![]() |
||||||
|
Number
300
|
September 2004
|
||||
P.O. Box 189, Moffett Field, CA 94035-0189 |
|
While helicopters and fixed wing aircraft may differ in form and function, many basic principles of safe operation apply to both breeds. No matter what sort of rig you're driving, everyone in the outfit should be able to wrangle a lesson or two from this roundup of ASRS helicopter reports. "Don't
Fence Me In" Extra caution was required when these two "...cowpokes went riding out one dark and windy day." Perhaps they figured only tinhorns make errors in judgement. Fact is, we all can make mistakes. So, stay alert unless you want to be out in the cold mending fences.
"The
Buckin' Bronco"
A rotor tie down prevents unwanted blade movement in an unmanned helicopter, but when it comes time to fly, a hobbled helo has a hard time hovering.
"High
on a Hilltop"
Check
the rig and cinch up the gear,
"(Not
So) Lonesome Cattle Call" When you're out rounding up strays, keep an eye out for Tractors, Cats, Thrushes, and even Pawnees. That duster on the trail can ruin your whole day.
Roundup Windup"Runaway"
A low flying aircraft, particularly a helicopter, can be an imposing and sometimes unsettling sight to observers on the ground (even when the aircraft is conforming to Federal Aviation Regulations). Some flights, such as emergency medical operations, don't allow much flexibility, but whenever the job permits, an extra margin of clearance can minimize the concern of folks and critters down below.
That's it for this roundup, folks, "until we meet again...." And remember; if you get your procedures down and keep your RPM's up, we won't have to keep singing these "unhappy tales to you...." A Review of ASRS Reporting GuidelinesOur sincerest thanks to everyone who stopped by to chat with the ASRS representatives in the NASA pavilion at EAA's AirVenture 2004. In discussing the program with people involved in many different aspects of aviation, two common misconceptions concerning ASRS reports were noted. 1. A number of people thought that direct involvement was necessary in order to report on an incident. 2. Many people expressed a belief that only one ASRS report could be submitted within a five-year period. You do not need to be directly involved in an incident to submit a report. Everyone is encouraged to submit reports to the ASRS when they are involved in, or observe, an incident or situation in which aviation safety was a concern or in which safety was actually compromised. Regarding the second misconception, there is no limit to the number of ASRS reports you may file in any given time period, nor is there is any minimum time restriction between submissions. You may file as many reports as you think necessary, as often as you think necessary. The only restriction that applies to ASRS reports is the number of times that Transactional immunity may be exercised in a given period of time. Let's discuss immunity. There are actually two immunities that apply to ASRS report submissions, specifically, "Use" immunity and "Transactional" immunity. Simply stated, Use immunity means that your report, or information contained in your report may not be used against you. The restriction to Use immunity is that the event must not have been an accident or a criminal act. Transactional immunity means that penalties assigned by an administrative law judge as the result of a violation will be waived. You may only exercise Transactional immunity once in a five-year period. If you have not been found in violation of an infraction in an administrative hearing, in front of a judge, then you have not used your Transactional immunity, so the five-year restriction does not apply. Even if you are found in violation in a hearing, you may still submit as many reports to ASRS as you want, but you would not be able to exercise your Transactional immunity privileges to waive a penalty for five years. One final requirement for Transactional immunity is that the ASRS report must be submitted within 10 days of becoming aware of the event.
Additional information regarding ASRS immunities can be found in FAA Advisory Circular 00-46D (online at http://asrs.arc.nasa.gov/overview/immunity.html). |
ASRS
Recently Issued Alerts On...
|
---|
ERJ-135 thrust reverser failure |
Foreign airport VOR radial discrepency |
B757-200 flap drive torque tube discrepency |
B767-300 in-flight loss of electrical power |
FAA passenger and baggage weight calculations |
August 2004 Report Intake
|
|
---|---|
Air Carrier/Air Taxi Pilots |
2,287
|
General Aviation Pilots |
814
|
Controllers |
77
|
Cabin/Mechanics/Military/Other |
186
|
TOTAL |
3,364
|