Thank you Ring Gear
.... for reminding me of a old Bell 204/205 trick (haven't flown those for about a 100 years)
These aircraft also have the infrared fire detectors. When flying early morning or late evening when the sun is low and shining from the left or right rear quarter you can get a false fire indication.
If the springs are bit worn the step covers in the engine cowls deflect inward allowing the sunlight to shine through and trigger the indicator.
If you can turn 90 degrees and fire light goes out that's the likely cause.
And I absolutely agree there is a time to chuck the checklist and use your head. A delaminated main blade on a 212 taught me that. There was major damage to the aircraft from the shaking but we did manage to get her on the ground right side up.
My rule for dealing with stuff that ain't in the checklist goes like this:
(1) Do something.
(2) If that makes it worse - stop doin' it.
(3) Try something else.
(4) If that makes it better - keep doin' it.
(5) If nothing you have tried works - keep trying new stuff until you hit the ground.
Last edited by oleary; 5th Jan 2016 at 05:11.