Education !
This is my first entry into the foray of PPRUNE and reviewing this particular forum I feel that from the initial event the comments are moving along. I extend my sincere condolences to those family and friends who suffer through this tragic loss.
To my point - As a 44 pilot and a mature recent graduate of the "Holy of Holys'" RISK MANAGEMENT Iwould offer aftermentioned for consideration.
The United Kingdom IMHO is NOT and never will be a country with such a climate that the flying a rotory can be exercised wherever and whenever one wishes. True there is a need to experience during training the actions to be taken should adverse weather be encountered on a journey but is there enough emphasis placed on the importance of understanding the changable weather conditions throughout this country?
With increased flying time experience is gained and complacency grows. This is an observation on my part and every time I do an A I have to remind myself to complete the check to limit the risk.
I love to fly helicopters but with all my heart I believe that in the UK flying Heelios is a wonderful event that has to be experienced only on days that declare all the 9's from A to B and back! I refer my comments to the 44 and 22'ss as I dont have knowledge of the available technology fitted to other machines.
Cliches in this instance abound - but if I may submit just one that I believe may have saved me on one occasion it would be :
" The least experienced press on, while the more experienced turn back to meet the most experienced that didn't take off in the first place".