Helicopters Australasia

ten years, from 980 to 1,964 and will double again in only seven years due to the accelerating rate of growth caused by the demands from Asia for Australian Helicopter energy and mineral resources. The Industry Association has SAR and HEMS operations are also been formed to help an increasing as the public demands industry with growing pains. improved emergency services in remote areas. Industry growth rate is now 11.4% pa or three times that of FW growth rate falls. The CASA the Australian economy Aircraft Register has moved from 14,462 over the past year to 14,749 Helicopter numbers doubled in an increase of 287 or 2% in the year. ten years, from 980 to 1,964 However, helicopters made up 182 of this increase. If the RW figures are At present growth rate fleet will removed, then the non-helicopter double in only seven years registrations grew by only less than 1% (0.7%). If the latest GDP figure The ME numbers will increase of 4.3% is considered, then the FW from 209 to 327 due to Asian growth rate in six times less than the orders for oil, gas and minerals growth of the economy.
Four new jobs every week?

July 2012

The Journal of the Australian Helicopter Industry Association Welcome to Inaugural Edition
R44 fleet, especially with private owners is following a worldwide trend. As you read this the Robinson registrations will have passed 1,000! The R44 will probably be number one within two to three years a very happy OEM Trailing the Robinsons are the Bell 47 (78); Rotorway (51) and HughesSchweizer 269 at (53).
Single engine turbines. The SE

turbine numbers have slowed to a 3% growth, which is OK. Their numbers increased from 488 to 502, up only by 14. Top five are Bell 206 (227); the AS350 (134); Hughes 369 (25); Eurocopter 120 (26) and OH-58 (18).
Heavy helicopters gaining.

Helicopter enthusiasts will no doubt shout loudly about the rotary wing growth rate being at least ten times more than the plank wings as they are known in the RW community. In theory 3.5 helicopters are added to the register every week since 1 July 2011, or over four new jobs each week, according to past studies. As a End of FISCAL Year Report rough guide, each helicopter on the Register appears to create correspond End of FISCAL Year 2011/2012 to 1.3 commercial licences. shows accelerating growth in Pistons improve their position. the Australian helicopter All registrations increased from industry is this good news? 1,782 to 1,964 an increase of 182 Up by 1.4%. The Civil Aviation (11.4%). However, the piston fleet Safety Authority (CASA) Aircraft still dominates with an increase from Register at end of June 2012 showed 1,098 to 1,253, which is now 64% of the Australian helicopter fleet is the fleet. An extra 155 pistons undergoing an expansion which is entered service resulting in a growth showing no signs of abating. In the rate of 14.1 %. previous year ending 30 June 2011, Robinson has 59%. The Robinson the growth rate had edged up to around 10%. The FISCAL year just Helicopter Company products were 998 (59% of fleet). The R22 model ended has the growth rate at an all leads with 531; and is closely time high of 11.4%, which is three times that of the Australian economy. followed by the R44 with 467 Helicopter numbers have doubled in registered. The rapid increase in the
Helicopters Australasia Page 1

Although the multi-engine (ME) group showed a marked increase over recent months, the annual rate was more realistic at 7.6%. Numbers increased from 196 to 211. It is anticipated the heavy industry in the north of Australia will push the ME growth rate beyond that of the lighter piston fleet during the next two years. It is predicted the annual increase will be substantial around 2015 as the military outsource pilot training to the civilian industry. This will coincide with major oil and gas projects entering their final development stages. Off shore demands will also increase, raising concerns about availability of staff; especially in engineers where many are now being poached by the mining companies. In June 2012, the top five twin registrations were: Bell 412 (33); BK117 (31); S-76 (29) Eurocopter 332 (22) and AW139 (11). It is predicted the ME numbers will almost double from 211 to around 400 over the next seven years due to Asian needs for oil, gas and minerals. The transfer of Army and Navy helicopter pilot training to a civilian contractor may drain the 30 Australian flying schools of highly experienced staff.

July 2012

Editorial

lead times and deadlines. They have to avoid fast moving news stories which quickly date. By comparison we are a technical industry focussed newsletter, called a Trade Journal in Australia. Our simple pdf file uses a larger font on white paper and is easily printed if needed.
Going back to go forward. As an

Website. We are seeking a sponsor

to build a website. The generosity of the team at www.bladeslapper.com has also helped the AHIAs efforts in communicating with industry.

