the time and even the old guys who did it years ago felt uneasy about the practice.

 

[ChunksJR]

Every inch counts.

Oh my...that's what she said!

I tried...I tried to keep that in. OH!!!!!!!!! Another one...

I crack myself up...tee hee.

 

[ChunksJR]

Two fingers one left and right, with similar "in" motion

I thought of that, but what about the fist-over-your-head that is supposed to go along with that? Just as a personal note, instead of a fist, I held up fingers to show how many folks were coming in. Just as one more bit of info that might come in handy.

And I come in from the side.

This thread is just getting dirty... LOL...