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…
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Michel MASSON created a topic in Rotorcraft
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Michel MASSON posted in Rotorcraft
1 week ago PublicThe Rotorcraft Collective: Don’t Forget to See and Avoid Other Aircraft
https://youtu.be/2xSZIETO_l8?list=PL5vHkqHi51DTAkNwV1ZlHydXxPUCjmiRtAnother 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.
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Michel MASSON posted in Rotorcraft
1 week ago PublicFAA 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.
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Michel MASSON commented on Michel MASSON's topic in Rotorcraft
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Michel MASSON posted in Rotorcraft
2 weeks ago PublicAIRATTACK Magazine, Issue 32 was published on March 1st, 2024.
https://indd.adobe.com/view/e461404d-86c2-4322-8033-13ba486a3065Not 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
2 weeks ago PublicHAI 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
Michel MASSON • 3 weeks agoThanks 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... -
Michel MASSON created a topic in Rotorcraft
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Michel MASSON posted in Rotorcraft
2 months ago PublicAdvice for helicopter pilots in harsh winter conditions
Article by by Anette Kruhaug Haldorsen, Jan. 9, 2022
https://en.ehc.no/advice-for-helicopter-pilots-in-harsh-winter-conditio…
https://www.businessairnews.com/mag_story.html?ident=23445Norway is a demanding country for helicopter operations. There are many factors involved during the winter season. Icing, white-out, snow landing, weather, flameout, fuel, starting in cold weather, parking outside, skids stuck to the ground, frozen ground and more.
Quote:
To avoid white-out it’s important to:
1. Avoid flying at low altitude over snow covered surfaces without prober references.
2. Do not fly into heavy snow showers.
3. If it’s not possible to see the difference between ground and horizon, turn around or land.Different technics may be used to reduce the risk of entering self-induced white-out conditions:
1. If possible, stop in high hover and try to blow the snow away. Be aware of different snow types, and that the snow may start to recirculate suddenly when the helicopter is close to the ground.
2. Do not attempt to land if there is no object you can use as a reference during landing.
3. Perform a fast approach with a slightly forward movement and avoid low hovering.
4. Turn the nose of the helicopter, so the reference is visible at all time and fly close to it.
5. Make use of landing lights.
6. At take-off, lift the helicopter slowly to light on skids. If white out conditions occur land immediately, if not a max performance take off shall be performed with a slightly forward movement and always keep a point as a reference. Avoid hovering.More in this informative article.
I use this opportunity to wish you all a wonderful Christmas time and a Happy New Year! Michel, ESPN-R Coordinator
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Michel MASSON posted in Rotorcraft
2 months ago PublicIn relation to the volcanic eruption in Iceland mentioned below, EASA has published on Dec. 19, 2023 an update to the Safety Information Bulletin on managing the risk of volcanic ash events.
https://www.easa.europa.eu/en/newsroom-and-events/news/easa-issues-safe…
https://ad.easa.europa.eu/ad/2023-13#download