S ST TO OP PP PR RE ES SS S

aside, the rush to go digital has hurt many magazines in all professions. Large pictures and small fonts Inaugural Editorial within large areas of empty white Welcome to the first edition of space (a current fashion) makes Helicopters Australasia. We are reading tiresome on screen. But that supporting the development of the is progress I suppose, we have kept Australian Helicopter Industry to an older concept, using a basic 11 Association (AHIA) now being point Times New Roman font. Thus formed during the latter part of 2012. we get more news and commentary The AHIA will be ready as a new onto every page, keeping our pdf file and vibrant body for their official as small as possible. If readers are launch at the Avalon Airshow 2013 having trouble reading the news, then which runs from 26 February to 3 we can try the Arial font which often March 2013, at Avalon Airport, near works better on some screens. Melbourne, Victoria, Australia. AHIA news. The AHIA will have Helicopters Australasia is produced unlimited space to promote their by Cranford Publications Pty Ltd. activities and provide feedback on We are helping the AHIA achieve its any current issues to all the industry. goals by providing a newsletter to ensure their membership has access Data bases. Our CASA follows the to the latest news and technical data. Australian Financial Year in their Hopefully, this will help individuals, reporting protocols. The FISCAL operators, corporations and various year is from 1 July to 30 June 2012. regulators, such as CASA keep Data bases will show latest figures abreast of changes and opinions from our regulators, and other within the helicopter community. sources. Often a comparison to past figures is used. We also monitor New As you are aware there are many Zealands data as they are leading the excellent helicopter magazines world for RW ownership per head of covering major feature stories. We population. are filling the gap by providing timelier technical and business Heli-List. A handy list of service orientated news service. We have the providers will be developed in a capability to distribute urgent CASA directory format. Your listing will AD advices or items if intense public initially be free; however, we have to interest within minutes of it coming meet our costs and create revenue for to our attention. the AHIA to cover administration expenses. Later a small fee or Simple pdf format. As an donation will be required for fund information newsletter we are not raising to ensure AHIAs growth. following the other helicopter At present we have a list of around magazines that have the resources to 1,100 overseas and 600 Australian print feature articles supported by people and companies who have high quality photographs. These asked for more information on the glossy magazines make good coffee AHIA after reading previous table displays and have very talented newsletters, thus we are able to help! graphic designers. Some have long Your feedback is most welcome.
E: helicopterassociation@bigpond.com

By Rob Rich, Editor

Queensland Police Helicopter A suggested funding backflip has raised questions about whether the new Queensland Government will be able to deliver on its election promise to buy two new police helicopters, after the Queensland Police Service was told it would need to fund the $18 million cost from its budget. Queensland Police Union president Ian Leavers, who praised the LNP's promises during the election campaign, said he was confident funding would be found for the helicopters. With more than $15 million underspent in the QPS budget in the last financial year, there is plenty of room to accommodate this vital law and order commitment, Mr Leavers said. We need to remember the QPU has campaigned for almost 10 years to have a police helicopter and the previous QPS budget underspends more than allowed for this vital policing resource.'' One of the options the Government is believed to be considering is a selloff of land owned by the police service throughout the state. Industry observers have stated the police need four, rather than two now proposed. The Brisbane region is a large area. The distances between Noosa in the north to Coolangatta in the south and west to Toowoomba are very considerable. The fourth would be maintenance reserve and on standby for a major search or chase.

Helicopters Australasia

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July 2012

Australian Helicopter Industry Association

AHIA convenor, Rob Rich became HAA president in 2002. At the conclusion of Rotortech 2006 he handed over the HAA to the last president. The incoming executive tried to change the business model by employing salaried staff. However, it appears this plan was hit by the Global Financial Crisis of 2008 and suffered badly as a result. The HAA passed away late in 2008, aged 26. It is anticipated registration of the AHIA will be completed by July 2012 and an inaugural executive appointed at a meeting soon after. The new executive will be tasked with updating the draft constitution after further canvass industry on issues which are troubling operators. Convenor Rob Rich said he was aware of a lot of pressure points obstructing development of the helicopter industry. They range from a need to seek training and business opportunities for Australian companies in Asian countries - to a review of the enormous disaffection by key players about long delays and inefficiencies with CASA pilot licensing and examination systems. The AHIA has approached the organisers of the Avalon Airshow 2013 to see if another Helicopter Showcase can be organised to promote the industry to Australian and overseas visitors. helicopter people to gather and run education, career and technical conferences. It was a fun event!

