Originally Posted by
26500lbs
Or……..how about make a tool that fits the job not a job that fits the tool.
What about some really innovative thinking from our industry. If fixed flying is so much safer, simpler, better, then why not go tilt-rotor and get the best of both worlds. Cruise at FL250, pressurized, above the majority of the weather and icing, saving fuel, traveling further, faster more effectively, better glide performance, no tail rotor, better alternate performance planning options, fewer bases required. Fit it with the latest greatest avionics and AP suites. Reduced payload, but more reduced risk in many areas. AW609 could be interesting in the North Sea. Everything could be flown from Aberdeen and Bergen or whichever airports are best equipped/suited. The oil companies save money and time on logistics and can better address safety. The operators can use fewer bases to serve larger areas. The crews have a more comfortable working environment. The pax have a more comfortable environment. That way nobody can do what we used to do in the old days ‘cos it was better in those days, as there were no old days! Just a crazy idea, thats all.
It isn't really the cruise that is the high risk portion of the flight. It is the bit at the end, especially with any performance 'exposure'. A tilt rotor isn't going to fix those problems.
Also, what about areas such as the SNS, where sectors are often no longer than 40-50 miles? There wouldn't be much point going up to FL250 (or cruising at 350kts) for that.