Happenings at Leading Edge

Kameron Keller Private Helicopter Rating

2012-02-27T10:28:00.001-08:00

Congratulations Kameron Keller! Kameron received his Private
rating on 2/19/12!

Scott Dempsey CFI Helicopter Rating

2012-02-27T10:27:00.002-08:00

Congratulations Scott Dempsey! Scott received his CFI
rating on 2/18/12!

Jay Bunning Commercial Helicopter Rating

2012-02-27T10:27:00.001-08:00

Congratulations Jay Bunning! Jay received his Commercial
rating on 2/18/12!

Angela Wright Commercial Helicopter Rating

2012-02-07T15:57:00.002-08:00

Congratulations Angela Wright! Angela received her Commercial rating on 2/7/12!

Seth Ludwig Instrument Helicopter Rating

2012-02-07T15:56:00.001-08:00

Congratulations Seth Ludwig! Seth received his Instrument rating on 2/7/12!

Chris Strain Commercial Helicopter Rating

2012-02-07T12:18:00.000-08:00

Congratulations Chris Strain! Chris received his Commercial rating on 2/6/12!

Brock Nelson Commercial Helicopter Rating

2012-02-07T12:17:00.004-08:00

Congratulations Brock Nelson! Brock received his Commercial rating on 2/6/12!

Joe Mayberry CFI Helicopter Rating

2012-02-07T12:17:00.002-08:00

Congratulations Joe Mayberry! Joe received his CFI rating on 2/5/12!

Dean Rodgers CFI Helicopter Rating

2012-02-07T12:16:00.000-08:00

Congratulations Dean Rodgers! Dean received his CFI rating on 2/5/12!

Keith Martin Instrument Helicopter Rating

2012-02-07T12:15:00.001-08:00

Congratulations Keith Martin! Keith received his Instrument rating on 2/4/12!

Colby Hamon CFI Helicopter Rating

2012-02-07T12:14:00.000-08:00

Congratulations Colby Hamon! Colby received his CFI rating on 2/4/12!

Jesse Washburn Instrument Helicopter Rating

2012-02-07T12:13:00.001-08:00

Congratulations Jesse Washburn! Jesse received his Instrument rating on 2/3/12!

Michael Towner Private Helicopter Rating

2012-02-07T12:12:00.002-08:00

Congratulations Michael Towner! Michael received his Private rating on 2/3/12!

Aaron Vane CFII Helicopter Rating

2012-02-07T12:08:00.001-08:00

Congratulations Aaron Vane! Aaron received his CFII rating on 2/2/12!

Brad VanSyckle-Commercial

2012-02-01T10:56:00.000-08:00

Congratulations Brad VanSyckle! Brad passed his Commercial check ride on 1/28/12!

Kameron Keller-Solo

2012-01-27T14:45:00.000-08:00

Congratulations Kameron Keller!!! Kameron has completed his first solo on 12/22/2011.

Matt Dahmer-Helicopter Solo

2012-01-10T11:01:00.000-08:00

Congratulations Matt Dahmer!!! Matt has completed his first helicopter solo on 1/2/2012.

Eric Taylor-Solo

2012-01-10T11:00:00.000-08:00

Congratulations Eric Taylor!!! Eric has completed his first solo on 12/19/2011.

Rhett Johnson- Solo

2012-01-10T10:59:00.000-08:00

Congratulations Rhett Johnson!!! Rhett has completed his first solo on 12/15/2011.

Justin Lagrimas-Solo

2012-01-10T10:57:00.000-08:00

Congratulations Justin Lagrimas!!! Justin has completed his first solo on 12/13/2011.

Riley Harris-Private

2012-01-10T10:53:00.000-08:00

Congratulations Riley Harris! Riley passed his Private check ride on 12/30/11!

Roy Ketzler-Commercial

2011-12-22T11:46:00.000-08:00

Congratulations Roy Ketzler! Roy passed his Commercial check ride on 12/20/11!

Nikita Sanarov-Private

2011-12-22T11:45:00.000-08:00

Congratulations Nikita Sanarov! Nikita passed his Private check ride on 12/20/11!

David Matula- Private

2011-12-22T11:43:00.000-08:00

Congratulations David Matula! David passed his Private check ride on 12/17/11!

Charles Weimer- Commercial

2011-12-22T11:42:00.000-08:00

Congratulations Charles Weimer! Charles passed his Commercial check ride on 12/17/11!

Mark Prokop- Instrument

2011-12-22T11:41:00.000-08:00

Congratulations Mark Prokop! Mark passed his Instrument check ride on 12/16/11!

Tim Horrell-Instrument Add On

2011-12-22T11:40:00.002-08:00

Congratulations Tim Horrell! Tim passed his Instrument Add On check ride on 12/15/11!

