Ops topics

Flying Safety, April, 2004

The crew encountered a ground obstacle they didn't plan for and, due to brown-out conditions, couldn't see. This resulted in $15k of damage to an aircraft and a bunch of lost mission-capable time. How do you avoid this? One suggestion from the crew would be installing a "lift kit" on the USAF HH-60 fleet, similar to that utilized on the UH-601 model helicopters employed by the California Department of Forestry.

Another possible solution would be to upgrade all USAF rotary wing assets with sensors to allow detection of obstructions (capable of damaging the aircraft) in landing zones. Until we can get a system designed and installed, mishap prevention rests with you, the aircrew to avoid the ground obstacles that will always pop up when least expected.