Letter to the editor

Approach, Sept-Oct, 2004 by Chip Strangfeld

The May-June 2004 edition included a picture (pages 1 and 16) of a pilot flying an H-60 with his flight-suit sleeve rolled up and not wearing gloves. With decreasing numbers of inflight fires or explosions, I realize this habit may have taken hold in some naval-aviation communities. However, I believe a publication dedicated to reducing the likelihood and consequences of mishaps should make sure, whenever possible, crewmen are shown properly wearing all required flight gear. To do otherwise reinforces unsafe cultural norms and undermines the hard work of naval aviation's life-support-equipment experts.

The "front line" for reversing the unsafe trend of flying without all required flight and safety gear is the daily diligence of each aircraft commander.

I acknowledge and appreciate all the great work that goes into making Approach such a high-quality and valuable publication--an awesome tool to advance naval-aviation safety.

--Cdr. Chip Strangfeld, Chief, Coast Guard Aviation Safety Divison (G-WKS-1)

Thanks for reading Approach with a critical eye. You're right about the photo; the sleeves should be down and the gloves on (look closely and you'll also see a ring). The reference is OpNavInst 3710.7T, dated 1 March 2004, Chapter 8 (Aeromedical and Survival) p. 8-1. We used a file photo for the article.

I also want to reference the statement on the inside front cover of this magazine. Doing any task right also applies to this magazine--that's what we strive for. In this case, we came up short.

Aviation is dangerous enough without taking shortcuts. Follow the rules, wear the protective gear, and let's get the job done right.--Ed.

There is a common misconception in many helo communities that flight gloves are optional when flying over water This behavior is apparently justified by the belief gloves get slick and slippery when wet, hence decreasing the ability to egress during ditching. The pilot in the picture obviously is more concerned with personal comfort than following the rules.--Cdr. Chris Spain, aircraft operations division head, Naval Safety Center.