Neil Cassard-Instrument

2011-12-22T11:40:00.001-08:00

Congratulations Neil Cassard! Neal passed his Instrument check ride on 12/15/11!

Ted Hinrichs- CFI

2011-12-22T11:39:00.000-08:00

Congratulations Ted Hinrichs! Ted passed his CFI check ride on 12/14/11!

Aaron Vane-CFI

2011-12-22T11:38:00.000-08:00

Congratulations Aaron Vane! Aaron passed his CFI check ride on 12/13/11!

Brock Nelson-Instrument

2011-12-22T11:37:00.001-08:00

Congratulations Brock Nelson! Brock passed his Instrument check ride on 12/13/11!

Dustun Fort- Commercial

2011-12-22T11:22:00.000-08:00

Congratulations Dustun Fort! Dustun passed his Commercial check ride on 12/13/11!

Skye Leman-Instrument

2011-12-22T11:21:00.000-08:00

Congratulations Skye Leman! Skye passed his Instrument check ride on 12/12/11!

Steve Bridgman-Commercial

2011-12-22T11:20:00.000-08:00

Congratulations Steve Bridgman! Steve passed his Commercial check ride on 12/12/11!

December Newsletter

2011-12-09T12:29:00.001-08:00

NTSB Accident Report

On  November  24,  2011,  approximately  1900  central  standard time, a Robinson R44 II helicopter,
 N821JV,  sustained  substantial  damage  when  it  impacted  water following a loss of control while
 maneuvering  near  Hackensack,  Minnesota.  The  private  pilot  sustained  fatal  injuries  and the
 passenger  sustained  minor  injuries.  The  helicopter  was  registered to Four Winds Leasing, LLC,
 Walker,  Minnesota,  and  operated  by  the pilot. Visual meteorological conditions prevailed, and a
 flight  plan  was  not  filed  for  the  14 Code of Federal Regulations Part 91 personal flight. The
 flight departed Alexandria, Minnesota, at an unknown time.

 According  to  local  authorities  who  spoke  with  the  passenger, the pilot was maneuvering for a
 landing  near  his  residence. While in a hover over the lake, the passenger heard a "bang/boom" and
 the  helicopter  immediately  yawed  to  the right and impacted the water. The passenger was able to
 swim to shore.

 The  helicopter  was  recovered  from  the  lake  on  November 25th. Postaccident examination of the
 helicopter  showed  damage  to the fuselage and main rotor blades. The helicopter was recovered to a
 secure facility for further examination.

Other conditions that played a role in the crash:

Temp: -1ºC, dewpoint: -2ºC

Ice needs three things for it to form:
1) Temperature below 0ºC
2) Moisture
3) Surface to form on

There are a number of scenarios where moisture can be present. The most common is rain and fog. Others would be low temp/dewpoint spread, and operating over or near water.
In this accident report we see that the helicopter was maneuvering over a lake, so moisture was very prevalent. All three things needed to form ice existed, the aircraft was the surface for the ice to form on, the temperature was below 0ºC, and there was plenty of moisture present from the lake and low temp/dewpoint spread.
Whenever cold temps or moisture exists, a pilot should be more cautious and aware of the possibility of icing. If you are flying in moisture, then make sure that you don't fly into and area of cold temps. When flying in cold temps, then make sure that there is no moisture where you are flying from either water, rain, fog, or high humidity.

Schedule Pointe and next terms schedule

Availability sheets are due on the 16th of this month. turn them in so you can get recurring flight blocks this Winter term.

Check Schedule Pointe everyday for updates on flight information. There are a lot of check rides and stage checks this week an next, that means a lot of student's will be pumped, check the schedule to see if you are affected and reschedule if you need too.

Resources

Company website

For some information about LEA’s flight school, maintenance facility, commercial operations, or aircraft sales, visit the company website.

Here is a Link to FlyBend.com

Facebook

Also Flow Leading Edge on Facebook

Here is a Link to the Facebook page.

NTSB Accident Report

For a search query of reports accidents to the NTSB

Here is a Link to ntsb.gov

R22 Preflight written instructions, here is a good Link with pictures and text about a R22 preflight.

And this is the sublink that goes to and miscellaneous page with some really good information about the helicopter and components that aren't identified on the preflight check list.

Michael Stewart-Instrument

2011-12-05T16:02:00.001-08:00

Congratulations Michael Stewart! Michael passed his Instrument check ride on 12/04/11!

Bradley VanSyckle-Instrument

2011-12-05T16:01:00.001-08:00

Congratulations Bradley VanSyckle! Bradley passed his Instrument check ride on 12/03/11!

Glen Ray-Private

2011-12-05T15:59:00.000-08:00

Congratulations Glen Ray! Glen passed his Private check ride on 12/03/11!

Johnny Baidenmann-Solo

2011-11-29T10:37:00.001-08:00

Congratulations!!! Johnny Baidenmann has completed his first solo on 11/26/2011.

