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Archive: September 2015




Sep
24
2015

To Save A Life

Posted by Randy Mains

I’ve flown my share of dramatic life-saving helicopter missions in my 45-year aviation career. I’ve even put myself in harm’s way to save the lives of four soldiers pinned down by enemy fire in Vietnam. The most harrowing rescue to date didn’t occur while at the controls of a helicopter, rather it was a byproduct of having been a helicopter air ambulance pilot. The split-second decision I made that day held consequences too dire to contemplate, as I could have easily landed in a Middle Eastern jail charged with murder. [Read More...]



Categories: categoryMy Two Cents Worth



Sep
24
2015

The 61.75 Foreign Pilot Verification Process - Verify, Verify, Verify!

Posted by Randy Rowles

When a foreign pilot applies for a 61.75 PPL, they will complete FAA Form 8060-71: Verification of Authenticity of Foreign License, Rating, and Medical Certification. Once this form is submitted to the FAA, it usually takes about four to six weeks to complete. The speed of this process is directly affected by the response time of the foreign pilot regulatory agency. Once the verification is completed, the FAA will issue a letter to the foreign pilot applicant that will contain all foreign pilot certificates held by the applicant, both current and expired. This letter would be presented to an FAA representative to facilitate the issuance of a 61.75 PPL. [Read More...]



Categories: categoryRotorcraft Checkride



Sep
11
2015

Helicopter Maintenance Tips September 2015

Posted by Scott Skola

ATA 67Airbus H135: A quick reminder was sent in on the proper hardware stack up at the tailrotor hydraulic actuator input lever and tailrotor control rod. A situation can present itself where a 2nd (extra) spacer/washer can be left on the tailrotor gearbox side of the input lever hardware stack up. Especially when the hydraulic actuator is changed and includes new hardware. The existing washer can very easily be mistaken for part of the control rod assembly. The first potential clue of the extra washer is the control tube/input lever nut and lock washer interface is a “little” off. The second hard clue is the pilot will notice his tailrotor pedals are “off” a little in normal conditions. [Submitted by PA] [Read More...]



Categories: categoryROTORwrench



Sep
11
2015

The Unexpected

Posted by Francis Meyrick

In the fluid, endlessly fascinating world of helicopter flying, the Unexpected can come calling at the oddest times. Months, even years of relative routine may slip harmlessly by. But you never know when to expect that soft, unassuming knock on your door. It may be soft. But the subsequent detonation of sensory input is often anything but. That incipient, meek tap occasionally heralds in an explosive crisis that starts unfolding far faster than words can begin to describe it. The famous “Oh, shit!” moments helicopter pilots talk about afterwards, over a quiet beer, where even the expletive dies, stillborn, on your lips. You literally don’t have time to vent your feelings. It all happens so fast. [Read More...]



Categories: categoryMoggy's Musings



Sep
11
2015

The Fame Gallopers

Posted by Francis Meyrick

It’s a quiet night, and I am at home, sitting outside on the porch, relaxing under the emerging stars. A cool Guinness has hit the spot, and I am mellow, full of dreams, and silent thought. I have been pondering a simple question… How much apple pie can you eat? [Read More...]



Categories: categoryMoggy's Musings



Sep
11
2015

Fessing Up

Posted by Francis Meyrick

In the life of every Man, Woman, or Newt, there comes a point when He/She/It faces a moral dilemma. To wit: do I confess, and maybe get shouted at? Or do I keep it quiet, and hope nobody notices? Every Man, Woman or Newt has to answer this question in his/her/it’s own way, but the question will rear its ugly head, sooner or later. It will define your humanity. [Read More...]



Categories: categoryMoggy's Musings