DLRAA bird strike 22 April 2021
 

news link from the Leicester Mercury

...a reminder of why visors down is always a good idea in transit. I'm surprised at the apparent flimsiness of the A109 screen - it would appear to allow large sharp-edged pieces of debris to occur after such an impact.

There are two types of windscreen for the 109. From the photo it looks like these are the lower strength type.

I find it surprising that the higher spec aren’t standard, bearing in mind that this is a very fast helicopter.

Loved the caption to the photo “...after being hit by a bird”. I suspect the bird population might not see it that way.

ShyTorque, the windscreens fitted to this aircraft are the higher strength type.

So, a proper sh*tehawk then to do that sort of damage.

Not necessarily - just one doing 175MPH on impact:eek::eek:

I had a bird strike in a 109 with a Swift in the cruise and it bounced off the windscreen. Good job because corporate pilots don’t have the luxury of wearing a helmet or visor.

Why can’t a corporate pilot wear a helmet?

Because the aircraft come with headsets instead and you’re expected to use that. Probably more of a tradition than anything. I’ve been in this particular line of business for twenty years and never seen anyone wearing a helmet.

TBH, having come from a military background I’d rather use a helmet and fly with a double visor but it’s not my choice.