Travel3 mins ago
Helicopters
39 Answers
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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NJ: “A helicopter that suffers an engine failure will "auto rotate"….It's rather like a fixed-wing aircraft gliding after loss of engine power.”
Eddie: “ They can not glide as a fixed wing aircraft can.”
So who is right?:
https:/
An extract: “The most common use of autorotation in helicopters is to safely land the aircraft in the event of an engine failure or tail-rotor failure. It is a common emergency procedure taught to helicopter pilots as part of their training.”
It could be argued that a helicopter suffering an engine failure is actually better placed to land safely than a fixed wing aircraft. A fixed-wing aircraft has to maintain forward speed to avoid stalling and needs a far greater clear and reasonably flat surface on which to put down. A helicopter can land on any reasonably flat open space not much bigger than the aircraft itself. In both cases much depends on a suitable landing area but a helicopter will not "drop like a stone" unless its transmission is seized.
Eddie: “ They can not glide as a fixed wing aircraft can.”
So who is right?:
https:/
An extract: “The most common use of autorotation in helicopters is to safely land the aircraft in the event of an engine failure or tail-rotor failure. It is a common emergency procedure taught to helicopter pilots as part of their training.”
It could be argued that a helicopter suffering an engine failure is actually better placed to land safely than a fixed wing aircraft. A fixed-wing aircraft has to maintain forward speed to avoid stalling and needs a far greater clear and reasonably flat surface on which to put down. A helicopter can land on any reasonably flat open space not much bigger than the aircraft itself. In both cases much depends on a suitable landing area but a helicopter will not "drop like a stone" unless its transmission is seized.
I know nothing about helicopters and although I've never been in one, its only because the opportunity hasn't come my way. But I am wondering if there is a fundamental difference between these pleasure copters that the wealthy people have for private use, and the bigger work horses that go to the oil rigs or used by the military? We hear of more instances involving the former.
I've always thought if its good enough for the Queen its good enough for me, but beginning to change my mind!
I've always thought if its good enough for the Queen its good enough for me, but beginning to change my mind!
For those who don't know,
Atlantic Conveyor was a British merchant navy ship, registered in Liverpool, that was requisitioned during the Falklands War. She was hit on 25 May 1982 by two Argentine air-launched AM39 Exocet missiles, killing 12 sailors. Atlantic Conveyor sank whilst under tow on 28 May 1982.
I have fond memories of those boots . . . . not!
I don't know about the safety's side of things but I love helicopters. I live right next to a v busy army base and see helicopters most days - they parachute and parascend from them. A couple of times a week there will be a visiting Chinook (sometimes two) anecdotes occasionally an Osprey (or two) - v ugly but ultra cool (especially at night). I've been in a Lynx helicopter which was terrifying and brilliant.
