Not Another One...RAF Puma Down in Iraq
Join Date: Aug 2000
Location: Liverpool based Geordie, so calm down, calm down kidda!!
Age: 60
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Like most aircraft flying today, the Puma has its vices and can bite you if you are not careful. I know journalists read this, so I will also be careful here in how I mention its own vices. First, I am not serving anymore and have NO knowledge of this tragic accident. There is no link, even though some papers have tried to connect some real rubbish to this one. The Puma has two 'gotchas' that are well known and can be overcome without scaremongering. It IS a safe aircraft when treated with respect. The first is engine response. If you make a sudden high power demand from an initial low setting, the engines take time to respond. The rotors can slow down quickly until this happens. Pilots are taught early on, how to avoid this. Unfortunately, this has caused a few accidents when they failed to take the correct action. The answer is to fit anticipators, which is very expensive. Governments do not do expensive, so awareness training has to suffice. The second vice is an aerodynamic one. Simplified (very), the Puma is top heavy and when you get it out of balance and then quickly move the pedals back in balance, it is possible to get the aircraft rolling at a very fast rate. This rate is more than the controls can counter and the helicopter can turn upside down and ultimately crash. Once again, a simple method of getting out of this situation is taught early in training. Sadly again, accidents have happened where people have not used this technique. So in summary, the Puma can bite, but it IS a safe (but demanding) helicopter to fly. I instructed on it for years and unless the basic training has changed, it highlights the dangerous points. Advanced training is another thing and I have no current knowledge about that. The age of the technology is totally irrelevant in my opinion.
RIP to these brave troops, I hope your families are not too distressed at reading the lies printed in some rags......
RIP to these brave troops, I hope your families are not too distressed at reading the lies printed in some rags......
Gentleman Aviator
Well and succinctly put JayTee
but I don't think it's basic handling training that's being questioned - and training seems to be totally irrelevant to this case.
Been out of country and comms for 10 days or so and have just come back to hear of this ... RIP to both - thoughts and prayers for NOKs, loved ones and survivors - and I'm off to raise a small glass...maybe a large one...
Too full already is the Grave
Of fellows that were good and brave
And died because they were....
but I don't think it's basic handling training that's being questioned - and training seems to be totally irrelevant to this case.
Been out of country and comms for 10 days or so and have just come back to hear of this ... RIP to both - thoughts and prayers for NOKs, loved ones and survivors - and I'm off to raise a small glass...maybe a large one...
Too full already is the Grave
Of fellows that were good and brave
And died because they were....
