PPRuNe Forums - View Single Post - Steve Hislop killed in helicopter accident: threads merged
Old 6th May 2008, 08:13
  #165 (permalink)  
Art of flight
 
Join Date: Dec 2007
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Sicknote

Even the more expensive modern helicopters (£4million/EC135T2) with autopilot lack the ability to remain hands off below around 60kts. Most GA heli's are much further down the chain of sophistication and 'most' owner/operators are flying around in R22/R44 and perhaps B206's with no stability whatsoever.

In my experience these accidents often come down to the matter of decision making, based on the forecast weather (should I even attempt the sortie), experience (have I been in a similar situation before and how did I survive it), aircraft capability (and my proven ability to use those capabilities to the full if required).

I have lost a few good friends over the years due to aircraft failure, but far more due to them making the wrong decision in poor weather (ie to continue at low level and look for a gap in the weather or the terrain).
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