Agusta AW139
Joined: Feb 2001
Aviation Qualifications: ATPL
Posts: 448
Likes: 7
From: Sometimes here, sometimes there
Geoffers,
I don't have access to the latest RFM. My copy is about three years out of date!!
Simply quoting JimL, perhaps he is mistaken
Could it be a CAT A limitation?
VL
I don't have access to the latest RFM. My copy is about three years out of date!!
Simply quoting JimL, perhaps he is mistaken
Could it be a CAT A limitation?
VL
Joined: Aug 2001
Posts: 1,308
Likes: 0
From: Cornwall
Cat A
Cat A crosswind limit is 10 knots but the rig take off technique may feature that number (17 kts) - we are at the end of the food chain here so don't have a copy of the offshore profiles yet.
G
G
Joined: Feb 2001
Aviation Qualifications: ATPL
Posts: 448
Likes: 7
From: Sometimes here, sometimes there
Cat A crosswind limit is 10 knots
. That must effectively limit the aircraft to CAT B. Yet it's power margins are so good?Is it simply a case of AW not getting their finger out and expanding the envelope as much as possible.
My impression of AW a few years ago was far from impressive. Limitations like this simply re-inforces that! However I want to believe that the have gotten better.....
VL
Joined: May 2002
Posts: 37
Likes: 0
From: Italy
Crosswind limitations for Offshore Operations, both in PC2e and Cat A, is 20 kts as maximum lateral wind component (90° right and left).
PC2e is already available and Cat A will be certified before year's end.
So far we had very little complain about crosswind limitations in Cat A operations at 10 kts.
The AW139 is much more than that, I hope you'll appreciate that.
PC2e is already available and Cat A will be certified before year's end.
So far we had very little complain about crosswind limitations in Cat A operations at 10 kts.
My impression of AW a few years ago was far from impressive. Limitations like this simply re-inforces that!
Joined: Feb 2001
Aviation Qualifications: ATPL
Posts: 448
Likes: 7
From: Sometimes here, sometimes there
Crosswind limitations for Offshore Operations, both in PC2e and Cat A, is 20 kts as maximum lateral wind component (90° right and left).
PC2e is already available and Cat A will be certified before year's end.
So far we had very little complain about crosswind limitations in Cat A operations at 10 kts.
PC2e is already available and Cat A will be certified before year's end.
So far we had very little complain about crosswind limitations in Cat A operations at 10 kts.
Joined: Aug 2001
Posts: 1,308
Likes: 0
From: Cornwall
Gentlemen please......
.....I think a little something is getting lost in the translation. The Cat A crosswind limit of 10 knts refers to the original CAT A clearance obtained for no less than 4 take off profiles made available to you guys - the customers - as of initial deliveries. That's more profiles (and therefore more options) than any other helicopter I know of. Naturally the envelope is capable of expansion but with so many things on the go and a lack of pressure from the largely non-Cat A operating world (and no perceived lack of satisfaction from those that have come in from the cold - and work to Cat A) other priorities have prevailed.
I think I am right in saying that due to a lack of first hand offshore experience in the AW set-up they imagined that the Cat A vertical Helipad profile would be ideal for offshore, however, it wasn't. This had to be revisited and as you hear is about to hit the streets. Obviously the revised procedure has achieved a wider crosswind capability but I guess it's only valid for the offshore profile.
BPaggi is right, AW are emerging as an extremely innovative and capable bunch of designers and engineers. Do they get everything right? No. Will they fix it if it's wrong? Yes. And this is just the beginning I feel.
By the way I don't work for AW - I just have the pleasure (not as often as I would like) of getting my hands on the only machine that leaves an irrepressible smile on my face instead of a stiff back (S76), a sore bum (S61), tinitus (S76A+) and a longing for terra firma (anything Russian). The AW139. I had that pleasure yesterday so I am motivated to sing that song a little louder today.
G
edited for grammar
I think I am right in saying that due to a lack of first hand offshore experience in the AW set-up they imagined that the Cat A vertical Helipad profile would be ideal for offshore, however, it wasn't. This had to be revisited and as you hear is about to hit the streets. Obviously the revised procedure has achieved a wider crosswind capability but I guess it's only valid for the offshore profile.
BPaggi is right, AW are emerging as an extremely innovative and capable bunch of designers and engineers. Do they get everything right? No. Will they fix it if it's wrong? Yes. And this is just the beginning I feel.
