|
|
Post by Chris on Apr 30, 2016 16:45:23 GMT
Fucking death traps. I've ranted about this before but it's important to me. In the 4 years since I started this Laggan/Tormore project there's now been 34 deaths and two serious injuries on these things. The heli in question is known as an EC 225.
Cant see how this will be resolved as to take them out of service will cause chaos. Let's just hope things get better.
RIP.
|
|
|
|
Post by MartinT on Apr 30, 2016 19:37:29 GMT
Who builds them, Chris?
|
|
|
|
Post by Chris on Apr 30, 2016 21:11:46 GMT
It's a conglomerate Martin called Eurocopter. Takes about 10months from when you press the buy it now button and they cost about £15mil depending on the electronics. Go up to about £22m I'm lead to believe.
|
|
|
|
Post by MartinT on Apr 30, 2016 21:14:30 GMT
I wonder if their reliability is par for helicopters or below the norm?
|
|
|
|
Post by Chris on Apr 30, 2016 23:09:41 GMT
The fault was identified in the gearbox MartinT. They carried out repairs and a redesign. Reliability is difficult to ascertain due to the large amount of flying hours. The S92 that's also in use also has had its problems but it's much newer so difficult to compare.
The helis are all old now - maybe the operators should just put their big boy pants on and get their wallets out.
|
|
|
|
Post by John on May 1, 2016 5:28:49 GMT
That sounds like a really big amount of deaths Chris I am really surprised this is allowed to continue
|
|
|
|
Post by Chris on May 1, 2016 6:58:51 GMT
If those Helis are withdrawn a large part of the U.K. Economy would pretty much collapse.
|
|
|
|
Post by MartinT on May 1, 2016 7:12:52 GMT
Time for investment in new ones, or a full manufacturer update to current specs.
|
|
|
|
Post by Chris on May 1, 2016 8:27:21 GMT
Even an update wouldn't be appropriate MartinT - the airframes themselves are old.
|
|
|
|
Post by MartinT on May 1, 2016 8:42:48 GMT
Yes, I thought they might. airframe age takes priority, so really they should be written off. I don't suppose this makes you feel any easier about riding in them  |
|
|
|
Post by Chris on May 1, 2016 15:00:58 GMT
No I'm awrite about them MartinT - you've much more chance of getting hurt in a car crash and if I don't get on them I get sacked. Kind of levels it out.
|
|
|
|
Post by stanleyb on May 1, 2016 15:44:08 GMT
No I'm awrite about them MartinT - you've much more chance of getting hurt in a car crash and if I don't get on them I get sacked. Kind of levels it out. That's the spin put on it by the aircraft manufacturers. But it is not based on facts. Planes and helicopters do not fly close to each other, as they do in the case of cars. So the chances of an accident caused by an adjacent vehicle is minimal. And when a plane or helicopter has an accident, you are more likely to die than to get hurt. It's the opposite for car drivers. |
|
|
|
Post by Chris on May 1, 2016 15:46:59 GMT
Yeah,I know mate. Doesn't cover the getting sacked point however.
And,believe me I've heard the spin. We had them go round the rigs doing the reassurance thing - needless to say it didn't work.
I can also assure you the training isn't fit for purpose either.
|
|
|
|
Post by Greg on May 1, 2016 20:32:30 GMT
What part of the training is inadequate, Chris?
|
|
|
|
Post by Chris on May 1, 2016 21:58:31 GMT
Ok,where do I start....first off refreshers are once every 4 years,trainings in a pool under unrealistic conditions,VERY few people fail,too much helps given,there's no sense of panic - it's just a joke.
Training should be done in a cold,dark pool with fire hoses blasting you and a couple of "stooges" panicking in the aircraft. Those who can't do it shouldn't get the ticket. I've seen guys who were scared to swim being led through this literally with their hand held and passing.
If you don't believe me ask any of the Aberdeen training centres about their pass/fail ratio.
The reason it's easy is so a lot of the old timers keep their jobs.
|
|
