ATCO? could you elaborate? Im not that up to date with these abbreviations.
Chip lights can be as serious as any emergency if you do nothing about them. In some twin helicopters an amber chip light on dictates an engine shut down, in singles it gives you mental preparation for what youre going to do. The chip light can be your best friend, particularly in a single. The flight manual will tell you what to do, follow it to the letter. PAN calls and MAYDAYS don't cost you anything, better to tell someone what you are seeing, it helps, and mentally prepare yourself for what ifs, what if this happens, what if this happens, have I done this.. have I done that.
I dont consider a chip light on a gearbox or engine a minor tech problem, in the air its better to get the thing on the ground ASAP and make a phone call. Ive had a few chip lights, beleive me, get it on the ground and make that PAN call, it costs you nothing,
[ 02 January 2002: Message edited by: sling load ]</p>