By the way I don't work for AW - I just have the pleasure (not as often as I would like) of getting my hands on the only machine that leaves an irrepressible smile on my face instead of a stiff back (S76), a sore bum (S61), tinitus (S76A+) and a longing for terra firma (anything Russian). The AW139. I had that pleasure yesterday so I am motivated to sing that song a little louder today.
G
edited for grammar
Last edited by Geoffersincornwall; 21st March 2009 at 20:47.
Joined: Nov 2005
Posts: 78
Likes: 0
From: the top of the flag pole
Geoffers. The AW139 is a fine helicopter. But to say you don't get a sore bum in it only means you have better than the original seats, or you don't get to fly it for very long at a time!
The original seats are truly shocking. A real pain in the bum.
I conseed you may have rather more natural padding than myself, but thats a whole different story
Red
The original seats are truly shocking. A real pain in the bum.
I conseed you may have rather more natural padding than myself, but thats a whole different story
Red
Joined: Aug 2001
Posts: 1,308
Likes: 0
From: Cornwall
Re padding...
Ref, padding and time on task - right on both counts.
If you buy cheap you get cheap and we have all been victims of that version of the economic puzzle chosen by those on the western side of the NS. Those £20,000 a go seats that the Norwegians chose for their S61's were a blessing.
May I suggest that a little more pasta in your diet may solve the padding issue. Try a little gentle exercise in between flights and spend less time in that Ercol recliner in front of the TV.
That advice sounds so good I might even take it myself.
Trust you are well.
G
If you buy cheap you get cheap and we have all been victims of that version of the economic puzzle chosen by those on the western side of the NS. Those £20,000 a go seats that the Norwegians chose for their S61's were a blessing.
May I suggest that a little more pasta in your diet may solve the padding issue. Try a little gentle exercise in between flights and spend less time in that Ercol recliner in front of the TV.
That advice sounds so good I might even take it myself.
Trust you are well.
G
Joined: Nov 2005
Posts: 110
Likes: 0
From: South East Asia
Outhouse
In the event of zero oil pressure in the main gearbox the 225 RFM / Emergency Check-List says "Land as soon as possible, maximum flight time 30 mins"
Out of interest, what does the 139 RFM / Check-List say?
Thanks
In the event of zero oil pressure in the main gearbox the 225 RFM / Emergency Check-List says "Land as soon as possible, maximum flight time 30 mins"
Out of interest, what does the 139 RFM / Check-List say?
Thanks
Joined: Sep 2005
Posts: 297
Likes: 0
From: Sunnyvale Rest Home for the Elderly
Sartu 139
Date: 08/04/2009
FB Heliservices Takes Delivery of Its First AW139 Helicopter
AgustaWestland is pleased to announce that FB Heliservices has recently taken delivery of its first AW139 medium twin helicopter at AgustaWestland’s Vergiate plant in Italy. This aircraft will be used to provide search and rescue training for AgustaWestland export customers and it will be operated from RAF Valley in Wales where FB Heliservices already perform SAR training for the UK military services. FB Heliservices signed a contract for two AW139 helicopters in 2008 and the second unit is expected to be delivered next month. The AW139 is equipped for over land and over water SAR operations and includes a rescue hoist, search radar, FLIR camera, cabin mission console, emergency flotation system, life-rafts, comprehensive communications system and a NVG compatible cockpit.
The AW139 has rapidly become the medium twin helicopter of choice for SAR duties and has been ordered by or is already in service with operators in Europe, Asia, Australasia and the Middle East. AW139 SAR customers include the UK Maritime Coastguard Agency, Spanish Marine Safety Agency (Sesamar), Japanese Coast Guard, Australian Queensland Government, Italian company Airgreen, Italian Civil Protection Agency and Coast Guard, Irish Air Corps, Korean Coast Guard, Malaysian Maritime Enforcement Agency and government agencies in the UAE, Oman, Estonia and Cyprus. The AW139 has also become the benchmark medium-twin helicopter on the world market and orders for over 430 helicopters have been placed by more than 100 commercial and government customers in over 40 countries to carry out a number of roles including search and rescue, emergency medical services, offshore transport, VIP/corporate transport, law enforcement, homeland security and military utility transport.
