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Author: Admin




May
23
2023

Maintenance Minute - May 2023

Posted by Admin

One of the greatest challenges we have faced post covid is finding qualified helicopter mechanics. With the forecasted aircraft mechanic shortage, I believe we should act now to strengthen our resources, invest in our staff, and begin to grow our next generation of helicopter mechanics and avionics technicians. In my career, I have been fortunate to have attended many factory schools and have had some of the best mentors to work with and train me. Let’s take a brief look at some of the best advise that I was given to set me on the right track and propel me forward. [Read More...]



Tags: Maintenance Minute Mark Tyler
Categories: categoryMaintenance Minute



Apr
20
2023

Strive to be a Wise Base Mechanic

Posted by Admin

Throughout my career, I have been fortunate to have worked on many diverse types of airframes and engines in many different flight operations. One of my favorites and most rewarding has been helicopter air ambulance (HAA). As a helicopter mechanic in the emergency medical service field, I had the understanding that my work contributed to the wellbeing of others. Motivational speaker/author, Zig Ziglar, once said that “ability is important in our quest for success, but dependability is critical.” This is especially true for the HAA mechanic. The base mechanic position is usually filled by a single mechanic who operates multiple roles with numerous responsibilities.  This one-man (or woman) setup makes dependability critical. [Read More...]



Tags: Maintenance Minute Mark Tyler
Categories: categoryMaintenance Minute



Apr
20
2023

"He is a person too!"

Posted by Admin

Undoubtedly, the "checkride" can be stressful for anyone, be it the private pilot or ATP applicant; everyone suffers from the notorious "checkride-itis." I get it! I'm evaluated multiple times per year and have been for years. While, admittedly, I have come to somewhat "embrace" it, I don't think anyone truly becomes fully inoculated to the checkride and all of the emotions that go with it.  [Read More...]



Tags: Matt Johnson Rotorcraft Checkride
Categories: categoryRotorcraft Checkride



Apr
20
2023

Find Common Ground

Posted by Admin

A key concept in the development of early relationships is finding common ground; elements within each of our lives where we share interest and experience. It is through these shared perspectives that we gain trust and confidence that our communications with each other have meaning and understanding. At times, identifying common ground can seem like an impossible task. As the vertical lift industry becomes more diverse, the people, aircraft, and even operating methodologies look very different; however, the importance of working together has never been more critical than it is today.    [Read More...]



Tags: My 2 Cents Worth Randy Rowles
Categories: categoryMy Two Cents Worth



Mar
23
2023

IIMC Training Moves the Odds in Your Favor | Surviving Spatial D and IIMC is possible, but is it probable?

Posted by Admin

“You have the controls; I think I’ve got the leans,” I told Rich, the front seat PIC in our US Army AH-1F Cobra. I tried to sound calm, but there was no disguising the worry in my voice. I had recently commenced a descending left turn through an inviting sucker hole to escape the rapidly forming low overcast clouds. It seemed like only moments before we had higher clouds with sufficient visibility to enjoy our cross-country flight along the picturesque Rhine River valley near Koblenz, Germany.  [Read More...]



Tags: Chris Hill VAST
Categories: categorySafety First



Mar
23
2023

Good Advice

Posted by Admin

Every now and then, I ask folks in my network about their personal experiences during their transition from military pilot or mechanic to the civilian world. I ask them for several reasons, but primarily I want to make sure that when I write an article or develop a presentation for Mil2Civ, I’m not only using my personal experience as a guide but also considering others’ experiences. Furthermore, my last Army flight was 25 years ago and I want to make sure that my information is current and relevant. [Read More...]



Tags: Mil2Civ Scott Tinnesand



Feb
27
2023

Maintenance Checks - Bell 407

Posted by Admin

The 407 intake cowl assembly is notorious for corroding in salt-laden environments, especially on the intake shelf and intake screen supports. One proactive measure is to remove the shelf and screen support associated steel nut plates, strip the factory paint, and apply a new coat of epoxy primer and a quality polyurethane paint. Then reinstall the nut plates with dissimilar metal tape between the nut plates and aluminum metal. The result won’t be 100% corrosion proof, but will make it much easier to manage.  [Read More...]



Tags: Maintenance Minute Scott Skola
Categories: categoryMaintenance Minute



Feb
27
2023

Hey FAA, IT’S TIME FOR A CHANGE! | Aviation Management Experience Deficit

Posted by Admin

The general aviation industry is hemorrhaging pilots to the airlines, and it doesn’t appear that this practice will slow soon. For decades, helicopter pilots were not a targeted market for the airline industry, but times have changed. Qualified and highly skilled helicopter pilots have their own path to airline selection from both military and civilian backgrounds. This situation has placed a strain on the helicopter industry to obtain and retain qualified aviation management personnel.  [Read More...]



Tags: My Two Cents Worth Randy Rowles
Categories: categoryMy Two Cents Worth



Feb
27
2023

Standing Among a Giant

Posted by Admin

Sir Isaac Newton wrote in a 1675 letter to fellow scientist Robert Hooke, “If I have seen further, it is by standing on the shoulders of giants.” Newton was intelligent in more than one way. Sure, his scientific inquisitiveness and academic prowess were qualities that most of us dream of possessing, but Newton was more than an intellectual giant; he was resourceful and knew how to capitalize on resources. In addition to his brain power, Newton used an often overlooked power that helped him become a household name in the areas of mathematics and physics. That power was the superpower of mentorship. Newton wasn’t afraid to seek advice and further study from others, and with every shoulder of every giant he figuratively stood upon, he could see “further.” Most would agree that having mentoring “giants” worked for Newton.  [Read More...]



Tags: Matt Johnson Rotocraft Checkride
Categories: categoryRotorcraft Checkride



Nov
28
2022

Larissa Hamilton | My Aviation Story

Posted by Admin

When I came back to North America after nearly 30-years of flying overseas, my main goal was to try to put an end of what was in my mind an unacceptable helicopter accident rate in the USA, specifically, in the HAA industry.  While flying abroad, I witness a new paradigm, a much safer way to operate that if adopted in the USA would undoubtedly significantly lower the accident rate. [Read More...]



Tags: My Two Cents Worth Randy Mains
Categories: categoryMy Two Cents Worth


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