Michael Towner- Solo

2011-11-29T10:35:00.001-08:00

Congratulations!!! Michael Towner has completed his first solo on 11/19/2011.

Jim Cutshall-Instrument

2011-11-21T13:59:00.000-08:00

Congratulations Jim Cutshall!
Jim passed his Instrument check ride on 11/20/11!

Ben Gammon- Instrument

2011-11-21T13:58:00.001-08:00

Congratulations Ben Gammon!
Ben passed his Instrument check ride on 11/20/11!

Matt Hendrix-Instrument

2011-11-21T13:57:00.001-08:00

Congratulations Matt Hendrix!
Matt passed his Instrument check ride on 11/19/11!

Jordan Hess- CFII

2011-11-21T13:54:00.000-08:00

Congratulations Jordan Hess!
Jordan passed his CFII check ride on 11/19/11!

Late November Newsletter

2011-11-19T14:10:00.001-08:00

Check rides
Those of you talking check rides this weekend, go on the Facebook page and leave a comment with some information about you ride!

Aerodynamics
The previous two newsletters talked about the airfoil and ETL, refer back if you need a refresher.

Transverse Flow Effect
The definition from the Helicopter Oral Exam guide is, "As the helicopter accelerates in forward flight, induced flow drops near zero at the forward disc area and increases at the aft disc area. This increases the AoA at the front disc area causing the rotor blade to flap up, and reduces AoA at the aft disc are causing the rotor blade to flap down. The result is a tendency for the helicopter to roll slightly to the right as it accelerates through approximately 20 kts or if the headwind is approximately 20 kts."

At the aft section the airflow is coming in vertically.

(Causing smaller AoA)

The forward disc section has air moving in horizontally.

(Causing larger AoA)

This causes unequal amounts of lift over the rotor system(dissymmetry of lift). When dissymmetry of lift happens, blade flapping accounts for it, which then the forward disc flaps up to reduce the AoA and the aft disc flaps down the increase AoA. For the most part this equalizes lift over the rotor system, but not completely. So there is a force downward on the rotors in the aft section and upward on the rotors in the forward section. Gyroscopic Precession tells us that with the spinning disc those forces will be seen about 90 degrees later in the direction of rotation(a force upward on the left section and downward on the right section). This is the cause of the right roll. When ever blade flapping occurs, vibrations occur, in transverse flow effect there is a lot of flapping to account for dissymmetry of lift, causing the vibrations.

When you get TFE?

-Accelerating through about 20kts

-With 20kts of relative wind into the rotor system

Symptoms?

-Vibrations

-Roll right

Pilot action?

Continue accelerating into ETL

Commercial Answer

Going through the photo flight scenario from last newsletter and asking the question....

Is this flight on the commercial certificate alone or with a company?

If Alone, is the job listed in part 119?

If Yes,

If common carriage is Not involved, then can be done, just make sure you comply with and other limitations listed in part 119

If common carriage is involved, then cannot do it.

If No, then most likely cannot be done.... Unless It can be considered a "Private carriage" flight.

If Company, is the company, pilot, and helicopter certified for the operation? (EX. an agriculture part 137 job needs an 137 operator, 137 helicopter, and 137 check out pilot)

If yes, then can do.

If No, then must get rated to do the job.

If ever common carriage is involved, then the job needs to be done under part 135 or part 121.

This job is done on your own and as long as common carriage is not involved you can do it.

There is no distance limitation on photo flights that the regs say anyways.

Landing to get fuel is necessary for the flight to be accomplished as long as the photographer doesn't take any pictures on the ground or purchase anything at the fuel stops.

You can advertise for this because common carriage is still not involved as long as you do not transport person or property, so make sure that you terminate the flight at the same airport you started the flight at.

Resources

Commercial forum
For some help regarding commercial photo flights, this forum mainly talks about photo flight distance limitation.
Here is a Link to JustHelicopters.com

Company website

For some information about LEA’s flight school, maintenance facility, commercial operations, or aircraft sales, visit the company website.

Here is a Link to FlyBend.com

Facebook

Also Flow Leading Edge on Facebook

Here is a Link to the Facebook page.

NTSB Accident Report

For a search query of reports accidents to the NTSB

Here is a Link to ntsb.gov

R22 Preflight written instructions, here is a good Link with pictures and text about a R22 preflight.

And this is the sublink that goes to and miscellaneous page with some really good information about the helicopter and components that aren't identified on the preflight check list.

Marty Seamons- CFI

2011-11-09T17:05:00.001-08:00

Congratulations Marty Seamons!

Marty passed his CFI check ride on 11/8/11!

Kyle Alford -Instrument

2011-11-09T17:01:00.000-08:00

Congratulations Kyle Alford!

Kyle passed his Instrument check ride on 11/7/11!

