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May
23
2023
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Posted by Admin
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I recently assumed the USHST Industry Co-Chair position from Nick Mayhew, who has provided many significant contributions during his tenure. I want to take this opportunity to share my thoughts and objectives in my new role. But first, a look back at the journey. I first became involved with the IHST International Helicopter Safety Team in 2010. As a helicopter pilot with an airline background, I saw an opportunity to provide different aspects of safety, training, navigation and human factors to the vertical flight community. Not everything will translate, but many aspects do, such as evidence & scenario-based training, flight training devices, electronic flight bags and performance based navigation (PBN). At the onset, some of this seemed foreign, but is clearly recognizable today. Also, over time, the International Helicopter Safety Team (IHST) became the Vertical Aviation Safety Team (VAST) and the U.S. Helicopter Safety Team (USHST) is now a regional organization in the global VAST organization. I have worked with the USHST’s Infrastructure Working Group, particularly on COPTER IFR/PBN, and we’ve seen important, transformative changes.
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Chris Baur
Safety First
VAST
Categories:
Safety First
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May
23
2023
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Posted by Admin
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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.
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Maintenance Minute
Mark Tyler
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Maintenance Minute
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Apr
20
2023
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Posted by Admin
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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.
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Maintenance Minute
Mark Tyler
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Maintenance Minute
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Apr
20
2023
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Posted by Admin
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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.
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Matt Johnson
Rotorcraft Checkride
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Rotorcraft Checkride
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Apr
20
2023
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Posted by Admin
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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.
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My 2 Cents Worth
Randy Rowles
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My Two Cents Worth
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Mar
23
2023
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Posted by Admin
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“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.
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Chris Hill
VAST
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Safety First
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Mar
23
2023
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Posted by Admin
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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.
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Mil2Civ
Scott Tinnesand
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Feb
27
2023
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Posted by Admin
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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.
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Maintenance Minute
Scott Skola
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Maintenance Minute
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Feb
27
2023
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Posted by Admin
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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.
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My Two Cents Worth
Randy Rowles
Categories:
My Two Cents Worth
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Feb
27
2023
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Posted by Admin
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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.
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Matt Johnson
Rotocraft Checkride
Categories:
Rotorcraft Checkride