R22 Total Electrical Failure (Anybody else see this ever?)
Woah. I was following this thread yesterday and I don't think that I've seen somebody's career implode so quickly. His resume/CV is still there for everyone to see. 
It's a good thing for him that he's better at everything else than the rest of us. Allegedly.
It's a good thing for him that he's better at everything else than the rest of us. Allegedly.
"Just a pilot"
I've never had a school emergency in 44 years of flying. My experience is that issues are very ill defined in the real world outside the classroom and successful resolution is very much situation dependent. Had this malfunction occurred in hard IMC (yes, I know the aircraft wasn't IFR rated) would the same decisions have had as happy an outcome? Well, no- but the whole issue would have looked entirely different if the perception was that mere survival depended on the electrical system. As the poster pointed, perhaps unconsciously, the decision train could have ultimately put survival at risk.
I'd suggest from my reading of the original post that an ammeter neutral position (zero load) doesn't indicate the system is functioning. Argument?
Next, I have a habit of periodically loading (cycle a landing light, for example) the electricals in a more or less static situation to see ammeter needle movement. I have had generators pack it in without a warning light, once resulting in a Halloween night in a freezing pasture. I've never run out of electrons doing the intermittent load thing.
More on the hard VFR thing, as narrated: Just because you can see forever, doesn't mean you're not reliant on instruments. I'm disappointed to hear that this aircraft didn't have some sort of redundant power supply for NR, people kill themselves thinking they know more than the dials. NR is very, very important. Perhaps the incident aircraft is like the AStar, when you run out of battery you run out of reliable rotor tach? That's a hard no-go for me, an auto is much more comfortable with NR indications, I don't want to bet my life that I can do that. Mechanical gauges have a place my "high school, flight school, Vietnam" heart for that very reason.
Self induced stress will kill you dead, dead, dead. Trying to get to easy maintenance is a proven killer. Failing to plan for survival options is also frequently fatal. Perhaps keeping convenient culture assistance (following major roads, for instance) would have been impractical. Again, my experience is -generally- otherwise, planning the diversion necessary early and intelligently adds very few minutes to a leg. Beyond keeping me alive, it's just a lot easier to resolve the problems I've encountered when I could get help in civilization, perhaps I'm lazy.
Basing a plan on the "other pilot" will also have an unfortunate outcome if continued. You can do what you can do, not what you think the other pilot is capable of. You're not the "other pilot" and you can't compete with a fictional construct, your imagination can push that perception further than you will be able to go. Serious fault, I think, perhaps the most serious in the narrative.
I'd suggest from my reading of the original post that an ammeter neutral position (zero load) doesn't indicate the system is functioning. Argument?
Next, I have a habit of periodically loading (cycle a landing light, for example) the electricals in a more or less static situation to see ammeter needle movement. I have had generators pack it in without a warning light, once resulting in a Halloween night in a freezing pasture. I've never run out of electrons doing the intermittent load thing.
More on the hard VFR thing, as narrated: Just because you can see forever, doesn't mean you're not reliant on instruments. I'm disappointed to hear that this aircraft didn't have some sort of redundant power supply for NR, people kill themselves thinking they know more than the dials. NR is very, very important. Perhaps the incident aircraft is like the AStar, when you run out of battery you run out of reliable rotor tach? That's a hard no-go for me, an auto is much more comfortable with NR indications, I don't want to bet my life that I can do that. Mechanical gauges have a place my "high school, flight school, Vietnam" heart for that very reason.
Self induced stress will kill you dead, dead, dead. Trying to get to easy maintenance is a proven killer. Failing to plan for survival options is also frequently fatal. Perhaps keeping convenient culture assistance (following major roads, for instance) would have been impractical. Again, my experience is -generally- otherwise, planning the diversion necessary early and intelligently adds very few minutes to a leg. Beyond keeping me alive, it's just a lot easier to resolve the problems I've encountered when I could get help in civilization, perhaps I'm lazy.