Van James- CFI

2011-11-09T17:00:00.000-08:00

Congratulations Van James!

Van passed his CFI check ride on 11/8/11!

Jason Wilson - Private

2011-11-08T15:15:00.001-08:00

Congratulations Jason Wilson!

Jason passed his Private check ride on 11/8/11!

Josh DeHaan - Instrument

2011-11-08T15:12:00.000-08:00

Congratulations Josh DeHaan!

Josh passed his Instrument check ride on 11/7/11!

November Newsletter

2011-11-02T17:01:00.000-07:00

Quick Reminder about

Schedule Pointe

The schedule change frequently due to maintenance, check rides, and other conflicts. To avoid missing a scheduled appointment CHECK THE SCHEDULE EACH NIGHT FOR THE FOLLOWING DAY TO CONFIRM FLIGHTS, GROUNDS, AND TIMES.

Aerodynamics

The previous newsletter talked about the basic aerodynamics acting on the airfoil.

This newsletter will talk about Effective Translational Lift (ETL). Next newsletter will talk about Transverse Flow Effect

Accelerating from hovering flight into forward flight the induced airflow over the rotors decreases and becomes more horizontal(translational lift), this is because as the helicopter moves forwards it creates a horizontal wind which lowers the relative wind and increases AoA.

When translational lift covers the entire rotor system that is when we call in "Effective" translational lift.

Note: Any amount of airflow moving horizontally into the rotors will increase lift, the most noticeable point is at ETL. As the helicopter accelerates faster than ETL the airflow is even more horizontal and further increases lift.

Commercial Question

Someone calls you asking if he can pay you to fly him to the Columbia river to take photos of some wind surfers.

The flight will depart BDN and fly north to the river(about 80NM away) and return the same day to BDN.

Can a commercial rated pilot accept payment for this job?

Ask these questions to figure it out: "Can a commercial certificated pilot do this?"

Is this flight on the commercial certificate alone or with a company?

If Alone, is the job listed in part 119?

If Yes,

If common carriage is Not involved, then can be done, just make sure you comply with and other limitations listed in part 119

If common carriage is involved, then cannot do it.

If No, then most likely cannot be done.... Unless It can be considered a "Private carriage" flight.

If Company, is the company, pilot, and helicopter certified for the operation? (EX. an agriculture part 137 job needs an 137 operator, 137 helicopter, and 137 check out pilot)

If yes, then can do.

If No, then must get rated to do the job.

If ever common carriage is involved, then the job needs to be done under part 135 or part 121.

Answer: I'll post the answer on the next newsletter.

Resources

Commercial forum

For some help regarding commercial photo flights, this forum mainly talks about photo flight distance limitation.
Here is a Link to JustHelicopters.com

Company website

For some information about LEA’s flight school, maintenance facility, commercial operations, or aircraft sales, visit the company website.

Here is a Link to FlyBend.com

Facebook

Also Flow Leading Edge on Facebook

Here is a Link to the Facebook page.

NTSB Accident Report

For a search query of reports accidents to the NTSB

Here is a Link to ntsb.gov

R22 Preflight written instructions, here is a good Link with pictures and text about a R22 preflight.

And this is the sublink that goes to and miscellaneous page with some really good information about the helicopter and components that aren't identified on the preflight check list.

Charles Weimer - Instrument

2011-10-26T09:46:00.000-07:00

Congratulations Charles Weimer!

Charles passed his instrument check ride on 10-20-11!

Dan O'Brian - Instrument

2011-10-24T11:19:00.001-07:00

Congratulations Dan O'Brian!

Dan passed his Instrument check ride on 10-21-11!

Mid October Newsletter

2011-10-21T22:48:00.000-07:00

Understanding Airflow into the Rotors

Induced airflow - Air flowing vertically down through the rotors, it is a byproduct of the production of lift. High induced airflow means more vertical flow or faster vertical flow.

Angle of Attack(AoA) - Is the angle between the chord line of the rotors and the relative wind acting on the rotors.

Horizontal airflow(translational lift) - Airflow which is moving across or horizontally over the rotor disk, it is due to forward movement or wind.

Up flow - Air coming vertically up though the rotors.

Relative wind - With respect to the airfoil relative wind is the combination of all air acting on the airfoil: induced airflow, horizontal airflow, rotational velocity, and up flow.

Rotational Velocity - Relative wind acting horizontally on the rotors due to their rotation.

The combination of rotational velocity(horizontal) airflow and induced airflow(vertical) create relative wind.

Increasing induced airflow decreases AoA by changing the relative wind to flow slightly more vertically into the rotors.
Decreasing induced airflow increases the AoA.

Something similar happens when the rotational velocity is increased, it causes induced airflow to have less of an effect on the total relative wind. This creates a higher AoA.

