Originally Posted by tomstheword
But we might have to go to arbitration on this one, was it legal.
Does it not state in the flight manual of the R22 that one is not allowed to fly in wind of more than or winds forcast to exceed 15 kts (not sure of the exact number).
No actually:
The only wind limitations in the R22 flight manual refer to pilots with less than 200 hours in helicopters and / or less than 50 hours in the R22. And even then, the 15kts you remember refers to the gust spread.
See the extract below from the AD 95-26-04 .
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LIMITATIONS SECTION
The following limitations (1-3) are to be observed unless the pilot manipulating the controls has logged 200 or more flight hours in helicopters, at least 50 of which must be in the RHC Model R22 helicopter, and has completed the awareness training specified in Special Federal Aviation Regulation (SFAR) No. 73, issued February 27, 1995.
(1) Flight when surface winds exceed 25 knots, including gusts, is prohibited.
(2) Flight when surface wind gust spreads exceed 15 knots is prohibited.
(3) Continued flight in moderate, severe, or extreme turbulence is prohibited.
Adjust forward airspeed to between 60 knots indicated airspeed (KIAS) and 0.7 Vne, but no lower than 57 KIAS, upon inadvertently encountering moderate, severe, or extreme turbulence.
Note: Moderate turbulence is turbulence that causes: (1) changes in altitude or attitude; (2) variations in indicated airspeed; and (3) aircraft occupants to feel definite strains against seat belts.