The UK CAA have developed a lighting scheme for hospital helipads in CAP 1264 which is based on the standard for offshore helicopter landing site marking. This offshore scheme is published in CAP 437 and is based on hard won lessons in safely operating helicopters to offshore helidecks (see here) and the principles outlined in| Rotary Wing Geek
The choice of helicopter for HEMS (Helicopter Emergency Medical Service) operations is a difficult one. Whilst cost is a huge factor, there are many subtle elements which go into the selection of a helicopter. This article aims to explore those options and present what an ideal HEMS aircraft would be. In the near future, another […] The post The Ultimate Medical Helicopter – Selecting the right machine for HEMS first appeared on Rotary Wing Geek.| Rotary Wing Geek
The need for separation Typically, a helicopter used in the Helicopter Emergency Medical Service (HEMS) has a crew that can manage one critically ill patient at a time. Where an incident has multiple casualties needing a critical care response, multiple helicopters can be tasked to the same incident. In addition, other types of emergency aviation […] The post Aerial teamwork – Practical tips for working together by staying apart in emergency aviation first appeared on Rotary Wing Geek.| Rotary Wing Geek
In an earlier article, I discussed how big a landing site needed to be for UK and European Helicopter Emergency Medical Service (HEMS) operations. (https://rotarywinggeek.com/2d-or-not-2d-how-much-room-do-i-need-to-land-a-helicopter/). However, this is only part of the story and there is a lot more to choosing a landing site than just the size. Whilst this article is primarily focussed on […] The post HEMS Landing Sites – Reliable places to drop your medics first appeared on Rotary Wing G...| Rotary Wing Geek
“How on earth did I get here?” IMC, 36 kg of fuel in the main tank before minimums and facing a lengthy period of radar vectoring to get lined up for an approach. I had planned in detail, applied Threat and Error Management (TEM) and been supported by the rest of the company along the […] The post Planning to fail – The perils of ignoring your own advice first appeared on Rotary Wing Geek.| Rotary Wing Geek
Introduction Following a few recent accidents with aeromedical helicopters, I thought it is time to take a look at what makes a good landing site for a helicopter. I am going to focus on helicopters being used for aeromedical evacuation (in Europe called “Helicopter Emergency Medical Service – HEMS”) as that is the most likely […] The post 2D or not 2D – How much room do I need to land a helicopter? first appeared on Rotary Wing Geek.| Rotary Wing Geek
Introduction Some helicopters fly beautifully without any flight control automation or stabilisation systems. The Gazelle was one such aircraft and a reasonably competent pilot could achieve amazing accuracy in IMC with just basic instruments. However, in this modern age, automation has become the norm and in many operations, being coupled up to an autopilot is […] The post What is your left hand doing? How to fly a 3-axis autopilot on helicopters first appeared on Rotary Wing Geek.| Rotary Wing Geek
This is one for the helicopter pilots and engineers in my network. I thought I knew why the tail rotor blades pitched when they flapped and what delta 3 hinges were all about on helicopters. Right up to the point I stopped to look carefully at the tail rotor on the Bell 429 I currently […] The post My tail rotor pitches when it flaps! Why? first appeared on Rotary Wing Geek.| Rotary Wing Geek
For all of my flying career I have been given a standard explanation about how an ILS works. In the military it was described in accordance with RAF Publication AP3456 and in civilian life it was described in the ATPL exams and associated training material. With some minor differences, it is described as a pair […] The post Practical ILS explanation for pilots – the surprising way they really work first appeared on Rotary Wing Geek.| Rotary Wing Geek
When we are flying around, unless you are flying old school IFR at very low level (I Follow Roads), there are no posted speed limit signs. There are some speed limits with respect to weather limits in the Rules of the Air but when you fly in cloud they do not apply and we can| Rotary Wing Geek
RotaryWingGeek is an exploration of what makes helicopters and aviation so awesome. Dive in to expand your knowledge of rotary wing aviation| Rotary Wing Geek - Helicopter knowledge
An article which takes a dive into the NTSB investigation into the accident involving helicopter N109BC of the Broward Sheriff's Office Fire Rescue department| Rotary Wing Geek
