Go Back  PPRuNe Forums > Aircrew Forums > Rotorheads
Reload this Page >

Camera v's mirror for sling work?

Wikiposts
Search
Rotorheads A haven for helicopter professionals to discuss the things that affect them

Camera v's mirror for sling work?

Thread Tools
 
Search this Thread
 
Old 12th Nov 2009, 16:55
  #1 (permalink)  
Thread Starter
 
Join Date: May 2004
Location: Europe
Posts: 20
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes on 0 Posts
Camera v's mirror for sling work?

If anybody out there has experience or knowledge of using a tail mounted camera and cockpit monitor for viewing an underslung load rather than a chin mirror could you please let me know? I'd be grateful for some info' on suppliers too.

Cheers

MM
Mountainman is offline  
Old 13th Nov 2009, 00:31
  #2 (permalink)  
 
Join Date: Dec 2001
Location: Gold Coast, Queensland
Posts: 943
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes on 0 Posts
Always found the mirror easier; in bright sun the screen was hard to see.
Nigel Osborn is offline  
Old 13th Nov 2009, 04:14
  #3 (permalink)  
 
Join Date: Nov 2005
Location: Suffolk, UK.
Age: 65
Posts: 61
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes on 0 Posts
I've never flown with a tail cam, but I've never had a mirror failure either.
Blind Bob is offline  
Old 13th Nov 2009, 06:52
  #4 (permalink)  
 
Join Date: Jun 2004
Location: Europe
Posts: 608
Received 7 Likes on 6 Posts
We have a small camera on a 212 pointed from roughly hell hole downwards. To this day I haven't found one good use of it. When you really need it the sun is way too bright. Mirrors all the way
Phoinix is offline  
Old 13th Nov 2009, 20:56
  #5 (permalink)  
 
Join Date: Nov 2004
Location: OZZ
Posts: 44
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes on 0 Posts
I prefer the camera, but have the mirror as a back-up.
TangoMikeYankee is offline  
Old 14th Nov 2009, 00:52
  #6 (permalink)  
 
Join Date: May 2004
Location: Tax-land.
Posts: 909
Received 3 Likes on 2 Posts
We have a dual camera system on the AW-139, one points at the hook and the second one (wide angle) to a general location where the cargo ought to be up to 90KIAS.
We also fly the 212 and 412 on the same contract but we use the classic mirror set up for those.
The cameras on the 139 are displayed on the MFD.
The system takes a little bit to get used to as generally the pilots are well used to using the mirrors.
tottigol is offline  
Old 14th Nov 2009, 03:11
  #7 (permalink)  
 
Join Date: Aug 2007
Location: in the training office
Posts: 239
Likes: 0
Received 1 Like on 1 Post
errrrr....

Why not take a crewman? You concentrate on flying the aircraft and we'll tell you where to go!
Adam Nams is offline  
Old 14th Nov 2009, 04:33
  #8 (permalink)  
 
Join Date: Dec 2001
Location: Gold Coast, Queensland
Posts: 943
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes on 0 Posts
Not much space in a Bell 47
Nigel Osborn is offline  
Old 14th Nov 2009, 09:20
  #9 (permalink)  
Thread Starter
 
Join Date: May 2004
Location: Europe
Posts: 20
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes on 0 Posts
Hobson's choice!

Thanks to all for the input and info'.

Mirrors would be my first choice too as I've used them in the past. Sadly, if a chin mirror is fitted to the aircraft I am currently flying (Mk1 Super Puma) the nose floatation bag is obstructed by the mounting structure and the aircraft cannot be used for offshore op's IAW my Op's Manual hence the camera question.

If I could source an after market mounting that didn't compromise the flotation system I'd go for it but I haven't had any luck so far.

I'm still keen to have a look at the camera option so if anyone could provide me with the name a manufacturer who produces approved kit for the commercial market I'd be grateful. I also understand that vibration can be an issue if the camera is mounted on an extremity of the airframe. I suspect glare on the screen won't be too much of a problem as I'm based in Scotland where I'm more likely to have snags with the lens icing up!

