Originally Posted by
SASless
Keep it simple guys.....one does not have to be inside cloud or fog to encounter the need to control the helicopter by reference to the Instruments.....and it happens very quickly at night over unlit terrain.
Coming from an instructional and tour background....just how much Single Pilot Instrument flight in Actual Instrument flying conditions did this pilot have? How much real IMC flight had she had recently?
We have to remember the US EMS Industry and the US FAA are quite happy if you are "legally" current....no matter that you cannot possibly be proficient and happen to be flying an a helicopter with no stabilization or autopilot at night over dark terrain.....under VFR.
That is a pretty tall order for any Pilot no matter how experienced and well trained.
To be fair....we do. not know if CFIT is the primary cause of this tragedy....but the circumstances sure lend itself to that being the case.
I once flew for a Single Pilot IFR Program where every six months we got an hour or so of Hood Time....immediately followed by an Instrument Check Ride. Upon passing that ride...we were Current and Proficient by Company and FAA Rules.
We were encouraged to do Approaches upon returning to the airfield where we fueled at the end of the EMS flight....but we all know doing Instrument Approaches in the clear blue without restricting your view of the outside is of not much use in maintaining the real skills that need turning up.
Mind you that was in a Sperry equipped Bell 412 that would do a pretty good job of flying itself while you got occupied with the rest of the tasks.
Amen to that, and actually more actual than you may remember SAS, enough so to acually be proficient, at least by the time I got there.
And night time was a good 30% of total.
You are however correct on the whole post.