Flight Safety Foundation Helicopter Safety 1988

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November–December 1988

Tiltrotor Offers a Choice 4 pages. [PDF 27K]

Although the first flight of the V-22 Osprey tiltrotor has been delayed, the author has had the opportunity to fly Bell-Boeing’s simulator at Ft. Worth, Tex., U.S. Through his description of his simulator ride, it is apparent the tiltrotor will be a challenge for both fixed-wing and helicopter pilots.

September–October 1988

How To Deal With Induced Turbulence 4 pages. [PDF 24K]

Knowing the conditions of vortex generation and its characteristics will assist a pilot in better negotiating this phenomenon in flight.

July–August 1988

Helicopters and Turbulence 4 pages. [PDF 25K]

Downdrafts and microbursts can pose a greater threat to helicopters than to high speed, fixed-wing aircraft, says the author, who describes the two alternatives available to rotary wing pilots who face these hazardous weather phenomena.

May–June 1988

Helicopter Training Must Move Into The Future 4 pages. [PDF 18K]

Statistics may be interpreted to indicate that helicopters may be inherently safer than fixed-wing aircraft, but current pilot training and certification are two decades behind the technology of today’s helicopters. Even as the proven utility and technology of the present-day rotary wing vehicle expands, its advanced tilt rotor cousin promises even more versatility. Now is the time, says the author, for regulating agencies and industry to turn their attention to training the pilots who are charged with operating these technologically sophisticated flying machines.

March–April 1988

Taking Responsibility For Safety Training 4 pages. [PDF 22K]

The author encourages helicopter operators to play a major role in the creation of an appropriate program of safety training for their pilots.

January–February 1988

Helicopter EMS Accidents Demand Additional Scrutiny 6 pages. [PDF 29K]

The helicopter has added a new dimension to emergency medical services in recent years, and the author takes the position that this demanding segment of helicopter operations has added an equally new dimension to accident statistics. He calls for increased attention to the stressors that hinder the pilot, and play a much greater role in EMS accidents than investigators currently attribute causes/factors.