FB Heliservices is a joint venture company between Cobham Air Services and Bristow Helicopters Ltd that specialise in the provision of helicopters and associated services to military and government markets. FB Heliservices operate over 60 helicopters and have operations in the UK, Belize, Brunei, Cyprus and the Middle East.
FB Heliservices Takes Delivery of Its First AW139 Helicopter
AgustaWestland is pleased to announce that FB Heliservices has recently taken delivery of its first AW139 medium twin helicopter at AgustaWestland’s Vergiate plant in Italy. This aircraft will be used to provide search and rescue training for AgustaWestland export customers and it will be operated from RAF Valley in Wales where FB Heliservices already perform SAR training for the UK military services. FB Heliservices signed a contract for two AW139 helicopters in 2008 and the second unit is expected to be delivered next month. The AW139 is equipped for over land and over water SAR operations and includes a rescue hoist, search radar, FLIR camera, cabin mission console, emergency flotation system, life-rafts, comprehensive communications system and a NVG compatible cockpit.
The AW139 has rapidly become the medium twin helicopter of choice for SAR duties and has been ordered by or is already in service with operators in Europe, Asia, Australasia and the Middle East. AW139 SAR customers include the UK Maritime Coastguard Agency, Spanish Marine Safety Agency (Sesamar), Japanese Coast Guard, Australian Queensland Government, Italian company Airgreen, Italian Civil Protection Agency and Coast Guard, Irish Air Corps, Korean Coast Guard, Malaysian Maritime Enforcement Agency and government agencies in the UAE, Oman, Estonia and Cyprus. The AW139 has also become the benchmark medium-twin helicopter on the world market and orders for over 430 helicopters have been placed by more than 100 commercial and government customers in over 40 countries to carry out a number of roles including search and rescue, emergency medical services, offshore transport, VIP/corporate transport, law enforcement, homeland security and military utility transport.
FB Heliservices is a joint venture company between Cobham Air Services and Bristow Helicopters Ltd that specialise in the provision of helicopters and associated services to military and government markets. FB Heliservices operate over 60 helicopters and have operations in the UK, Belize, Brunei, Cyprus and the Middle East.
AGUSTAWESTLAND
Last edited by Senior Pilot; 9th April 2009 at 22:45. Reason: Add text as quote
Joined: Mar 2007
Aviation Qualifications: ATPL
Posts: 659
Likes: 13
From: Under my coconut tree
One for Crab...
Hey Crab,
Suck it up buddy... wether you like it or not, warts and all, it's the future of medium twin SAR for the foreseable future. Existing CUSTOMER feedback, especially from those in the SAR role will help this aircraft to fulfill a vital role in rescue ops throughout the world (yes, outside the British channel).
With a vested interest as an operator in the SAR role, I welcome all future improvements from AW that can increase our ability to implement the role in a safer and more professional manner. Perfect it ain't..
Suck it up buddy... wether you like it or not, warts and all, it's the future of medium twin SAR for the foreseable future. Existing CUSTOMER feedback, especially from those in the SAR role will help this aircraft to fulfill a vital role in rescue ops throughout the world (yes, outside the British channel).
With a vested interest as an operator in the SAR role, I welcome all future improvements from AW that can increase our ability to implement the role in a safer and more professional manner. Perfect it ain't..
Joined: May 2000
Posts: 268
Likes: 0
From: uk
it's the future of medium twin SAR for the foreseable future
Are these the first NVG compatible 139s?
Joined: Jun 2003
Posts: 87
Likes: 0
From: yeovil
... Crab & the Valley 139 ...
Suck it up buddy
(conspiracy theorists will be trying to work out whether this "in your face" placement is a wind-up for Crab. I saw the aircraft fly past ... nice)
Joined: May 2009
Posts: 17
Likes: 0
From: z
Acceptance Ceremony. The ship is gonna be operated by ANH (All Nippon Helicopter) that is one of the group companies of ANA(Airliner operator).
Nose compartment
Aft cabin seats
3000PSI Hydraulic Module
Main rotor head
Main Gearbox
P&WC PT6C-67C
Stab tip
Tail rotor hub
Heading to the apron... the beginning of the 3 days acceptance test flight
Another one
Nose compartment
Aft cabin seats
3000PSI Hydraulic Module
Main rotor head
Main Gearbox
P&WC PT6C-67C
Stab tip
Tail rotor hub
Heading to the apron... the beginning of the 3 days acceptance test flight
Another one
