And if it Part 121, the maintenance is even more strict.
Unless you have a fuel leak, there is zero excuse for running out. None.
- Thread starter AlterEgo
- Start date
Helicopter with tourists missing
Unless you have a fuel leak, there is zero excuse for running out. None.
You are correct that there is no "200 ceiling law" for helicopters......even in the DR.....
Helicopters have always been allowed to be operated at less than the minimums prescribed for fixed wing aircraft as long as the operation is conducted without hazard to persons or property on the surface.
Respectfully,
Playacaribe2
I think you also need to add Part 135 (Charter Operations).
If the helicopter ran out of fuel, without a leak..........pilot error. But if the engine was somehow starved for fuel...different story.
I am not sure that the authorities can certify that quickly that the aircraft actually ran out of fuel.........as the stories have indicated how inaccessible the crash site is and the engine and equipment now need to be forensically examined by the manufacturers to rule out other possible causes.
Respectfully,
Playacaribe2
This helicopter was powered by jet fuel, not gasoline. Jet fuel is actually very difficult to ignite in an open atmosphere.
They can figure out some of the fuel issue by refueling receipts and the log book. A Charter operation would keep both.
They can also use the method normally reserved for such super sleuths as CSI, look in the fuel tank and immediate area for signs of kerosene No fuel in tank or evidence of same in immediate area, yup..fuel starvation Funny how that works :beard: Damm Rotors, shouldn't be allowed to beat the earth into submission
A leak would be different than just running out of gas because you cut the endurance and fuel reserve short.
Didn't someone say there were 5+1 on board? Looking at Eurocopter website the configuration is 3 buckets in back and left side for Pax? Maybe use a bench
What gives me pause about running out of fuel report is the fact that this helicopter is likely configured with a 10 minute fuel censor......meaning if it was working properly, the pilot had a full ten minutes to try and find a spot to land.....and based upon the specs of the aircraft he had an approximately 30 mile radius.
Assuming he was an experienced pilot and knew the terrain, I am, at this point, just not convinced about out the "ran of fuel story" being put out.
Respectfully,
Playacaribe2
Agreed. Plus no contact at all with ATC, even flying VFR? No transponder to code emergency? Unless he was busting minimums and shenanigans.
But then again, this IS the DR.
website shows/claims 3 in back,two in front One of 2 in front should have some idea how to pilot .
Interesting. Looks like it's sister ship is up for sale
https://www.controller.com/listings/aircraft/for-sale/28581495/1999-eurocopter-ec-120b
https://www.controller.com/listings/aircraft/for-sale/28581495/1999-eurocopter-ec-120b
Jet fuel doesn't ignite as easily as av gas but, it's not difficult at all. I could give you a laundry list of turboprop and turbojet aircraft that have crashed and burned.
The Arrow Air DC-8 that crashed on takeoff from MIA in 1997 and the United DC-10 that crashed trying to land in Souix City in 1989 come to mind.
Pilots in single engine aircraft fly all the time over areas where there is no safe place to put down.