NY Helicopter takes off with GPU attached
 

A Zip Over (Sightseeing tour operator) Helicopter tried to take off today with the GPU still attached at Westchester County Airport (KHPN).

I heard damage to the landing gear and tail boom.

I believe no injuries.

Either a Jet Ranger or Long Ranger.

Will try to see if I can get one of the pictures taken tomorrow.

Like this is the first time folks have tried to take the GPU along with them?:oh:

With the strength of the AW139 batteries, it's become a legitimate underslung load round these parts :{

Built in safety feature Griffo....hopefully the Batteries are weaker than the tail booms!:eek:

Surprised the connector isn't designed to break free when this happens.

Folks,

Are you not allowed to do this then? :\

Surprised the connector isn't designed to break free when this happens. Yesterday 10:17
Surprised the connector isn't designed to break free when this happens. Yesterday 10:17


Surprised the connector isn't designed to break free when this happens


Like the tie downs are supposed to when you forget about them too?
If you are going to forget when the GPU is attached you should have stayed in bed..

:rolleyes:

Or fly something with better visibility of external appendages:

In flight - The Big Picture - Boston.com

Seem to remember asking that question as the last one at the end of various ground cat checks:

"You lift to the hover and the a/c rolls left and pitches nose down. What has happened?"

After much umming and aaahing from the victim and random guesses about tail winds and rigging problems it was time to put them out of their misery

"No, you've left the GPU attached. Cat over, well done etc etc" (I only asked it if they had done fairly well, seemed a bit harsh to do it and then tell them that they had failed!)

Not sure they all appreciated my oh-so-funny joke.