Engineer killed by tail rotor.

[JimEli]

I find it bizarre that a ground run, with no intent to fly falls through the regulatory cracks and apparent commonsense practices. Unfortunately, we seem to experience preventable accidents similar to this every few years.



I proposed an AS350B3 Functional Check Flight (FCF) Procedures Course for an international flight training company in 2018. I envisioned it as a 1-day add on to a refresher course with the primary goals:

• Enhances operational safety and reduces risk.
• Reduce downtime due to improper knowledge and techniques.
• Provides for standardized procedures.

Ground School Topics included:

· Regulations

· FCF (Preflight, Ground and Flight) Safe Practices

· Brief Systems Review from a Post-Maintenance Perspective (emphasis on engine, hydraulics, and electrical), VEMD Maintenance and Configuration

· MEL & RFM Section 8.3 Flight Testing Procedures

· CRM in the Maintenance Test Flight Environment

Simulator Sessions included:

· SIT (runup procedures/checks)

· 2-hour flight, MTF Procedures (emergency review, autorotation, EPC, RFM 8.3 checks, etc.)

Sadly, my proposal was not accepted. I still have most of the material that was collected for the courses’ development. It appears it is needed now more than ever.