Andrew Hopkins’ Post

IF AN AIRCRAFT HAS A TAIL-STRIKE DURING TAKEOFF, DOES IT LAND AT THAT AIRPORT, OR DOES IT CONTINUE FLYING TOWARDS ITS DESTINATION? Pilots rotate the aircraft after they reach prescribed air-speed to a predetermined pitch rate and attitude. The geometry of the aircraft is such that at prescribed air-speed and pitch attitude, an aircraft that is properly load and in takeoff configuration will leave the ground without tail-strike. Once you bonk the tail, you’ve become a test pilot. As you’re not getting paid to be a test pilot, you immediately return to land. Of course, if you don’t realize that a tail strike has occurred, there is no decision point and the flight continues to the destination. There are several instances when this has happened. The crew coming to take the airplane notices scraping on the underside of the tail during the pre-flight inspection and it’s later determined that the previous flight has had a tail strike. The vast majority of the cases result in a detailed inspection, repainting, and a return to service.

#Birdstrikes are a significant threat to #helicopter operations, with the FAA reporting an average of 47 #aircraft strikes daily in the US. To mitigate these risks, the FAA recommends strategies such as installing safety equipment, understanding #bird migration patterns, and maintaining heightened vigilance during #flights. Read the article here to find out more: https://lnkd.in/eMaUB5jS

The configuration of public safety #helicopters varies widely depending on the specific #mission requirements of each operator. Defining the mission is the crucial first step, encompassing factors such as primary and secondary mission types, frequency, and impact on #publicsafety. Budget considerations, weight management, and future mission needs are also essential aspects to consider when customizing these #aircraft for optimal performance and efficiency. Each operator's unique requirements demand careful planning and collaboration with #helicopter OEMs to ensure that the chosen configurations meet their specific mission needs. Learn more: https://lnkd.in/eJY97P8z

OTD in 2017: An operator's inadequate oversight of its flights, routine exceedance of Flight Manual limitations and inadequate regulation of aerobatic ‘experiences’ are highlighted by NTSB. https://lnkd.in/dReKs64 #flightsafety #aviationsafety #accident #safetyculture #regulation #safetymanagementsystems #safetyleadership

Marshalling Signals: The silent language of the airport! 🛫🚁 Ever wonder how ground crews guide planes and helicopters so precisely? It’s all about these standardized hand signals. ✈ For Aircraft: Start engines, stop, or turn with clear instructions. Signals like “Cut Engines” and “Brakes” ensure safety on the tarmac. 🚁 For Helicopters: Hover, move upwards, land, or even release sling loads—every action has a signal. Ground marshallers keep everything moving like clockwork on the runway and helipads. Next time you’re at the airport, watch for these pros in action!

Small Plane Crashes in Sherman Oaks; Minor Injuries Reported Los Angeles, CA - November 14, 2024 – A small plane, identified as a 1968 Cessna 172I Skyhawk, registration number N46028, crashed in the Sherman Oaks neighborhood early Thursday morning. The incident occurred during a training flight and involved two occupants who both sustained minor injuries. Read more : https://shorturl.at/ShTBK #PlaneCrash #Cessna172 #ShermanOaks #EmergencyLanding #VanNuysAirport #AviationNews #LAFD #NTSBInvestigation #PilotTraining #AviationSafety #AirspaceNews #Airspace_News #Airspase #News #AviationNews #AviationAccident #AviationNews #AirSafety #AviationAnalysis #Aviation #AviationIndustry

Helitak's FAA-Approved FT-1300 Tank 🚁 Helitak Fire Fighting Equipment has reached a new milestone with the FAA’s approval of its FT-1300 retractable aerial firefighting tank for the Airbus AS350/H125 helicopter. ✅ Capacity: 343-gallon (1300 litres) ✅ Efficiency: Installed in under 20 minutes ✅ Adaptability: Compatible with all AS350/H125 models This innovation is set to elevate firefighting capabilities worldwide, ensuring faster response times and improved efficiency. Read more at AerialFire Magazine: https://lnkd.in/gfYkB6jm #FirefightingInnovation #FireSuppression #AerialFirefighting #BLAZETAMER380

OTD in 2019: Weather conditions forced an unfamiliar approach direction to a familiar landing site. The lack of a site recce first increased risk as did the inaudibility of an obstacle warning system. https://lnkd.in/dagPf3G #helicopter #accident #flightsafety #aviationsafety

🌞✈️ Daytime Obstruction Markings in Aviation Explained! 🚧 Hey Aviators, Let’s talk about Daytime Obstruction Markings and how they keep the skies safe: Purpose: Bright orange and white markings help pilots visually identify tall structures like towers, cranes, and buildings during daylight hours to avoid collisions. Appearance: Often seen as alternating orange and white bands on structures. Power Line Spheres: Purpose: These large, brightly colored spheres (usually red, orange, or white) are placed on power lines to make them visible to pilots. Importance: Helps prevent accidents by ensuring pilots can see and avoid power lines, especially in low-flying areas. Stay vigilant, stay safe, and always respect these markings! #AviationSafety #ObstructionMarkings #PowerLineSpheres #PilotAwareness #SafeFlying #avelflightschool #chennaiflightschool