Basing a plan on the "other pilot" will also have an unfortunate outcome if continued. You can do what you can do, not what you think the other pilot is capable of. You're not the "other pilot" and you can't compete with a fictional construct, your imagination can push that perception further than you will be able to go. Serious fault, I think, perhaps the most serious in the narrative.
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I'm disappointed to hear that this aircraft didn't have some sort of redundant power supply for NR, people kill themselves thinking they know more than the dials. NR is very, very important
So they pretty much covered all the bases, his problem was he ignored the alternator warning light despite the POH telling him to land as soon as practical and exhausted the battery it would appear. Robinson did there bit but he didn't do his !
As a side note, some of the newer Robinsons do have a Volt meter in addition to the Ammeter (built into the OAT gauge).
The Garmin 796 can also show battery voltage when plugged into the aircraft. So, plenty of ways for the pilot to figure out what's wrong, and no shortage of warning signs. Still an interesting story of how to turn a minor electrical problem into a near-death experience...
The Garmin 796 can also show battery voltage when plugged into the aircraft. So, plenty of ways for the pilot to figure out what's wrong, and no shortage of warning signs. Still an interesting story of how to turn a minor electrical problem into a near-death experience...
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some advice for Colin !
I took a look at the above Autorotation..... Firstly I cant seem to find it in the PTS ? Perhaps Colin has his own ?
Ok so the first problem was the entry, floored in every way, massive yaw and then on to the glide, you can see right away that the aircraft is out of trim, judging by RPM control you were making to many attitude changes also...
The landing ... The flare was very aggresive and very high, indicative of a new pilot. The run on was way to long and if you had flared at the correct height you would have had almost zero speed with that wind condition.
Looking at your comments regarding NEHA and the comment that you worked there ? I know for a fact that they recently had their 141 certification removed as they did not graduate even 1 student under 141 IN FACT they didn't graduate any students under part 61 ! Maybe your presence scared people away ?
I have flown both schools aircraft and anybody in the northeast knows where to go if they want to fly a schweizer ... The school that you spoke badly about BHH clearly has newer machines, instrument capable machines and a new fly it sim . They are the only choice for the career pilot. take a look in the pattern at KOWD... guess who's aircraft are flying ? yes the 141 school across the street without Colin Colby as an instructor !
Ok so the first problem was the entry, floored in every way, massive yaw and then on to the glide, you can see right away that the aircraft is out of trim, judging by RPM control you were making to many attitude changes also...
The landing ... The flare was very aggresive and very high, indicative of a new pilot. The run on was way to long and if you had flared at the correct height you would have had almost zero speed with that wind condition.
Looking at your comments regarding NEHA and the comment that you worked there ? I know for a fact that they recently had their 141 certification removed as they did not graduate even 1 student under 141 IN FACT they didn't graduate any students under part 61 ! Maybe your presence scared people away ?
I have flown both schools aircraft and anybody in the northeast knows where to go if they want to fly a schweizer ... The school that you spoke badly about BHH clearly has newer machines, instrument capable machines and a new fly it sim . They are the only choice for the career pilot. take a look in the pattern at KOWD... guess who's aircraft are flying ? yes the 141 school across the street without Colin Colby as an instructor !
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Not that I condone this guys personal attacks at the least, but people on pprune seem to wanna jump on the first chance they get to take down a person for no apparent reason. I have seen it several time on these boards. After the first post someone posted his resume for the world to see? I find that a pretty dickish move to be honest...
Last edited by DauphinDude; 19th May 2012 at 04:15.
If you think an air-taxi at 30 feet AGL without any obstacles for 5 minutes is dangerous, you are a pussy and shouldn't be a pilot.
I don't want to be a pilot anymore.
I think aviation can breathe a huge sigh of relief at your decision.
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Who cares. The second post in this thread was completely uncalled for, and if the mods let that information stay, I think it is fair that the rest get to stay.
