Film, Media & TV2 mins ago
Helicopters
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In light of the awful news of yesterdays helicopter crash in Leicester, and the number of similar tragic accidents involving these light private machines, do you they are suitable form of transport?
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"There is no wiggle room with a helicopter. They drop like a stone."
That's not actually correct. A helicopter that suffers an engine failure will "auto rotate" and, providing it is piloted properly and the transmission has not suffered damage to prevent it, the rotor will turn freely and provide sufficient lift to enable a controlled descent. Helicopters have a "freewheel" device which disconnects the rotor from the engine in the event of power failure or failure of the tail rotor. It's rather like a fixed-wing aircraft gliding after loss of engine power.
Of course a safe outcome depends on there being somewhere safe to land. The main causes of helicopter crashes are either seized transmission (which prevents auto-rotation) or landing under aut-rotation but in an unsuitable place.
That's not actually correct. A helicopter that suffers an engine failure will "auto rotate" and, providing it is piloted properly and the transmission has not suffered damage to prevent it, the rotor will turn freely and provide sufficient lift to enable a controlled descent. Helicopters have a "freewheel" device which disconnects the rotor from the engine in the event of power failure or failure of the tail rotor. It's rather like a fixed-wing aircraft gliding after loss of engine power.
Of course a safe outcome depends on there being somewhere safe to land. The main causes of helicopter crashes are either seized transmission (which prevents auto-rotation) or landing under aut-rotation but in an unsuitable place.
Have no qualms at all about helicopter flights and have done many but I was a little concerned when flying out of RAF Odiham in a chinook I noticed a large pool of liquid on the deck under neath the rear motor turbine.I mentioned it to the Loadmaster and he shrugged nonchalantly and said,"It's either hydraulics or lube oil from the gearbox. Happens all the time." We got to what was RAF Nutts Corner anyhow.
NJ
The seized transmission was very much in the back of mind when the Load master suggested it could be lube oil from the rear turbine gearbox. I was aware that USAAF had already lost a Chinook or two from transmission seizure. Much later,fter that flight a RAF chinook ploughed in with a load of High Ranking Staff Officers killed. The Enquiry suggested pilot error but many believed it was a failure of the transmission and a cover up
The seized transmission was very much in the back of mind when the Load master suggested it could be lube oil from the rear turbine gearbox. I was aware that USAAF had already lost a Chinook or two from transmission seizure. Much later,fter that flight a RAF chinook ploughed in with a load of High Ranking Staff Officers killed. The Enquiry suggested pilot error but many believed it was a failure of the transmission and a cover up
Eddie
See Point 10.
Top 10 Reasons for using Twin-Engine Helicopters
1.Safety – two engines are always better than one.
2.Longer distance – you can fly much further before refueling.
3.They are faster- knocking 20 minutes off a light between London and Manchester
4.More luxurious – bigger aircraft means more room for you, your guests and luggage
5.Quieter. Twin-engine helicopters tend to be equipped with better sound-proofing.
6.More experienced pilots
7.Night flights – ideal for flying into London in the evening
8.Fly to the continent – Paris is only 90 minutes from London
9.All weather capability
10.Fly over built-up areas – get closer to your destination
See Point 10.
Top 10 Reasons for using Twin-Engine Helicopters
1.Safety – two engines are always better than one.
2.Longer distance – you can fly much further before refueling.
3.They are faster- knocking 20 minutes off a light between London and Manchester
4.More luxurious – bigger aircraft means more room for you, your guests and luggage
5.Quieter. Twin-engine helicopters tend to be equipped with better sound-proofing.
6.More experienced pilots
7.Night flights – ideal for flying into London in the evening
8.Fly to the continent – Paris is only 90 minutes from London
9.All weather capability
10.Fly over built-up areas – get closer to your destination