Birth of industry association

Sad loss Gary Ticehurst

When ABC helicopter pilot Gary Ticehurst and his crew were lost in a night accident near Lake Eyre in August 2011, many older pilots reflected on his past efforts (and those of others) in helping to develop an association over the past 30 years. The Helicopter Association of Australia (HAA) was incorporated in NSW, 1984 after a dispute with CASA over the Sydney CBD at Darling Harbour. Gary took over the helm in 1990 and drove the HAA along either as the president or as a committee member. As a volunteer, Gary persevered with important projects on our behalf. He had the ability to communicate well and settle people down with his cheerful smile if a dispute was in progress. Many felt his work, and the efforts other generations of presidents since should not be lost when the HAA collapsed in 2008, after serving industry for a quarter of a century. But it has taken Garys death to jolt people into doing something positive for the industry once again.

It is anticipated the official launch of the AHIA will take place at Avalon Airshow 2013. By that time the final constitution will have been sorted out and an industry friendly structure created with key players who are specialists in their field.
Surprise GDP figures. In early

June, financial experts were confused when the Reserve Bank indicated a gloomy forecast for our economy and then reduced the official interest rate to 3.5%. A few days later the Australian Government released the annual Gross Domestic Product (GDP) figures which showed the economy is growing at 4.3%; its fastest annual rate since the start of the global financial crisis around September 2007. The June figures were a complete surprise as everyone was expecting a slowdown in our economy following the unstable events in Europe and the perception China was experiencing an economic slowdown.
Go north young people? The

increase in GDP was caused, by the economic boom in three areas; the Northern Territory recorded a growth rate of 13.8%, Queensland 9% and Thus move to establish AHIA. Western Australia 7.7%. The first of these very successful This good news has caused some events occurred in 2003 and allowed Today, the industry is 600% larger degree of optimism in the helicopter our helicopter industry to display a than it was when the HAA was range of helicopters within the main industry as these three areas have formed in 1984. Since 2008 we have around 1,200 helicopters (60%) of exhibition area. had no voice. The regulators need the 1,964 rotorcraft on the CASA The organisers kindly provided help when designing new rules. We Aircraft Register. Queensland leads tents and conference rooms for can help on behalf of our members. with 715 helicopters; Western
Helicopters Australasia Page 3 July 2012

Australia has 310 and the Northern Territory 175. Most of the these helicopters are operated by 92 Air Operators Certificate (AOC) holders in Queensland, 30 in Western Australia and 13 in Northern Territory, representing 52% of the Australian helicopter AOC holders. It is hoped the expansion of the energy and mining boom in the north of Australia will continue and drive up the demand for helicopters to an even higher level than the present annual growth rate of 11.4%.
Today the helicopter fleet is valued at around $3,500 billion! Huge profits being earned. The

operating relatively unsophisticated rotorcraft, where logistic and maintenance support requirements were minimal. Today, more expensive and technically advanced helicopters are coming into service and the logistical and technical support industry has developed substantially, due to the increasing number of civilian and military heavy helicopters.
AHIA structure. AHIA has

following the CASA boundaries. But silence on Divisions!! At present the Constitution is being drafted for a registration which will take place this month.
What we are not getting back is the nomination of divisions.

proposed their structure will include a National Executive, six Branches which will mirror the CASA boundaries and Divisions focussing on the specific development of new operational roles, advances in technology and industry groups, such as: SAR, HEMS, off shore, mustering, training, police & CASA regulatory review of NPRM, etc.
International links. The AHIA

In anticipation, we have contacted many people and also been approached by numerous folks who would like to participate in such things as:
Awards. Reviewing the current awards used in our industry and mediate in discussions with the AFAP, etc. (We are not a union and cannot be such; but we can observe and advise as required. Insurance. Updating our knowledge on the various options for insuring helicopters and business activities. Trauma insurance. A better way to obtain trauma insurance which can be built into your superannuation and not be job tested. Technology. Explore new technology such as the development of helicopter UAV technology which is now here and operating. Aerial filming. Gathering hi tech photo and video specialists to promote the booming image gathering industry. Avalon Airshow. Our launch at the Avalon Airshow 2013 will host some conventions for the heavy end of the industry related to offshore and search and rescue with helicopters. Mustering industry. Encourage meetings or groups of people who would like to talk about issues within the mustering industry, which probably flies more hours than any other activity. Almost half of our machines operate in this industry, and each year fly more hours than any other segment, despite only working from late March to October in most areas. Other associations. Establish links with other associations in Australia and those around the Asian region, to train their people here and not Europe or USA.

