Hoist fitted cutters
I'm hoping the wide and varied nature of the forum will provide me with some insight into what other operators think. This is not meant to get into a slanging match but rather to engender some healthy discussion and understand how others view an issue. I hope to write an article on the issue very soon.
In Australia, some operators have gained the regulator's approval to remove the hoist fitted pyrotechnic cutters and instead rely on hand held ballistic cutters carried by the crewman in the cabin. Essentially, this has come about over concerns about inadvertant firings caused by external electro-magnetic induction (EMI) or problems with installation (electrical grounding).
Now I have a personal view on this but thought I would see what you all thought.
Have any operators experienced inadvertent firings caused by external EMI?
Do operators in other countries do the same?
Does the regulator in any other country permit the removal of these cutters?
Has anyone experienced inadvertent firings that could not be explained?
Many thanks everyone!