Chief Bottle Washer
Maybe you should have spotted the last line of the OP (my bold and underline, just in case you miss it):
C'mon SP, this is Colins twin brother taking the pi**.
Colin: a technicality (especially for someone as newbie as you), your zero airspeed auto - isn't.
There was nil wind yet you landed with a good 5+kts of fwd speed. This isn't a zero speed landing in the helo world matey. And I guarantee you pulled power prior to touching down - absolutely guarantee it . Next time, try a proper ZERO speed ( groundspeed/airspeed) and land without touching the collective, which should remain planted firmly on the deck. That is a 0/0 landing in 'auto' sunshine.
{What's your next handle then?}
Colin: a technicality (especially for someone as newbie as you), your zero airspeed auto - isn't.
There was nil wind yet you landed with a good 5+kts of fwd speed. This isn't a zero speed landing in the helo world matey. And I guarantee you pulled power prior to touching down - absolutely guarantee it . Next time, try a proper ZERO speed ( groundspeed/airspeed) and land without touching the collective, which should remain planted firmly on the deck. That is a 0/0 landing in 'auto' sunshine.
{What's your next handle then?}
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Thomas Coupling
"Next time, try a proper ZERO speed ( groundspeed/airspeed) and land without touching the collective, which should remain planted firmly on the deck"
Erm, not on any helicopter I've ever flown!
"Next time, try a proper ZERO speed ( groundspeed/airspeed) and land without touching the collective, which should remain planted firmly on the deck"
Erm, not on any helicopter I've ever flown!
Purveyor of Egg Liqueur to Lucifer
DauphinDude
As it was Colin that posted his/her resume for the world to see, I take it that you agree with the rest of us about Colin.
The second post merely provided the link to the resume on colin's own website. It only appeared as a picture here because colin posted it as a png file.
The second post is only saying that it "Just seems strange that someone can be an instrument instructor without (ever) having 'actually' flown instruments."
All the 'offending' information posted is available from colin's own link to his/her own website, provided to us in the first post.
Anyhoo, I appreciate that it may well be all above board, however having more hours NVG than colon has total, it still seems strange to me that someone can be an IF instructor having never ever been in the clouds.
After the first post someone posted his resume for the world to see? I find that a pretty dickish move to be honest...
The second post merely provided the link to the resume on colin's own website. It only appeared as a picture here because colin posted it as a png file.
The second post in this thread was completely uncalled for, and if the mods let that information stay, I think it is fair that the rest get to stay.
All the 'offending' information posted is available from colin's own link to his/her own website, provided to us in the first post.
Anyhoo, I appreciate that it may well be all above board, however having more hours NVG than colon has total, it still seems strange to me that someone can be an IF instructor having never ever been in the clouds.
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Colin appears to have changed his website, though not his attitude! 
The following is opinion and for entertainment purposes only:
PPRuNe has deleted posts, edited posts, taken posts out of context, and generally seems to be run by a man-child similar to the majority of people who participate. Just so everybody knows. I saved original PDF copies and they are available on request. :-)
PPRuNe is dishonest, in my opinion. BUSTED!
looooooooooooooool
That's really sad my instinct to save PDF records was the right one. PPRuNe is dishonest, in my opinion. Yikes. And I wouldn't want to work for somebody who visits that cesspool instead of make his own assessment anyway.
It's kind of an internet rule-of-thumb that any forum that has heavy moderation needs it because children need to be moderated. And then it becomes hilarious as these children strive to become moderators for "power." Then it becomes extra hilarious when they reach this goal.
Thank you all for making me realize that my CFII will be a hobby, not a career.
As I became a helicopter pilot, I surpassed the others one by one, until there was no one left. So I left. I used to have so much respect for you all. Well, I still do. Just not the ones who troll anonymously on the internet. At the end of it all, I'm still the one that proudly puts my name on everything I write.
I'm so glad we live in a free country where I can't be pushed around by bullies.