will also cover the international aviation community by monitoring at ABC News service recently stated least a dozen other rotorcraft the 40 mining companies who are associations. The US based HAI, in commencing a major expansion of particular, has a long history of their capacity within Queensland had working with Australians. The aim of accumulated a profit of $133 billion the overseas links is to be part of the in the last year. These figures are enormous growth in helicopter really quite extraordinary even before training activities which will occur in the bulk of the on-site workers are the Asian region, in much the same yet to arrive! way as Australia supported the AsiaThe AHIA also believes there has Pacific airline industry pilot training been little discussion about the fly-in programmes. fly-out workers who may need RW Convenors Desk Notes. Once transportation from the nearest again I must thank the Bladeslapper regional airports to the far-away Management once again for allowing mining sites and back. the steering committee to see if the Hopefully, this could be an AHIA should be formed or not. The opportunity to introduce larger helicopters to facilitate the movement replies at www.bladeslapper.com have been carefully filed away and, of specialist (expensive) technical staff between the outlying industrial in addition, we have received an sites and the regional airport, where enormous amount of interest from people replying directly by e-mail the passengers would then connect with their return flight to the capital offering assistance as we develop. In particular some of these very highly cities, etc. qualified people are offering their services to assist the various AHIA not a union. The not-fordivisions when they are formed. profit AHIA will provide a wider At the beginning we have to come coverage of industry than the previous HAA which was basically a up with some form of structure. Most people are happy with the branches pilots association. In the past, this suited the needs of an industry then
Helicopters Australasia Page 4

July 2012

Work in progress AHIA. Rebuild

Fortunately, the response has been most encouraging. We just need to get our divisional structure listed so this program can be firmed a little Accept input from corporations who more hint, hint? want to know more of our industry; such as leasing, insurance, auditing Last but not least. In last Fridays and other compliance providers. Australian newspaper we saw a danger sign when a mining Also re-establishing a strong organisation was advertising for relationship with the military in aircraft LAMEs - to come over and relation to routine activities involving have their qualifications accepted the Army and Navy helicopter pilot within the mining industry to fill training operations and also the vacancies that are now emerging. future of the of the 30 helicopter schools who may suffer when the On the training front we know there ADF contract is started. is a shortage of instructors and it is going to get worse. At the same time We have had several meetings with we are looking at why student large organisations who train numbers in flying schools currently apprentices that lead into the LAME relatively low, when compared to and AME skill sets, and try and previous times. We are heading into determine why there was such a lack a pilot shortage as indicated by both of response to advertising for these the CASA various insurance skills courses. Perhaps because organisations. people know so little about the helicopter industry, that a potential Is this a problem associated with engineer or technician tend to go the mining boom in the north of towards the airlines or the aeroplane Australia where 60% of the organisations when seeking aviation helicopter resources are located? At as a career. present we just do not know. It is hoped the AHIA will find somebody In a few weeks we are attending who can help us see where we need several meetings to determine from to go to overcome this problem. the data you have seen on Bladeslapper if we can really There are planned meetings with determine how many engineers we CASA to review matters concerning actually need in the future and where operational performance standards of they will come from? heavy helicopters in the future; the introduction of the 133 & 142 rules Does this mean some sort of strategy and also the new CAAP 92. with from the AHIA to alert State and Federal governments of our We must accept the fact we are pending problems and what we need hurtling down the path to translate a to do to achieve this objective? lot of our operational standards into those used within Europe and the The Avalon Airshow 2013 will be United States. JAR legislation has the launch pad for the association and many gotchas. Some standards will work is well advanced to sort our need to be addressed before they venues, displays and conferences. In become law! anticipation, we have been contacting various organisations to suggest if What would you do if we follow our divisional structure shows a need the European rules all the way for their expertise are they prepared through without any comment and to feature on the speakers program at find we may not be able to fly singleAvalon so we can learn a little more engine helicopters across a city area. about how we need to grow and our This also requires a subcommittee to industry. look at that sort of thing. the Australia net work with the HAI and other safety organisation.

