Shawn
Nothing is ever mentioned about the machine being operated within the HV curve, which for a Part 29 helicopter with more than 9 passengers, is a limitation.
A limitation - something that is not permitted.
The rate of rotor RPM droop is also pretty consistent throughout, and also consistent with the rotor RPM droop in the previous takeoffs...
from SK61L/N RFM, Category A H-V:
This curve does not apply to vertical operations or elevated heliport edge procedures...
Category B H-V:
4. When conducting Category "B" rotorcraft external load operations, this curve does not constitute a limitation.
the question would be, is the operation in question in line with an exemption? I would have to think about the answer and do a little research.
SAS asks about public use, which is a US regulatory issue I am unfamiliar with.
SAS:
Oleary,
I thought Okanagan grew into CHC...or am I mistaken in thinking that.
Yes. Okanagan was combined with Ranger and Sealand when bought which created Canadian Helicopters, eventually to evolve into CHC (which is no longer Canadian at all). I haven't met many Okkie guys who thought it was a good thing.
Gordy, the 15 points you quoted are interesting, but again they come from a lawyer, and show similar unfamiliarity with the 61 that the NTSB report did.
I went back to look at the CVR transcript and see no indication whatsoever from either pilot that there was a tourque split or that either of them was initiating emergency throttle usage. As far as the red handle being difficult to move, it gets bumped out of the detent easily and could easily be moved in a crash sequence.
This is an old airframe, there are no computers controlling the engines. When the engine is topped, the fuel flow is physically limited to provide maximum OEI (topped Ng) power and no more. If an engine fails, one need not limit the use of the remaining engine with collective, as it has already been 'topped' and one can just fly the Nr.
Using topping (OEI power) should not be normal practice for take-off just like pulling to the tourque limiter in a 212 should not be done.