PPRuNe Forums - View Single Post - What's the most stupid thing you've done as a pilot?
Old 28th May 2009 | 23:51
  #40 (permalink)  
technoprat
 
Joined: Jan 2008
Posts: 24
Likes: 0
From: Out There, Man
The Wessex (S-58) engines are normally started with the rotorbrake on.
With both engines at idle, the brake is slowly released to a count of 1-2-3.

I was an engineer on an external intercom longlead when, the SAR pilot on a solo training flight proceeded the release the brake as quickly as possible.

The dear old Wessex (being a bit top heavy) proceeded to oscillate wildly, leaping from one main u/c wheel to the other, threatening to roll over.

I ran like hell, nearly strangling myself with the longlead in the process.

The a/c finally settled down as the rotor rpm cranked up & stabalised.
I returned & plugged into the intercom.
"WTF ?" I asked.
"I always wondered why they told you to release the rotorbrake slowly" he replied.
technoprat is offline  
Reply