After reading about yet another trolley accident, it got me thinking about those contraptions again.
What is it that keeps them around in this industry? My guess is misconceived economics.
Normal day to day use of a trolley is usually no problem, but there is a hazard introduced into the operation of the helicopter, that shouldn't need to be there. To me it's a simple case of risk-management.
Looking att the economic side of things; After one helicopter beeing written off, it isn't the cheapest way to move the helicopter around anymore, is it?
I can think of lots of ways that are safer when moving a helicopter with skids on the ground than a trolley, none of them as fast, but all of them with no added risk to the flying side.
As a pilot, telling the boss that it's unsafe to work off trolleys, is that similar to saying "I'm a bad pilot"?
These things will probably be around until there is some good statistics that shows how many accidents are related to taking off and landing on them. With the pilot experience in the mix as well.
Any thoughts on how to improve them while waiting for them to disappear? What is the worst and best trolley you have been operating on from pilot, safety or moving around point of view?
If there are some pictures also, that would be nice.
Cheers!
/2beers