In addition were trying to identify people who can comment on the rewriting of the instructors manual which I understand will released in the new format. Who is going through this on behalf of industry? And of course safety? Why is the helicopter accident rating in New Zealand only half of our rate? Is this the fact they have a 150 hour commercial course and not the 105 hour course we have at present. Why are so many students failing the CPL examinations? The syllabus has not changed, the examination system appears to be much the same, (even with all its warts), and yet the failure rate is increasing? Many seasoned instructors are indicating it is the lack of motivation of people coming to the training courses where application is suspect. Are they correct? If so why? In the meantime we have to seek funds from sponsors and get the Association up and running which takes time. By the end of this month we hope the battle with ASIC the ATO to form a not-for-profit association will be finished. It requires a lot of paperwork. You can subscribe to our free monthly newsletters. Send your subscription request to email below. Your contact information is totally confidential! We will soon have useful data bases on Australian and New Zealand helicopters and a summary of changes to the fleets, with listings on changes.
Australian Helicopter Industry Association PO Box 1796 Carindale 4152 Australia

E: helicopterassociation@bigpond.com

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July 2012

Mustering News
ATSB Update On the

Carbon tax to hit cattle mustering industry hard. Fuel

evening of 27 July 2011, the owner-pilot of a Robinson Helicopter Co. R22 helicopter, registered VH-YOL, was on a local flight from Big Rock Dam to Brooking Springs homestead near Fitzroy Crossing, WA. The pilot was reported missing and the wreckage of the helicopter was located the following day, 14 km north-west of Fitzroy Crossing township. The helicopter was seriously damaged and the pilot sustained fatal injuries. The pilot was attempting to fly visually at low A photo taken from a helicopter on level on a dark night in an area that a cattle station in the heart of Gulf did not contain any local ground Country has won acclaim for lighting. About halfway into the Townsville Bulletin photographer flight, the pilot inadvertently allowed Evan Morgan, who won the overall the helicopter to develop a high rate photography prize at the Excellence of descent, resulting in a collision in Rural Media Award for this with terrain. image, Ghost Muster. The photo, published last September, was taken at the indigenous-owned Delta Downs Station about 60km north of Normanton, Queensland. "It was taken about 7am and it was just going to be a routine photograph of cattle being mustered," Mr Morgan later said, according to the Bulletin. "But once the dust started rising, it looked like it was a ghost muster.It's just one of those rare occasions where everything came together and you get some magical photographs."

The investigation found that the pilot was operating at night without the appropriate training or qualification in a helicopter that was not suitably equipped. An examination of the helicopter found no evidence of any pre-existent defects or anomalies.

No organisational or systemic issues were identified that might adversely Mr Morgan said coordination was affect the future safety of aviation key. "You've got to communicate with the helicopter pilot, who might operations. However, the accident be chasing cattle, and get them to try highlighted the significant risk to non-night-qualified pilots of spatial and move into position so you can disorientation and subsequent take the best photos." collision with terrain when attempting visual operations at night. Well done Evan - Editor
Helicopters Australasia Page 6

companies have started to notify their customers that the price of aviation fuel for mustering cattle will rise. Northern Territory Cattlemans Association President David Warriner said the governments decision not to extend the tax exemption to on-property aviation fuel was another blow to the struggling northern cattle industry. This is on top of last years live export ban which effectively shut down the northern industry and the flow on of that impact is still accelerating, with Indonesian import quotas for Australian cattle at an all time low Mr Warriner said. Fuel companies say the rise will be around 9 cents per litre from July 1. Note: R22 uses 33 litres and the R44 60 litres per hour. (About $3 and $6 per hour Ed) This will not only increase the direct costs for those cattle stations that operate their own aircraft but also the companies that supply mustering services to the industry. It will increase the cost of production, forcing savings in other areas such as labour, Mr Warriner said. It will also increase the cost of other essential operations such as fire management and monitoring; weed and pest management survey and control programs. Many of these operations relate to the overall wellbeing and environmental integrity of northern Australia, making the revenue raised through the tax a false economy. While the NTCA applauded the governments decision to exempt other on-property fuel from the carbon tax, the possibility of on road transport fuel being taxed from 2014 is causing serious concern. Freight is a major part of the cost of doing business with the transport of goods and services in, and livestock out, over long distances, Mr Warriner said. These costs will not only further stress families and business viability but also the competitiveness of our industry in the domestic and international markets on which we depend.

