Teaching and testing 'Pilot Incapacitation in Commercial Helicopters
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I will second that! The EASA regs are so vague at times that the interpretations in different member states are a mile apart. The biggest bugbear at the moment is SP versus MP.
For example: in Italy the official line is that there is no SP/MP distinction for a type rating. If the aircraft is certified for SP operations, then you get a TR for that type which does not specify SP or MP. How you operate the aircraft is down to the operator and his SOPs.
In UK, there is a CAA document specifying how and when you can conduct MP checks in a SP-certified helicopter. In NL and Sweden, the interpretation is roughly the same as UK. So, everyone gets a different licence entry on their EASA licence for the same thing, and the poor examiner gets a 2 man crew wanting to operate as a crew for their LPC on their ostensibly SP type rating. Its a bag of b******s frankly, and about time EASA got a grip.
For example: in Italy the official line is that there is no SP/MP distinction for a type rating. If the aircraft is certified for SP operations, then you get a TR for that type which does not specify SP or MP. How you operate the aircraft is down to the operator and his SOPs.
In UK, there is a CAA document specifying how and when you can conduct MP checks in a SP-certified helicopter. In NL and Sweden, the interpretation is roughly the same as UK. So, everyone gets a different licence entry on their EASA licence for the same thing, and the poor examiner gets a 2 man crew wanting to operate as a crew for their LPC on their ostensibly SP type rating. Its a bag of b******s frankly, and about time EASA got a grip.
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Slightly off thread!
During a recent CRM session we were discussing Pilot incapacitation and one of the Guys told of a 155 Sim trip where the Instructor had briefed both Pilots separately to simulate being incapacitated if he tapped them on the shoulder at any time during the exercises.
Half way through an ARA he proceeded to tap both Pilots on the shoulder and sat back in amusement at the confusion and inevitable red screen of death!
Trog.
Half way through an ARA he proceeded to tap both Pilots on the shoulder and sat back in amusement at the confusion and inevitable red screen of death!
Trog.
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Geoffers What ever is taught or tested and how. What ever paperwork can be raised.
The reality of the situation is that if it happens in the aircraft, the biggest problem will be control restriction. Pedals jammed by a foot under them; collective with a dead weight on it; cyclic rearward, sideways movement restricted.
In the Sim any pilot acting out incapacitation will remain clear of the controls because it is bred into us from day one.
I have had someone slumped on the controls and any idea of locking harnesses or moving their seat back is I'm afraid a pipe-dream in my experience!
This is a good academic argument but two Weetabix or visits to the gym possibly practical!
The reality of the situation is that if it happens in the aircraft, the biggest problem will be control restriction. Pedals jammed by a foot under them; collective with a dead weight on it; cyclic rearward, sideways movement restricted.
In the Sim any pilot acting out incapacitation will remain clear of the controls because it is bred into us from day one.
I have had someone slumped on the controls and any idea of locking harnesses or moving their seat back is I'm afraid a pipe-dream in my experience!
This is a good academic argument but two Weetabix or visits to the gym possibly practical!
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Maybe, - but incapacitation does not necessarily mean passed-out. It can be much more subtle - fixation, startle effect, confusion, being "maxed out".
I have definitely witnessed pilots being completely incapacitated in the simulator whilst fully conscious, watching the AI spinning in front of them and not a clue why.
I have definitely witnessed pilots being completely incapacitated in the simulator whilst fully conscious, watching the AI spinning in front of them and not a clue why.
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In the helicopter world, you get single pilot and multi pilot ratings.
Single pilot ratings should be self-explaining, right?
For a multi-pilot rating, you need TWO pilots-you follow?
In order to safe money, the examiner now has the possibility to conduct a skills test or proficiency check for a multi-pilot rated helicopter pilot in a multi-pilot helicopter with TWO pilots, and check the single-pilot rating with it at the same time by "incapacitating" the Copilot......
The stupidity about this is that there is such a thing as "single pilot" and "multi pilot" ratings....a multi-pilot rating should ALWAYS include the single pilot rating-if one pilot is unavailable for whatever reason, the "multi pilot" automatically becomes a "single pilot".....
Single pilot ratings should be self-explaining, right?
For a multi-pilot rating, you need TWO pilots-you follow?
In order to safe money, the examiner now has the possibility to conduct a skills test or proficiency check for a multi-pilot rated helicopter pilot in a multi-pilot helicopter with TWO pilots, and check the single-pilot rating with it at the same time by "incapacitating" the Copilot......
The stupidity about this is that there is such a thing as "single pilot" and "multi pilot" ratings....a multi-pilot rating should ALWAYS include the single pilot rating-if one pilot is unavailable for whatever reason, the "multi pilot" automatically becomes a "single pilot".....
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Hueyracer,
What about pilots with "SIC only" qualifications? It is one thing to check someone can get home OK if his Captain passes out. It is a different kettle of fish to plan a single pilot IFR sortie from the outset - massive increase in workload, and this is what many people undewrsestimate when they come for an SP prof check.
What about pilots with "SIC only" qualifications? It is one thing to check someone can get home OK if his Captain passes out. It is a different kettle of fish to plan a single pilot IFR sortie from the outset - massive increase in workload, and this is what many people undewrsestimate when they come for an SP prof check.
