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The Kobe Bryant Helicopter Crash: Aviation Wrestles With Decades-Old Problem
A familiar problem in the aviation industry — and something it's wrestled with for decades: getting pilots to turn around or divert when the path ahead starts to look bad. (www.npr.org) Más...Sort type: [Top] [Newest]
If you are going to fly in marginal VFR conditions, you better have an “out” and be willing to use it. If turning around isn’t something you are willing to do, you need to be in equipment that is IFR capable and you need to be IFR rated AND proficient. Just having the rating in your pocket doesn’t mean jack if you can’t do the dance when required.
I fly a Jet for a company. Even at FL400 i always have an "out". Its just a prudent and safe way to fly. Its tough to make some pilots think that way though.
You also have to factor in: Changing from VFR to IFR enroute when you are single pilot. You have to be on the radio and get on an IFR flight plan. You have to get out charts. You have to plot course to an airport with an IFR approach. So, it's preferable to have made the decision to go IFR before departure.
I recall Kobe's pilot taught IFR. But didn't that helicopter require double pilots for IFR? (I'm not a pilot)
I believe the service that owned the helicopter wasn't authorized to operate IFR.
Kinda makes you wonder who was rubber stampin' his helicopter II (instrument instructor) certificate,cause he wasn't using it at 'home'. He was the 'II' chief pilot for a while and if they wanted an IFR approval in the company manual, with customers like Koby, they'd a bought it.
To Steve, "S-76 is approved for single-pilot IFR operations when appropriately equipped", but I bet it has a whole bunch of requirements in the MEL.
https://www.aviation.govt.nz/assets/aircraft/type-acceptance-reports/Sikorsky-S-76-Series.pdf
To Steve, "S-76 is approved for single-pilot IFR operations when appropriately equipped", but I bet it has a whole bunch of requirements in the MEL.
https://www.aviation.govt.nz/assets/aircraft/type-acceptance-reports/Sikorsky-S-76-Series.pdf
he didn't file an IFR plan..he asked for, waited, and was given a "special VFR" clearance... navigate on your own..
report landing... no controller involvement other than clearing out the area until hello on the ground...
report landing... no controller involvement other than clearing out the area until hello on the ground...
Pretty sure you are a controller, and you know my background, we mighta' been on the same frequency from time to time. I know the scenario and the LAPD guys were grounded. For ceilings and vis.
If the helicopter was not qualified per type certificate data sheet for IFR, that is one thing, but if it was, well then why wouldn't a II chief pilot have approval for it in the company manual? We don't know all the story.
If the helicopter was not qualified per type certificate data sheet for IFR, that is one thing, but if it was, well then why wouldn't a II chief pilot have approval for it in the company manual? We don't know all the story.
seems to me he asked for special VFR... I remember reading that... but I'm old..and..and..and..
big difference between Spec VFR and ITR clearance.. as you know, pilot on his own
big difference between Spec VFR and ITR clearance.. as you know, pilot on his own
I'm the only pilot I know that ever picked up the mic. and requested a 'contact approach', into ASE, and the controller didn't know what it Meant! Nor did my co-pilot. Shortly there after, a new voice, said "747GM cleared for the contact approach". First one in that day.
I get it, but I don't. How does a guy with that equipment and qualifications do That if the cuffs match the collar?
I get it, but I don't. How does a guy with that equipment and qualifications do That if the cuffs match the collar?