Cheers,

MM
Mountainman is offline  
Old 14th Nov 2009, 22:07
  #10 (permalink)  
 
Join Date: Aug 2000
Location: SW England
Age: 69
Posts: 1,497
Received 89 Likes on 35 Posts
Mountainman,

Having just been lifting loads around Shetland this past week I'd say glare from that low autumn/winter sun can be a right pain.

Adam Nams,

Why not take a crewman? You concentrate on flying the aircraft and we'll tell you where to go!
...some operations can't afford to lose 100kgs of payload on every trip! However, we still manage some reasonably-accurate load placing even when the mirror is on the wrong bl**dy side of the aircraft:







...were all done with HLO marshalling, mirror and occasional radio use. Not decrying crewmen by any means - on Chinooks I found that the pilot is merely a means of getting the crewmen to where they need to work next - but they aren't always the best way.
Thud_and_Blunder is offline  
Old 15th Nov 2009, 08:32
  #11 (permalink)  
Guest
 
Join Date: Feb 2003
Posts: 210
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes on 0 Posts
cool pics.

Fancy doing that with a 902 ?
DeltaNg is offline  
Old 15th Nov 2009, 11:04
  #12 (permalink)  
 
Join Date: Aug 2000
Location: SW England
Age: 69
Posts: 1,497
Received 89 Likes on 35 Posts
Not really, I'd have to change back to my previous company and I'm very happy where I am now. Love the 902 for air ambo, respect the folks who'll make it work (and keep it within limits) on the lighthouses. We were loadlifting in 28G39kt winds last week; not sure I'd want to do that in the Explorer.
Thud_and_Blunder is offline  
Old 15th Nov 2009, 11:28
  #13 (permalink)  
 
Join Date: Jan 2000
Location: UK
Age: 72
Posts: 1,115
Likes: 0
Received 1 Like on 1 Post
Hi Thud! Are you doing it aerial or PT?

Just wondered, as the cargo isn't actually in the aircraft!

(Plus one can do aerial at 60+!!)
Bertie Thruster is offline  
Old 15th Nov 2009, 16:54
  #14 (permalink)  
 
Join Date: Aug 2000
Location: SW England
Age: 69
Posts: 1,497
Received 89 Likes on 35 Posts
It's PT, Bertie - we have to take the ship's crew ashore, recover them and a significant part of the roster involves carrying techs plus stores to remote lights. Shame really - that flaming age-60 thing keeps creeping closer and closer. Could actually get worse next year (for me) if the company retains the contract; my money would be on the customer paying for an IFR capability with any new aircraft. I can't even spell QSP, let alone remember when mine ran out!
Thud_and_Blunder is offline  
Old 15th Nov 2009, 17:58
  #15 (permalink)  
 
Join Date: Jan 2000
Location: UK
Age: 72
Posts: 1,115
Likes: 0
Received 1 Like on 1 Post
I take my hat off to you Thud, doing it all in an old 105. Just knowing what the engine bays look like makes me a very pessimistic BO driver!
Bertie Thruster is offline  
Old 18th Aug 2011, 09:30
  #16 (permalink)  
 
Join Date: Feb 2006
Location: Allovertheplace
Posts: 82
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes on 0 Posts
Longline on cameras

Was wondering if anyone has any experience on flying external loads on cameras?

I am working for a utility company mainly operating the AS350 with dart floor windows, and we had some discussions recently about new technology were you fly on cameras instead of looking down the toilett. Someone said that a couple of companies in Europe had started flying on camera systems.

Would appreciate any knowledge on the subject.

- M
mortennb is offline  

Posting Rules
You may not post new threads
You may not post replies
You may not post attachments
You may not edit your posts

BB code is On
Smilies are On
[IMG] code is On
HTML code is Off
Trackbacks are Off
Pingbacks are Off
Refbacks are Off



Contact Us - Archive - Advertising - Cookie Policy - Privacy Statement - Terms of Service

Copyright © 2024 MH Sub I, LLC dba Internet Brands. All rights reserved. Use of this site indicates your consent to the Terms of Use.