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Jun
28
2013
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Posted by Admin
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Badly thought-out ergonomics nearly got me killed in January 1969. As you may know, a segment of flight safety called ergonomics is the study of designing equipment and devices in the cockpit that fit the human body. The incident occurred three months into my one-year tour as a UH-1H Huey pilot in Vietnam. Ironically, it was my first real close brush with death over there, ironic because it didn’t come at the hand of a V.C. with an AK-47, or from an RPG (rocket-propelled grenade). Instead, I nearly lost my life at the hand of the company instructor pilot who was checking me out in the Bell 205 while giving me my aircraft commander check ride.
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Categories:
Human Interest
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Jun
20
2013
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Posted by Admin
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This week, from the Paris Airshow, Bell Helicopter announced its return to the short light single (SLS) engine helicopter market with a new product designed to specifications based on the input of a customer advisory council. Bell Helicopter’s new, five-seat entry-level aircraft is expected to complete its first flight in 2014 with certification to follow as quickly as possible.
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Categories:
Special Announcements
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Jun
06
2013
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Posted by Admin
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It was a week after Coast Guard Commandant Admiral Bob Papp had given his “State of the Coast Guard” address. Capt. Joseph P. Kelly, commanding officer of Air Station Elizabeth City, had set aside an afternoon for all-hands training to watch the speech and reflect on themes from the address.
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Categories:
Helicopter Sectors
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May
31
2013
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Posted by Admin
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Schmoozing. Brown-nosing. Unfortunately, networking is often thought of as one of these less than flattering activities. I encourage you to think again. Embracing the true concept of networking could be the vital link to your desired career opportunity.
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Categories:
Career Development
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May
28
2013
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Posted by Admin
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Discussion: Some flight helmets may contain outdated components that don’t afford the same level of protection as updated components. Additionally, some manufactures are misrepresenting their products by stating that they meet military
specifications (milspec) or that they’re “exactly the same” as milspec helmets and related components. Wearing helmets that don’t meet the agency requirements is not only against DOI and USFS policy, it’s downright dangerous!
[Read More...]
Categories:
Safety
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May
23
2013
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Posted by Admin
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RPMN: Tell me about your first flight.
VANDELAAR: My first flight in a helicopter was in an R22 out of Troy, Michigan. I went to take the age old intro-flight out of a local flight school in college. We hovered over the skylight of a nearby mall, and quite frankly, it scared me. It took me about two weeks to admit that, but I was really impressed with the machine, so I decided to take up training.
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Categories:
Human Interest
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May
17
2013
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Posted by Admin
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Private sector aerial firefighters report their aircraft are mission-ready for what could be another devastating fire season in the US, as dry conditions continue to persist over much of the country. In fact, according to a US Forest Service (USFS) spokesman, the 2013 fire season is projected to be similar to last year’s, when 9.3 million acres of wildland were destroyed, by a total of 67,674 fires.
[Read More...]
Categories:
Helicopter Sectors
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May
10
2013
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Posted by Admin
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The Department for Transport in the United Kingdom has awarded its UK affiliate Bristow Helicopters Limited (Bristow Helicopters) a new contract to provide civilian Search and Rescue (SAR) services for all of the UK. The SAR services contract has a phased-in transition period beginning in April 2015 and continuing to July 2017 and a contract length of approximately ten years.
[Read More...]
Categories:
Helicopter Sectors
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May
03
2013
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Posted by Admin
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Los Angeles is known for many things: beaches, skyscrapers, complex airspace, freeway chases and a lot of helicopter operators that support the tourist and broadcasting needs of the city. But as we all should know, behind every good helicopter stands a solid MRO, and behind that MRO stand great mechanics.
[Read More...]
Categories:
Company Profiles
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Apr
26
2013
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Posted by Admin
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RPMN: What is your current position?
I’ve been with a major Part 135 helicopter operator for more than 31 years and recently volunteered for transfer to our GOM operations as a field mechanic. Outside my day job, I also provide technical writing and research services through my side business, TEK Aviation LLC.
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Categories:
Human Interest