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Jul
26
2021

Applied Understanding

Posted by Admin

Several years ago, I attended an aircraft maintenance course designed for a specific model of aircraft. On day one, the instructor told the class that in the classroom environment we would only retain twenty percent of the information that we would be taught. I promptly raised my hand and asked if we would receive an eighty percent refund. Everyone laughed except the instructor. In the years that have followed, the only thing I remember about that class is that statement. [Read More...]



Tags: Maintenance Minute Mark Tyler
Categories: categoryMaintenance Minute



Jun
27
2021

Dying to Please

Posted by Admin

As professional pilots, we naturally want to please our passengers, get them to their destination on time, give them a memorable flight, and of course we want to do it safely.  But if we are not careful, an overwhelming urge to please our passengers can overpower our good judgment, creating a mental blind spot to a link or links in an error chain forming, which can lead us into a deadly trap. That is what happened to Ara Zobayan, the pilot tasked to fly Kobe Bryant, his daughter Gianna, and six others to his Mamba Sports Academy near Thousand Oaks, California, where Bryant was scheduled to coach a game.  Sadly, and to the shock of the sports world, none of them made it to their destination.  [Read More...]



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



Jun
27
2021

Adversity Can Lead To Excellence

Posted by Admin

Adversity…we can try to run from it, but it is in the adversity that we find growth and ultimately, we find excellence. Leadership coach Les Brown says that there is greatness inside us all.  I believe that is true, but I also believe that greatness is revealed through the pain and suffering of adversity. [Read More...]



Tags: Maintenance Minute Mark Tyler
Categories: categoryMaintenance Minute



Jun
27
2021

Is FSIRP a Band-Aid for a Systemic FAA Problem?

Posted by Admin

Recently, the FAA has tried to increase the number of helicopter-specific Inspectors within their ranks. This effort was driven in part to improve the oversight of helicopter operators. Many FAA inspectors are not rated in helicopters, so engaging with a helicopter-specific operator on issues requiring a keen knowledge and understanding of helicopter operations may be limited. To support these situations, the FAA developed the Flight Standards Inspector Resource Program (FSIRP).  [Read More...]



Tags: Randy Rowles Rotorcraft Checkride
Categories: categoryRotorcraft Checkride



May
24
2021

Anyone can go IIMC no matter how experienced you are

Posted by Admin

I received this direct message on Facebook from a Mr. Jerry Murray after he read my comments on my Facebook page about the video 56 seconds to live about going inadvertent IMC and having only 56 seconds before you die.  Jerry wanted to add his personal story about going inadvertent instrument meteorological conditions as a cautionary tale for others. As he put it, “What I hope to convey to over-confident pilots is that I was prepared, current and proficient and had alternatives available. But it only takes a few seconds.” [Read More...]



Tags: Randy Mains Rotorcraft Checkride
Categories: categoryRotorcraft Checkride



May
24
2021

MAINTAINING A STANDARD…Why It Is Important!

Posted by Admin

The premise of aviation safety is an expectation that all pilots, maintainers, or other persons associated with the operation of an aircraft are trained and checked to a standard. The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) provides their expectation of a minimum standard for certification of pilots with the Airman Certification Standards (ACS) or Practical Test Standards (PTS). These references are the FAA’s minimum acceptable standard by which an individual is measured for airman related tasking and often have worldwide acceptance. Quite impressive really. [Read More...]



Tags: Randy Rowles Rotorcraft Checkride
Categories: categoryRotorcraft Checkride



Apr
26
2021

Evidence Based Training

Posted by Admin

Have you heard the term “evidence based training” (EBT)?  It’s sometimes referred to as “competency based training.”  EBT is a relatively new approach to flight training developed in 2013 on behalf of the International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO) that was led by a group of airline industry experts to increase the effectiveness of pilot training to meet the challenges of airline operations in the 21st century. If the past is any indication of the future, I think we will hear more about EBT in our industry.  [Read More...]



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



Apr
26
2021

STRETCH AND GROW!

Posted by Admin

It all began with a motivational poster bought from the trunk of a car. That poster hung on my bedroom wall for years, positioned so it would be the last thing I saw before going to sleep and the first thing I saw upon waking up.  (No, I was not married at the time.)  These seven words I saw and contemplated multiple times every day:  Change Your Thoughts and Change Your World.  [Read More...]



Tags: Maintenance Minute Mark Tyler
Categories: categoryMaintenance Minute



Apr
26
2021

Lights, Camera, Action! | FAA Enforcement in the Making

Posted by Admin

Lately, I am seeing an increased number of videos voluntarily posted to social media sites that clearly show pilots conducting flights contrary to FAA regulations. For this article, I am going to focus my examples within the business of helicopter hog hunting. [Read More...]



Tags: Randy Rowles Rotorcraft Checkride
Categories: categoryRotorcraft Checkride



Mar
22
2021

Professionalism

Posted by Admin

I recently came across an unsigned quote about professionalism. It read, “We do not convey professionalism by loud talk or fast work. We do convey that we are professional by demonstrating that there is only black and white, right and wrong, one way and one way only; by thinking ahead, double checking, asking when we are not sure, being responsible for our actions and not assuming anything!” In fact, the dictionary defines professionalism as the competence or skill expected of a professional and goes on to say that professionalism is the key to quality and efficiency. Personally, I believe professionalism goes far beyond competence and skill but most assuredly effects quality and efficiency. As a professional helicopter mechanic, how do you demonstrate your professionalism? What does the top of your toolbox look like? What about your work area? Do you empty the trash cans, or do they spill over on the hangar floor? Do you clean the helicopter windows before the pilot arrives? Do the little things matter to you? I was taught that you never get a second chance to make a first impression so… yes, the little things always matter. When I look in my box of essential tools I will ask if my professionalism passes the test. Will my speech pass the professional communication test? Am I committed to my customers and employees? Am I growing both personally and professionally? [Read More...]



Tags: Maintenance Minute Mark Tyler
Categories: categoryMaintenance Minute


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