Horizontal airflow(translation lift) is created by either the helicopter accelerating into forward flight or wind blowing towards the helicopter, this has the same effect as increasing rotational velocity, it increases horizontal movement into the rotors and decreases induced airflow, both of which increase AoA. Induced airflow decreases because clean air is moving into the rotor disc freely.

Next newsletter with compare this theory to ETL and ground effect.

Resources

Company website

For some information about LEA’s flight school, maintenance facility, commercial operations, or aircraft sales, visit the company website.

Here is a Link to FlyBend.com

Facebook

Also Flow Leading Edge on Facebook

Here is a Link to the Facebook page.

NTSB Accident Report

For a search query of reports accidents to the NTSB

Here is a Link to ntsb.gov

R22 Preflight written instructions, here is a good Link with pictures and text about a R22 preflight.

And this is the sublink that goes to and miscellaneous page with some really good information about the helicopter and components that aren't identified on the preflight check list.

Drew Davis - Commercial

2011-10-14T10:30:00.001-07:00

Congratulations Drew Davis!

Drew passed his commercial check ride on 10-13-11!

Chris Strain - Instrument

2011-10-14T10:28:00.000-07:00

Congratulations Chris Strain!

Chris passed his Instrument check ride on 10-12-11!

Adam Seerley - Private

2011-10-14T10:25:00.000-07:00

Congratulations Adam Seerley!

Adam passed his Private check ride on 10-11-11!

Keith Martin - Private

2011-10-14T10:23:00.000-07:00

Congratulations Keith Martin!

Keith passed his Private check ride on 10-11-11!

Karl Alger - Instrument

2011-10-14T10:20:00.000-07:00

Congratulations Karl Alger!

Karl passed his Instrument check ride on 10-12-11!

Mike Grover - Private

2011-10-11T11:33:00.000-07:00

Congratulations! Mike passed his Private check ride on 10-10-11!

Stuart Sams - CFI

2011-10-11T11:17:00.000-07:00

Congratulations! Stuart Sams passed his CFI check ride on 10-10-11!

Orion Wellinghoff and Adam Stockland headed to ERA

2011-10-03T11:21:00.000-07:00

Congratulations Orion Wellinghoff and Adam Stockland!!!. Orion and Adam are on their way to ERA Helicopters. They both will be helicopter pilots in the Gulf of Mexico. They will be flying offshore oil and gas transportation. We are very excited for them. Congratulations from your LEA students and staff.

Travis Trumbull Instrument

2011-09-30T12:58:00.001-07:00

Congratulations!!! Travis Trumbull passed his Instrument check ride on 9/30/2011.

Seth Ludwig Private

2011-09-30T12:56:00.000-07:00

Congratulations!!! Seth Ludwig passed his Private check ride on 9/29/2011.

Jordan Hess CFI

2011-09-30T12:54:00.000-07:00

Congratulations!!! Jordan Hess passed his CFI check ride on 9/29/2011.

Neil Cassard Private

2011-09-30T12:52:00.000-07:00

Congratulations!!! Neil Cassard passed his private check ride on 9/28/2011.

Chuck Norton CFI

2011-09-30T12:51:00.000-07:00

Congratulations!!! Chuck Norton passed his CFI check ride on 9/27/2011.

Jason Wilson Solo

2011-09-28T17:29:00.001-07:00

Congratulations!!! Jason Wilson has completed his first solo on 9/13/2011.

Glen Ray Solo

2011-09-28T17:28:00.001-07:00

Congratulations!!! Glen Ray has completed his first solo on 8/31/2011.

Austin Lenahan Commercial

2011-09-28T17:23:00.000-07:00

Congratulations!!! Austin Lenahan passed his Commercial check ride on 9/20/2011.

Brock Nelson Private

2011-09-28T17:22:00.001-07:00

Congratulations!!! Brock Nelson passed his Private check ride on 9/20/2011.

Logan Harris CFII

2011-09-28T17:20:00.000-07:00

Congratulations!!! Logan Harris passed his CFII check ride on 9/19/2011.

Mid September Newsletter

2011-09-17T10:30:00.000-07:00

Check Ride Preparation

Many students are getting ready for check rides this Fall and it is vital that the student to prepared, equipped, and has everything needed for the check ride.

A good place to start to general requirements for the practical test(check ride) is in the FAR AIM.

FAR Part 61.103(Private Pilot - Subpart E) Eligibility requirements

FAR Part 61.64 Instrument rating requirements

FAR Part 61.123(Commercial Pilot - Subpart F) Eligibility requirements

FAR Part 61.183(Flight Instructor - Subpart H) Eligibility Requirements

Shortly after these regulation there are regs about flight proficiency, knowledge tests, and aeronautical experience.

You might also want to read FAR Part 61.43 Practical tests: General procedures and FAR Part 61.47 which tells you what the examiner's role is in the flight.

