cc.
That said, I've been in there much times. Cloudy, it often is.
Our MDA was, from memory, 1800'. Most times , coming in from Islay, easier to do it under the wx, 500' or less (with pax). You'd never get down otherwise. Cancelling IFR was a 'command decision', made routinely but never without careful consideration of the wx.
Often, even though VMC prevailed, the Mull was cloudy. There is often orographic uplift and a cap on top. Even Paul McCartney refered to 'clouds rolling in from the sea' in his famous song about the 'Mull of Kintyre'.
The clouds tended to form on the upwind side of the Mull.
We lost an Islander there during the proc turn in good (night) VMC a few years ago.
Why would a SF RAF guy, stag in below MDA when not visual?
We had a discreet let down proc.
Was like spaghetti, based on the MAC, timing for the descent.
I've spent a lot of time flying in the western islands, during which time the company lost two aircraft.
The loss of this aircraft is a sad thing. And no doubt about it.
I was in a fixed wing type unlike the accident pilots
They had the benefit (if you like such things) of flying a Helo!
Not sure?
reduce speed to 10 Kt. (not available to us) Hover! Wait! Think! Navigate! (luxury).
Not these guys. They were doing a good speed when they hit (and finally pulling up!)
The 'gross negligance' charge is, in my own mind, justified.
If I ever do something as stupid myself, you have my permission to do me down on here.
They did the crime and they paid the time.
Sad, but true. Everyone else (including me) is just an uninterested bystander.
Stand UP the man who says he can't cock it up.
Last edited by BarbiesBoyfriend; 7th Aug 2009 at 03:42.