Helicopter pilot saves fixed-wing pilot - Unbelievable sequel! (NOW UPDATED)
Just read this on another forum, any truth in it? - Good job if it is the fact
Quote:
We were en route from Shoreham to Bembridge passing south of Goodwood when we heard this lady with engine problems, and also apparently unable to see the field. Another aircraft nearby was able to see the stricken aircraft and stayed on scene (circling overhead) as she put down in a ploughed field just SE of Goodwood, but then overturned. Very distressing as could hear downed pilot calling for help over radio as trapped, upside down, inside the aircraft. We then heard a heli (Mustang?) out of Bembridge for Redhill call and offer assistance. Detoured back in to Goodwood on return from Bembridge later in the day, and understand that heli crew had assisted exit and pilot was not seriously injured, though was hurt. Overflew the aircraft on the way back home and it didn't look pretty! From what we heard at the time and saw after the event, it looks like the pilot did a pretty good job - could have turned out much worse.
Last Sunday following a MayDay call in Southern UK, a friend of mine (a rotary FI) diverted to offer assistance. The FI had been on a X-country Nav training Ex and upon arriving he found the fixed wing inverted and the pilot trapped inside.
Having landed they managed to move the aircraft enough that the pilot could be rescued. The FI then provided suitable medical help until the Emergency Services arrived.
When the dust had settled the heli was repositioned to a nearby airfield for refuelling, a calming cup of tea, and to return a paramedic who otherwise would have been stranded in a field.
In my books the FI deserves nothing but praise. Sadly that's not a view shared by his CP
According to the CP the FI has completed an unauthorised AoC trip/s by responding to the MayDay and then repositioning whilst helping the paramedic. FI has had to submit an MOR and the latest opinion from the CP is that the FI will have to cover the costs incurred in these 'illegal' flights
CP went further and suggested responding to MayDay's be avoided
I hope the CP and/or company owner reads this. What a disappointingly damning view of actions that may well have been life saving.
I'm disgusted at your attitude and keep my fingers crossed that whoever sees this MOR within the CAA treats it (and you) with the contempt it deserves. Lets be thankful that the rest of us are willing to look out for each other.
Who in the hell is that a****h*** and just name the Company. By the way I think it's even illegal NOT to respond to a MayDay call.
I agree.
What did the CP expect the fellow to do? - Of course you respond if you can help!
Kudos to the FI for a job well done. The decision to reposition and refuel seems to be good airmanship rather than perhaps attempt to return to base with low fuel.
The CP is very wrong and deserves a severe attitude adjustment. Unless there are circumstances of which we are not aware his idea of not responding is shocking.
A Mayday is a call for immediate help not a press release!
Just out of curiousity - how much flying time are we talking about.
Well done to the FI. The CP should be punched on the nose then reminded that if he was in the unfortunate situation of the downed fixed wing pilot, he would have been very relieved that no one took his stance and ignored. Sounds like the attitude in society of 'walking by' when you see someone in trouble.
That does seem to be a pretty despicable attitude from the CP. Unfortunately, it looks like another case of putting costs/profits above safety.
Would you mind if I reposted the link to The Argus story that you posted in the Private Forum? It should certainly help DU's case (even if he does try to use the article to get a date! )
B73
PS to thecontroller: In this case, CP stands for Chief Pilot. It was a training flight, hence no co-jo.
Makes my blood boil!!!! This isn't very nice, but at this moment I'm hoping that one day that CP is in the position of needing help, and there's an FI close by who says: "Sorry, mate, can't do it. It would be an illegal AOC flight. Yes, I know you're trapped and might die, but rules is rules and they come first. Byeeee".
I probably don't really mean that, but it would serve him right!!!!!
The CP in question must have had a very compelling reason for making the statements he did in this matter....you folks should give him a bit of sea room here.
He may very well be stating his case exactly according to his company policy manual, owner's policy, or someother binding requirement upon him and has nothing to do with his own personal reasons.
It is not inconsistent to consider the FI may have wrongfully assumed a rescue function that he was not properly trained, equipped, or tasked to do. We have had many instances of professional SAR crews lamblasting such amateur efforts even when the non-professional intervention saved lives.
Perhaps Craab will jump in here and re-iterate all the reasons he has posted in the past which would validate the dangers that such non-professional SAR acts pose to the public?
If the FI has to pay for the flight time incurred or re-fuelling charges....count me in on the Whip Round to help him pay the bill!
Sounds to me like a certain CP needs his hind end firmly kicked....repeatedly!
The FI acted like a true Helicopter Pilot should....Bravo, Lad!
According to the CP the FI has completed an unauthorised AoC trip/s by responding to the MayDay and then repositioning whilst helping the paramedic.
Must have a strange Ops Manual. There were three people onboard this instructional flight. I can't see where it changed to an AOC or CAT flight - even with the paramedic onboard the flight could still retain instructional status.
Of course, if the poor FI has to pay the extra flight time, he could try to reclaim that cost from the insurers for the fixed wing. But then someone's paying the bill - and the AOC pops its head up.
What a bollox. And what a prat CP. Soon we'll all know his name - and this is a small world. Let's club together and buy him some superglue for his lips as a Christmas present.
It is not inconsistent to consider the FI may have wrongfully assumed a rescue function that he was not properly trained, equipped, or tasked to do. We have had many instances of professional SAR crews lamblasting such amateur efforts even when the non-professional intervention saved lives. Perhaps Craab will jump in here and re-iterate all the reasons he has posted in the past which would validate the dangers that such non-professional SAR acts pose to the public?
SASless (& Crab)
So if we see you trapped upside down in a cab - possibly about to burn - it'll be alright to go on our way without a thought...
It's this attitude and that of the CP that highlights everything thats wrong with this pox-ridden country...
Whats wrong with the operators of today when it comes to the recovery cost of aircraft time. We are talking a training exercise diversion. The student most likely learned something new at the same time.
The cost of this diversion in a 22, 44, 300, or even a jetranger doesnot add up to the cost of a human life
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