Here is a list of things that the student should bring to every check ride:

Books:

FAR AIM (2011 or 2012)

Appropriate POH

A/FD - Current

Rotorcraft flying handbook

Sectionals for local area - Current

Personal:

Driver's License

Medical Certificate

Knowledge test official results

Logbook with all endorsements from instructor

Items for oral:

Manual weight and balance completed for flight

Flight plan completed

Knee board

Pencil

E6B computer

Timer(Stopwatch)

Weather charts:

-TAF

-METAR

-Low level significant weather chart

-Winds aloft

-Area forecast

-Standard Briefing(either notes for WX Brief phone call, or DUATs printable)

-Surface analysis

For examiner:

Check or cash

Practical check list(for Rob Grubb)

After you look at the regulations for your flight requirements, make sure to go through your look book and be able to find flight requirements and endorsements.

Show up to the check ride early and dress professionally!!

Check Ride Passes

Comment on your own check ride post with information about questioned you were asked or different maneuvers you had to do in the flight practical.

Schedule Pointe

There will be a recurring schedule for each student on Schedule Pointe for this Fall. This is only for flights, grounds are not schedule till the students and instructors schedule them individually. The schedule is recurring but that doesn't mean that a flight may be canceled for maintenance reasons or check ride priority. CHECK THE SCHEDULE EACH NIGHT FOR THE FOLLOWING DAY TO CONFIRM FLIGHTS, GROUNDS, AND TIMES.

Resources

Company website

For some information about LEA’s flight school, maintenance facility, commercial operations, or aircraft sales, visit the company website.

Here is a Link to FlyBend.com

Facebook

Also Flow Leading Edge on Facebook

Here is a Link to the Facebook page.

NTSB Accident Report

For a search query of reports accidents to the NTSB

Here is a Link to ntsb.gov

R22 Preflight written instructions, here is a good Link with pictures and text about a R22 preflight.

And this is the sublink that goes to and miscellaneous page with some really good information about the helicopter and components that aren't identified on the preflight check list.

Adam Seerley Solo

2011-09-07T09:23:00.000-07:00

Congratulations!!! Adam Seerley has completed his first solo on 9/6/2011.

David Frank Private

2011-09-06T10:10:00.001-07:00

Congratulations!!! David Frank passed his Private check ride on 9/4/2011.

Jeremy Ellison CFII

2011-09-06T10:09:00.000-07:00

Congratulations!!! Jeremy Ellison passed his CFII check ride on 9/3/2011.

James Johnson Commercial

2011-09-06T10:07:00.001-07:00

Congratulations!!! James Johnson passed his Commercial check ride on 9/3/2011.

Justin Russ Instrument

2011-08-29T16:23:00.001-07:00

Congratulations!!! Justin Russ passed his Instrument check ride on 8/26/2011.

Angela Wright Instrument

2011-08-29T16:21:00.000-07:00

Congratulations!!! Angela Wright passed her Instrument check ride on 8/25/2011.

Matt Condie Instrument

2011-08-29T16:20:00.000-07:00

Congratulations!!! Matt Condie passed his Instrument check ride on 8/25/2011.

Keith Martin Solo

2011-08-23T10:11:00.000-07:00

Congratulations!!! Keith Martin has completed his first solo on 8/19/2011.

Dave Karnes Private

2011-08-16T10:23:00.001-07:00

Congratulations!!! Dave Karnes passed his Private check ride on 8/13/2011.

Mid-August Newsletter

2011-08-16T08:02:00.000-07:00

Check Ride Passes
Comment on your own check ride post with information about questioned you were asked or different maneuvers you had to do in the flight practical.

Performance question
Fly from Flight Craft at PDX to the blue outlined box near Mt Hood, plan to land at the best spot, then fly back to Troutdale.
Pax: (John)170lbs with 10lbs large rock that will fit under his seat.

Use Seattle Sectional for your chart

Weather:
PDX
Temp-16º
Dewpoint-11º
Wind is 10 kts from 270º True direction

Hood
Estimated temp/dewpoint-
Estimated wind-

Altimeter, get from appropriate weather chart for route=

Fill-in

DA =
PDX-
Hood-
At 11,000' MSL-

PA =
PDX-
Hood-
At 11,000' MSL-

OGE=
PDX-
Hood-

IGE=
PDX-
Hood-

OGE(after dropping rocks off)=
IGE(after dropping rocks off)=

Fuel
Total for trip-
To landing point-
To fuel stop(if applicable)-
From landing point(at Hood) to Troutdale-

Weight
At PDX-
At landing spot picking up-
After getting fuel(if applicable)-

Wind used
At Hood-
At trout dale when due back-

Pick the best landing spot available in the blue outlined box to land John and drop off his rocks. Then flying around taking pictures of Hood at 11,000' for 20 minutes. Then fly to Trout dale to terminate the flight.

Explain why the off-airport you chose looks the best on the chart.

