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  • Hey all, just changed over the backend after 15 years I figured time to give it a bit of an update, its probably gonna be a bit weird for most of you and i am sure there is a few bugs to work out but it should kinda work the same as before... hopefully :)

Documentary Cinematographer Mike deGruy killed in helicopter crash

That's great news to hear Mike! Its just a pity it didn't happen earlier.
 
Played tonight on Aussie TV.... 60 minutes report on maybe why you shouldn't fly in a Robinson.

[video]http://video.au.msn.com/watch/video/fatal-flaw-extended-interview/xgxfnyl[/video]

&

[video]http://video.au.msn.com/watch/video/fatal-flaw-behind-the-scenes/x3afq3k?cpkey=51e9dbaf-4f89-4136-aa85-c90b762d3e7e||||[/video]
 
On the grounding of the R44 type in Australia until bladder tanks are fitted - It is most definitely not before time. Too many good people have been lost.

Regardless of fitness-of-product-for-purpose arguments, the onus is upon the owners of unmodified aircraft. One can always sue the manufacturer later if a product has been misrepresented.


When it comes to losing money due to unscheduled downtime, the choice to leave it until the next major service is very tempting and driven by financial economy. It seems that the authorities cut owners some slack.

The will or otherwise to make the changes after recognising a hazard is the game the Australian authorities have now taken off the table.

Bladder tanks are historically not without their own issues. Retention, then subsequent release of water contamination of fuel is one of the more well known for some aircraft types.
 
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On the CH 9 "60 Minutes" documentary, I would not be surprised to see a postscript to the story next week. There is another perspective to the argument :-



R44 helicopter fuel tank airworthiness directive


Any Robinson R44 helicopters without upgraded fuel tanks are grounded from 1 May 2013.


The Civil Aviation Safety Authority has issued an airworthiness directive to ensure all Robinson R44 helicopters are fitted with flexible fuel tanks to reduce the risk of fire after an accident.

Operators of R44 helicopters were first told of the need to take action in relation to fuel tanks in December 2010 when the manufacturer Robinson issued a service bulletin.


CASA has written several times to R44 operators highlighting the importance of replacing the fuel tanks and emphasising the need to complete the upgrade by the deadline set by Robinson of 30 April 2013.


R44 operators were also directed by CASA to provide notification of the status of their helicopter, including its maintenance program.


More than 170 R44 operators have still not provided this notification to CASA, prompting the need to issue an airworthiness directive.




 
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