PC1 Operations
I'd like to add some more thoughts to this discussion.
PC2e has been invented most likely because most of the helicopter used in offshore can not afford PC1 operations at a decent weight/payload.
Furthermore I keep hearing that PC1 operations are not possible offshore due to several constraints and too variable weather/environment conditions.
At AW we think differently and we worked hard to provide several Cat A procedures one of which is specific for offshore operations.
We realized the peculiarity of this environment and we understand that in several situations PC1 is not possible. But we also think that in several scenarios this is possible and it is much safer if this actually carried out.
The AW139 Cat A offshore procedure (EASA certified) provides not just full protection from engine failure but allows much greater obstacle margins than most of the current procedures.
It has been constructed based on operation requirements and with pilot work load in mind.
This procedure does not implies pitch variations greater than -10° and +5° during the take off profile regardless there is an engine failure or not. The take off maneuver has a delta TQ application that is proportional to the hover performance in order to keep the RTO ballooning at the same height.
The TDP is the lowest possible (20 ft) but rotation point is at 30 ft in AEO and OEI.
The deck edge clearance is at least 100 m in the worst conditions with take off from the center of the deck.
The biggest drop down you can ever experience is 50 ft at max weight (6800 kg) during take off and not lower than 0 ft for a balked landing.
All this is at zero wind.
There is very little weight penalty in most of the hottest ambient conditions and almost no penalty with just 5 kts of factored wind.
This is not meant as sale pitch but an attempt to provide evidence that safety is not just performance but also obstacle clearance, power margins, controllability margins, easy to fly and a good pilot confidence.
I hope that PC1 offshore (and on shore) will be used all the times this will be feasible and I hope operators will give us all the necessary feedbacks in order to make the operations safer.