Re: Three Dead....Another Night Bad Weather Flight Over Dark Terrain
Interesting presentation Nick, It would be great if this becomes a reality.
Right now though, people continue to die needlessly. How do we stop this?
The big killer is flight into IMC at night, when operating VFR.
I know I have harped on about this, but I will continue to do so. NVG's are available now, and for a relatively small cost, and some training, could be making a huge difference. It would enable VFR flights to REMAIN VFR. There is NO justifiable argument for not having them.
"flight program coordinator had a history of inappropriately involving himself in the weather-related decision making of pilots" This is where management need to have a hard look at themselves. The pilot has to have the backing of his employer when it comes to decisions regarding the flight.
The pilot also has to be totally removed from outside influences, ie, pressure from company, being told the condition of the patient, etc. Decisions to fly must be based on whether the pilot thinks the flight can be carried out safely or not.