Sincerely,
Colin Colby
P.S. Sorry I ignored the alternator warning light, but it came on in flight and we were flying straight to an airport, so, I guess I shouldn't even apologize!
"If you think an air-taxi at 30 feet AGL without any obstacles for 5 minutes is dangerous, you are a pussy and shouldn't be a pilot."
Some souvenirs I saved from my time at Blue Hill Helicopters:
www.colincolby.com/bhhcommercial.pdf
www.colincolby.com/bhhinstrument.pdf
yea. I saved those original pdfs as well, because I know people aren't perfect and sometimes throw tantrums and delete blog posts or forum posts.
I think I'll end with a quote from Steve Boatwright after I finished my check-rides:
"Well done Colin, from all of us at Blue Hill Helicopters!"
PPRuNe has deleted posts, edited posts, taken posts out of context, and generally seems to be run by a man-child similar to the majority of people who participate. Just so everybody knows. I saved original PDF copies and they are available on request. :-)
PPRuNe is dishonest, in my opinion. BUSTED!
looooooooooooooool
That's really sad my instinct to save PDF records was the right one. PPRuNe is dishonest, in my opinion. Yikes. And I wouldn't want to work for somebody who visits that cesspool instead of make his own assessment anyway.
It's kind of an internet rule-of-thumb that any forum that has heavy moderation needs it because children need to be moderated. And then it becomes hilarious as these children strive to become moderators for "power." Then it becomes extra hilarious when they reach this goal.
Thank you all for making me realize that my CFII will be a hobby, not a career.
As I became a helicopter pilot, I surpassed the others one by one, until there was no one left. So I left. I used to have so much respect for you all. Well, I still do. Just not the ones who troll anonymously on the internet. At the end of it all, I'm still the one that proudly puts my name on everything I write.
I'm so glad we live in a free country where I can't be pushed around by bullies.
Sincerely,
Colin Colby
P.S. Sorry I ignored the alternator warning light, but it came on in flight and we were flying straight to an airport, so, I guess I shouldn't even apologize!
"If you think an air-taxi at 30 feet AGL without any obstacles for 5 minutes is dangerous, you are a pussy and shouldn't be a pilot."
Some souvenirs I saved from my time at Blue Hill Helicopters:
www.colincolby.com/bhhcommercial.pdf
www.colincolby.com/bhhinstrument.pdf
yea. I saved those original pdfs as well, because I know people aren't perfect and sometimes throw tantrums and delete blog posts or forum posts.
I think I'll end with a quote from Steve Boatwright after I finished my check-rides:
"Well done Colin, from all of us at Blue Hill Helicopters!"
Well done Colin, form all of us here at PPRUNE - you have made a total prat of yourself and burnt any bridges with your local helicopter outfits.
Good grief, do you really think no-one else who flys a helicopter or posts on PPRUNE has a BA/BSc/MA - elite education my a*se.
I'm sure you will tell them all at Harvard Business school just how good you are
Good grief, do you really think no-one else who flys a helicopter or posts on PPRUNE has a BA/BSc/MA - elite education my a*se.
I'm sure you will tell them all at Harvard Business school just how good you are
Gentlemen
Every few months we get a posting that riles all sane pilots. I recall one about flying a 44 in cloud. Colin seems to have been educated at the same primary school as his grammar and initial naive posting is identical. It isn't beyond the realm of possibility that all the authors are one and the same and that the author gains some warped sense of satisfaction from winding you all up.
?
Every few months we get a posting that riles all sane pilots. I recall one about flying a 44 in cloud. Colin seems to have been educated at the same primary school as his grammar and initial naive posting is identical. It isn't beyond the realm of possibility that all the authors are one and the same and that the author gains some warped sense of satisfaction from winding you all up.
?
"Well done Colin, from all of us at Blue Hill Helicopters!"
Said with relief I suspect.
Whenever the instructor said that to me, I went away thinking it could not have been that bad
Said with relief I suspect.
Whenever the instructor said that to me, I went away thinking it could not have been that bad