Michel MASSON commented on Michel MASSON's topic in Rotorcraft
Dear Daniel, thanks for your remarks and questions.
I am actually not a helmet expert but a safety generalist.
Information is available on the internet, for instance and without publicity:
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Whiplash_(medicine);
https://oursafetysecurity.com/best-helicopter-helmet/.
I hope that you will find the references that you need.
Best regards,
Michel, ESPN-R Coordinator
Francis Markert commented on John Franklin's topic in Rotorcraft
In this context, I would like to contribute my perspective as a remote pilot with a slightly different focus. I agree with everything written here - without reservation. But I would like to add something:
I am concerned with rescue missions that I, as a pilot, know nothing about. Especially in densely populated areas with tall buildings, it is sometimes difficult as a remote pilot to hear an approaching helicopter that is on its way to a rescue mission. On the one hand, the buildings shield the noise, and on the other, there are many other sounds.
If I am flying my drone in cities in compliance with all the rules and a rescue helicopter is approaching at high speed, I can only react very late. As rescue teams can't always maintain the minimum flight altitude, I see this as a risk.
In such situations, I try to talk to the responsible people in advance and keep my altitude as low as possible in known approach routes.
However, I would find a standardized technical system in all drone models (such as ADS-B) that indicates approaching helicopters even better.
Best regards,
Francis Markert
https://drohnen-camp.de
Michel MASSON posted in Rotorcraft
Did you like the two FAA Rotorcraft Collective videos shared below?
Here is their playlist: https://bit.ly/RotorYT.
Thanks for sharing this great safety promotion material through your professional channels and on social media.
Michel MASSON created a topic in Rotorcraft
Michel MASSON posted in Rotorcraft
The Rotorcraft Collective: Don’t Forget to See and Avoid Other Aircraft
https://youtu.be/2xSZIETO_l8?list=PL5vHkqHi51DTAkNwV1ZlHydXxPUCjmiRt
Another excellent FAA Rotorcraft Collective video presented by Scott Newsome, FAASTeam Representative.
Quote: Most collisions between two aircraft are preventable. However, with the skies becoming crowded with more aircraft and the cockpit becoming crowded with new technologies, using your eyes to look outside is critical for a safe flight. It is the responsibility of all pilots to maintain vigilance to see and avoid other aircraft. This video covers some of our recommendations to prevent a mid-air collision.
Michel MASSON posted in Rotorcraft
FAA Rotorcraft Collective: Sharing Low-altitude Airspace with Drones Midair Collision video, March 2024
https://youtu.be/mZSLZGImITU?list=PL5vHkqHi51DTAkNwV1ZlHydXxPUCjmiRt
Collisions between drones and aircraft are on the rise. Since 2017, there have been in the USA at least six confirmed and another six probable drone collisions with airplanes, helicopters, and hot air balloons, causing significant damage.
Most of these incidents happened to helicopters. These collisions have occurred mainly below 500 feet and some even in controlled airspace. Traditional aircraft always have the right of way over drones, but drone operators don’t always see and avoid in time and air traffic controllers...
Listen to the safety tips provided by Scott Newsome, FAASTeam Representative.
Michel MASSON commented on Michel MASSON's topic in Rotorcraft
On personal minima, see also this other EASA video published in the EASA Community General Aviation on March 1st, 2024:
https://www.easa.europa.eu/community/topics/personal-minimums#comment-4…
Michel MASSON posted in Rotorcraft
AIRATTACK Magazine, Issue 32 was published on March 1st, 2024.
https://indd.adobe.com/view/e461404d-86c2-4322-8033-13ba486a3065
Not very well known in Europe, this NZ Kia Kaha Media Group Magazine doesn't address air combat as the name could let to believe but firefighting - another type of combat.
It includes the article Black Hawk Tanks, Improving the Breed by Paul Kennard (picture below).
Discover the other AIRATTACK Magazine issues - a superb collection, at:
https://www.airattackmag.com/
Michel MASSON posted in Rotorcraft
HAI replaced by Vertical Aviation International (VAI)
February 24, 2024
https://contentsharing.net/actions/email_web_version.cfm?recipient_id=3…
Excerpts from the VAI Newsletter:
"Our vision at VAI is clear and audacious: to be the world’s most vital membership association leading the evolution and expansion of vertical flight.
While our name and appearance have evolved, the most important change is our expanded focus: we support all aircraft capable of vertical or short takeoff and landing—and yes, that absolutely includes helicopters. Those aircraft complete missions that no other aircraft can accomplish, and we are proud to represent them.
We rebranded to expand our reach, and so VAI focuses on what unites us: the unique capabilities of vertical flight. If you design, build, fix, fly, supply, or support vertical aviation, then you belong in VAI!
Beyond the name change, our commitment to offering the industry's most effective advocacy, communication channels, safety programs, education, and networking opportunities remains steadfast.
Welcome to Vertical Aviation International!"
Signed Nicole Battjes, Chair, VAI Board of Directors, and
James A. Viola, VAI President and CEO
Michel MASSON commented on Michel MASSON's topic in Rotorcraft
Thanks for sharing this most tragic accident case, John.
Condolences to the family.
Reminds us that this danger can be lethal and that proper mitigations must be taken to control the risk.
Certain errors - we call them critical errors, won't be forgiven...
