P1
Absolutely!
The forecast was just that. As an experienced SH pilot frequently in this position, I would base my ability to climb on the well known rule of thumb, surprisingly accurate, of a 2 deg per 1000ft lapse rate.
The surface temperature, from the AAIB report was 9 deg C (not 11 deg C as Wratten purports [that was at Machrihanish]). Any Chinnook 2 Captain willing to climb above 2500ft in these conditions would indeed be negligent. The SALT locally was 2800ft.
Welcome back K52 you rascall. Got your email, and happy your computer tribulations are over. Gloves off, or on? <img src="tongue.gif" border="0">
My MP, Andrew Robathan says he is broadly in agreement with me. '...the finding of gross negligence is difficult to sustain given that nobody knows what happened to the aircraft, but I am afraid that I almost invariably do not sign EDMs.'