Think about what A.S. to fly at, was is the best route to fly, any fuel stops available?
How much fuel will you use to get to landing spot at Hood, how much back, how can you help lose weight and carry more fuel?
What is the total time of the trip, could you make it at a later time of day for better conditions(look at Winds/temps Aloft forecast)?

Legal issue
John knows you through a friend and knows you are a Comm pilot and asks to do this flight and will pay you.

Can you do this flight, why or why not, if you can't what is the closest to this flight that you can do for John. You are Commercial pilot wanting to make money, how can you make this possible, what could you change?

What does you pax brief sound like to John?
(Read FAR Part 136.7 Passenger Briefings for guidelines)

Resources

Copter-Blog

This is a blog for better understanding of helicopter topics, like: aerodynamics, long
specific cross country planning, pre-flights of the Robinson Helicopters.
Blog created and managed by Adam Stockland, LEA instructor.
Here is a Link to copter blog

Company website

For some information about LEA’s flight school, maintenance facility, commercial operations, or aircraft sales, visit the company website.
Here is a Link to FlyBend.com

Facebook

Also Flow Leading Edge on Facebook
Here is a Link to the Facebook page.

NTSB Accident Report

For a search query of reports accidents to the NTSB
Here is a Link to ntsb.gov

Weather Underground

For information on weather, visit this Link to wunderground.com

R22 Preflight written instructions, here is a good Link with pictures and text about a R22 preflight.
And this is the sublink that goes to and miscellaneous page with some really good information about the helicopter and components that aren't identified on the preflight check list.

Dave Noble CFII

2011-08-08T16:55:00.000-07:00

Congratulations!!! Dave Noble passed his CFII check ride on 8/8/2011.

Dean Rodgers Commercial

2011-08-08T16:54:00.000-07:00

Congratulations!!! Dean Rodgers passed his Commercial check ride on 8/8/2011.

Brock Nelson Solo

2011-08-04T14:55:00.000-07:00

Congratulations!!! Brock Nelson has completed his first solo on 8/1/2011.

Nic Sweitz Solo

2011-08-02T09:45:00.000-07:00

Congratulations!!! Nic Sweitz has completed his first solo on 7/2/2011.

Russell Harrison Solo

2011-08-02T09:44:00.000-07:00

Congratulations!!! Russell Harrison has completed his first solo on 6/28/2011.

Airspace Chart

2011-08-01T12:42:00.001-07:00

August News Letter

2011-08-01T11:36:00.000-07:00

Check Ride Passes
Comment on your own check ride post with information about questioned you were asked or different maneuvers you had to do in the flight practical.

NTSB Accident Report

On July 10, 2011, about 0910 eastern daylight time, a Robinson R22 BETA, N10786, operated by Ocean Helicopters Inc., was substantially damaged during an autorotation, following a system malfunction during initial climb from Palm Beach International Airport (PBI), West Palm Beach, Florida. The certified flight instructor (CFI) was not injured and the student pilot incurred minor injuries. The instructional flight was conducted under the provisions of 14 Code of Federal Regulations Part 91. Visual meteorological conditions prevailed and no flight plan was filed for the planned local flight, which departed PBI about 0840. According to the CFI, he and the student pilot performed five or six quick-stops. They then proceeded with a normal takeoff. About 200 feet above the ground, the helicopter yawed right, which was unable to be corrected with left pedal input. The CFI then entered an autorotation as the helicopter continued to yaw right. He also observed that the horizontal and vertical stabilizers had separated from the tailboom and were falling to the ground. According to a Federal Aviation Administration inspector, a fuel cap separated and lodged in the tail rotor system, resulting in a loss of tail rotor thrust. The helicopter subsequently spun during the autorotation and landed hard. During the impact, the tail rotor separated and the fuselage sustained substantial damage.

Link

The fuel cap was not completely screwed on to the fuel tank, resulting in it falling off in flight and striking the tail rotor. This is easily preventable, but not so easily recoverable. So, make sure that not only both fuel caps are on the helicopter but that their torque stripes are lined up with the fuel tank.
Picture from Reference 1

Resources

Copter-Blog

This is a blog for better understanding of helicopter topics, like: aerodynamics, long
specific cross country planning, pre-flights of the Robinson Helicopters.
Blog created and managed by Adam Stockland, LEA instructor.
Here is a Link to copter blog

Company website

For some information about LEA’s flight school, maintenance facility, commercial operations, or aircraft sales, visit the company website.
Here is a Link to FlyBend.com

Facebook

Also Flow Leading Edge on Facebook
Here is a Link to the Facebook page.

NTSB Accident Report

For a search query of reports accidents to the NTSB
Here is a Link to ntsb.gov

Weather Underground

For information on weather, visit this Link to wunderground.com

R22 Preflight written instructions, here is a good Link with pictures and text about a R22 preflight.
And this is the sublink that goes to and miscellaneous page with some really good information about the helicopter and components that aren't identified on the preflight check list.

