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would you?

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Old 6th Dec 2011, 18:53
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would you?

I recently came across a SAR S-92 parked up transferring a casualty to an ambulance.Engines running and rotors stopped.If you were the PIC would you allow someone to come toward the cab for a look see??
Any sized cab for that matter?
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Old 6th Dec 2011, 18:59
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Can you expand on that a bit please....
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Old 6th Dec 2011, 19:08
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Tell us your opinion

I dislike these types of open ended questions. They are sometimes a precursor to a witch hunt and the asker is simply looking for a count of supporters for their opinion before they go on the attack. So that being said, What would you do? Please allow us to know your thoughts on the situation. Don't just ask others for an opinion about what a professional pilot should or should not do, step up and tell us what you would do in the same situation and why. Doesn't matter what your experience is, just lay it out and let others judge what your actions might be in the same circumstance. A good discussion might ensue.

Cheers
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Old 6th Dec 2011, 19:24
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ok fair enough.
in that situation i would in full view move towards the aircraft untill stopped and politely ask for a look see.
no other reason hidden or otherwise just to get a look up close.

just wondered what a pilots view would be,depending on if he or she was having a good day or not.
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Old 6th Dec 2011, 19:28
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Who was it that wanted a 'look see' and what were the cicumstances? Did the 'looker' approach the aircraft with the engines running, or did they ask someone clear of it?

In my opinion, they should have stayed well clear until it was shut down and the crew were out of it and approachable.
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Old 6th Dec 2011, 19:37
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What you refer to as 'engines running' while rotors stopped could simply have been the APU which is normal for S92's when ground power is unavailable
The APU in the S92 makes a hell of a noise (more-so when engines not running) and could easily by mistaken for engine noise
Just my pennies worth

Pv
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Old 6th Dec 2011, 19:57
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If it was the engine running against the brake - definitely no one's coming under my disc.

Assuming it was the APU and not an engine against the brake - i would be inclined, under those circumstances, to politely ask onlookers to stay away whilst the casualty was offloaded in order to protect the privacy and dignity of the patient and to allow the crew to concentrate.

Is this a case of you being upset because you were not allowed to have a look-see?

OH
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Old 6th Dec 2011, 19:58
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Most people who have spent any time around helicopters know that you're supposed to stay away, catch the pilot's eye, ensure he/she is happy for you to approach, and then do so. If you've spent no time around helicopters how would you know the etiquette ? If the pilot invites you to approach, then it's his/her call and his/her risk.
 
Old 6th Dec 2011, 20:11
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The APU in the S92 makes a hell of a noise (more-so when engines not running)
Uh?

The APU is obviously fitted with a sound generator that is turned off when the engines are running.
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Old 6th Dec 2011, 20:11
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some good points gents,the circumstances at the time had one of the crew standing out with the area and the transfer completed with the ambulance pulled away. in the event i didnt go for a nose as i assumed the crew were about to start up again and the outside crew was on startup watch.

Speaking for myself i have had a fair bit of contact both up (hence the wanab) and on the ground and would just fancy a look.
Rotors turning in my humble opinion would be a no-no.
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Old 6th Dec 2011, 20:25
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Rotors turning in my humble opinion would be a no-no.
Engines running are a no-no.

The helicopter must be 'dead' and the crew out before you you even consider asking to approach it.

Engines running mean that it could engage rotors at any time.
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Old 6th Dec 2011, 20:43
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I'm only a 'looker' and I agree totally with TRC. I would definitely wait until the crew were out before I would consider aproaching.
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Old 7th Dec 2011, 10:11
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Yep, I agree with TRC. Aircraft shut down and the crew looking like they have time to spare to give you a look around.
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Old 7th Dec 2011, 14:35
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The main problem here is that the crew have just landed and shut down in order to take a patient off. The APU is still running, so there is a lot of noise. If you start approaching the helicopter at this point, unless you are known to the crew or have a radio, they will have very little idea of who you are or what you want, so all you will do is cause confusion. Waving hands and trying to catch someones eye will just add to the confusion. Wait until the machine is completely shut down and it is obvious that they are not still occupied with other duties before you come and say hello. At that point most will be more than happy to entertain you if they have the time. For what it is worth it is very unlikely the engines were running and the rotor stopped if they had just landed. It would have been the APU. In the S92 you cannot apply the brake with the engines still running. You can start up the engines with the brake on, and take them up to ground idle, but cannot do the reverse on shutdown. Yes the APU really does make that much noise!
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Old 7th Dec 2011, 19:54
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SAR & HEMS operate in a time critical environment. An onlooker has no idea what is planned. If the crew is strapped in, engines and/or rotor blades are turning then this surely means they are planning to do something, or may be.

The needs of an onlooker to rubberneck have a very low priority. If the crew are hanging around and all is still, then it may be reasonable to ask. Otherwise for heaven's sake give them a break, keep clear and let them get on with their job.
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Old 8th Dec 2011, 02:21
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If they are on the ground doing a hospital transfer then its unlikely they will hang around for long enough for a look around, they will be heading back to base to refuel ready for the next call.

If they are exercising with the MRT or something then its more likely you could get a look around if they are shut down in the field. If the APU is running, then they are probably busy or at least occupied (unless its Freezing cold and are running the heating!)

Most of the crews of the CG 92's are really nice, personalble guys (and ladies) so if you get a chance to say hi somewhere when they have the time im sure they'd be happy to give you a look inside the machine. Alternatively, ask to visit the base!

(Disclaimer: im sure the 139 crews are great too, but not met many of them!)
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Old 8th Dec 2011, 10:09
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Personally if I am waiting somewhere with an aircraft or its back in the hangar then I am very happy to show people around , but if I am in the middle of something even with the aircraft shut down then I would politely ask the person to pee off. having odd distractions just before you go flying and not having your mind on the job is a good way to miss things during start up and takeoff

cbs
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Old 8th Dec 2011, 16:35
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Disclaimer: im sure the 139 crews are great too, but not met many of them!

im sure all CG crews are very nice 139 or 92.(Theres an interesting thread)
I did visit the stornoway base whilst working at the airport many years age when the 61 was still around,really nice guys back then.
made me very jealous.
Good point CBS and will def take that on board
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