References
1 http://www.cybercom.net/~copters/R22_Preflight/Cowl_Door/Cowl_Door.html

Joe Mayberry Commercial

2011-07-25T10:14:00.001-07:00

Congratulations!!! Joe Mayberry passed his Commercial check ride on 7/22/2011.

Clinton Gross Instrument

2011-07-25T10:13:00.000-07:00

Congratulations!!! Clinton Gross passed his Instrument check ride on 7/22/2011.

Logan Harris CFI

2011-07-22T16:37:00.002-07:00

Congratulations!!! Logan Harris passed his CFI check ride on 7/22/2011.

Andrew Lawrence CFII

2011-07-18T10:23:00.000-07:00

Congratulations!!! Andrew Lawrence passed his CFII check ride on 7/15/2011.

Jason Black Instrument

2011-07-18T10:22:00.001-07:00

Congratulations!!! Jason Black passed his Instrument check ride on 7/15/2011.

Mid July Newsletter

2011-07-13T14:23:00.000-07:00

LEA Newsletter Mid July

Check out

Learn how to look up Temporary Flight Restrictions(TRFs) on the internet to make sure that you donʼt fly over one during your flight either locally or on a cross country.

1. Google “TFR”

2. Click on the first link
Or click this Link.

3. Sort by state

4. Click “GO” just right of the sort option
If there are TFRs they will be displayed in a list,
If there are not TFR then a warning will come up saying “Data may not be
complete...cal your local Flight Service Station at 1-800-WX-BRIEF.”

TFRs may be caused by a number of different things, most commonly in Central Oregon there are caused by forest fires, and events. Look for smoke and then look for TFRs, hear of an event and then look for TFRs, or just check before every flight to be safe. It only take a few seconds.

Night Flying

The moon is full on Friday(7/15) and even now is very bright and will be for a few days after Friday. So now is the time to do night flights. In your R22/R44 POH Section 2-7, it says, “VFR operation at night is permitted only when landing, navigation, instrument, and anti-collision lights are operational. Orientation during night flight must be maintained by visual reference to ground objects illuminated solely by lights on the ground or adequate celestial illumination.”
This is a limitation by the Operating Handbook that we must follow. Part 91.9

Civil Twilight start at 9:22pm tonight(7/13) and will slowly be getting earlier.
The Moon rise is at 7:42PM

What is civil twilight?
Civil Twilight

The time period when the sun is no more than 6 degrees below the horizon at either sunrise or sunset. The horizon should be clearly defined and the brightest stars should be visible under good atmospheric conditions (i.e. no moonlight, or other lights). One still should be able to carry on ordinary outdoor activities.

Flying

Summer flying is hot has high density altitudes and these reduce performance greatly of the engine and the rotor blades. Hotter air has the potential to hold more moisture in it, we live in a desert so moisture is not too thick but beware on days with a low temperature/dew point spread, because water vapor is less dense and there is a lot of water vapor in the air, therefore the rotor blades have less air to create lift from. This causes longer take of distances, reduced hover ceilings, slower Velocity never exceed speeds, and reduces off airports you can land at.
The engine’s performance is reduced but cause it also needs air for the combustion process. The fuel/air mixture runs rich of fuel, which causes rougher running engine, colder cylinder head temperature(CHT), and overall reduced performance.

Resources

Copter-Blog

This is a blog for better understanding of helicopter topics, like: aerodynamics, long
specific cross country planning, pre-flights of the Robinson Helicopters.
Blog created and managed by Adam Stockland, LEA instructor.
Here is a Link to copter blog

Company website

For some information about LEA’s flight school, maintenance facility, commercial operations, or aircraft sales, visit the company website.
Here is a Link to FlyBend.com

Facebook

Also Flow Leading Edge on Facebook
Here is a Link to the Facebook page.

NTSB Accident Report

For a search query of reports accidents to the NTSB
Here is a Link to ntsb.gov

Weather Underground

For lots of information on weather, astronomy, Sun set/rise, civil twilight, visit this Link to wunderground.com

Chip Schmitt Commercial

2011-07-11T15:55:00.001-07:00

Congratulations!!! Chip Schmitt passed his Commercial check ride on 7/8/2011.

Ross Cristiano Instrument

2011-07-11T15:54:00.001-07:00

Congratulations!!! Ross Cristiano passed his Instrument check ride on 7/8/2011.

Austin Rasmussen Instrument

2011-07-01T15:37:00.000-07:00

Congratulations!!! Austin Rasmussen passed his Instrument check ride on 7/1/2011.

Jeremy Ellison CFI

2011-07-01T15:35:00.000-07:00

Congratulations!!! Jeremy Ellison passed his CFI check ride on 7/1/2011.