July 2012

The companies signed the MOU during the opening ceremony of the fourth annual Anyang International Aviation Sports Festival in Anyang, Growth slows. About a decade ago, where the new school will be based. the NZ industry was growing at the It will be certified to provide factory same rate as Australia in the 6 to 7% initial and recurrent type training for annual range. Today, Australia has Bell 206L and Bell 407 pilots. moved to a rate of 11.4% pa. At present NZ fleet numbers have slipped back to 776 over recent months. It is expected this decrease will continue until the tourist industry gets over the woes of recent years, due in part to the GFC.

NZ NEWS

Top five. The Hughes/Schweizer

369 (87) has taken first place from the AS350 (86). There are also Bell 206 (59), and Eurocopter 120 (12) machines on the NZ register. ME machines include AS355 (15) and BK117 (14). About 6% of NZ fleet in ME; by comparison Australias ME figure has increased recently to 11%.

Bell 407 helicopter

ASIA
Australia sixth in world, but first in Asia. On the world stage,

Over time, they could expand to offer training in more Bell aircraft types to meet future demands. Bell said as the need for vertical lift emerges around the world, we intend to replicate the successful operation of the Bell Helicopter Training Academy, located in Fort Worth. Initially, all training will be done in helicopters, as opposed to simulators.

Australia is rated sixth (1,964) and New Zealand tenth (776). Looking to the north to Asia, there are very few helicopters. China has only 150, Thailand and Malaysia total less than 100 each, and PNG probably has less than 200. India would have only one third of NZs total, say less than 300.

C CA AS SA AA AO OC C

CASA has 947 current Air Operators Certificate holders of which 259 are helicopter. Although we only have 13% of the overall aircraft fleet, we have 28% of the AOCs. Charter numbers are 190 (74%) of which 15 (6%) have international approvals. This latter China awakening. China has the capacity to emerge as a world leader group is entering a growth phase due to energy exploration operations in helicopter ownership during the planned in north of Australia. next half century? This provides a The large mustering industry has 69 possible market of international flying schools that may be able to do (27%) of aerial work AOC. business in China a hard task!
Bell to open helicopter flight school in China. Bell Helicopter

A AU US SF FL LY Y

has signed a memorandum of understanding to open an authorized flight training school in China. The Fort Worth, Texas-based helicopter manufacturer will partner with Guanchen Aviation, which already manages a CAAC approved flight training school in Anyang, China.

General Aviation Unity

A major GA fly-in planned for September this year is aimed at bringing all of general aviation together in one place. AUSFLY, organised by the Sports Aircraft Association of Australia, is scheduled for Narromine from 14-16
Helicopters Australasia Page 7

September 2012, and is targeting everything with wings from warbirds and private GA to helicopters, gliders, balloons and recreational aircraft. This massive undertaking will involve maintenance seminars, workshops, flying displays and entertainment in the evening. At this time, the program is only tentative, but the SAAA is confident of having aerobatics by Paul Bennet (Pitts S1) and Tony Blair (Rebel 300), a warbird line-up including an Avenger, Mustang and Hawker Sea fury, and at the moment are talking to the RAAF about the Roulettes. SAAA Vice President David Brown says the aim of AUSFLY is to give Australian pilots a world-class fly-in. We are aiming to build a smaller version of the EAAs Oshkosh Air Venture. The purpose of this is to unite Australias private and sport aviation groups, their members and the suppliers to industry at one venue for several days of education, entertainment and the building of good will among all. General Aviation in Australia has lacked anything of this kind, we see the great event that RAAus put on for their members, and other air shows such as Avalon and Wide Bay which have a different focus, and nothing that is aimed squarely at private and business and sport GA. Sport GA includes everything from heavy machines such as warbirds, to light machines such as those in the gyro and RAAus groups or gliders and hang gliders. The folk who have been missing out, though, have been the VH-registered privately operated fleet." The idea for the event stemmed from the 2011 SAAA convention, when discussions that included CASA GA Task Force boss Peter John concluded that a closer working relationship between GA organisations was needed to breathe life back into the industry. A major Oshkosh-like event was considered a good step towards achieving this. "So the SAAA council took the initiative," Brown recalls, "and contacted a few of the major GA organisations to rally

July 2012

support. We are proud to say that the Mikoyan MiG-29K/KUB fighters Australian Warbirds Association and and Kamov Ka-27 helicopters. AOPA have jumped on board to help make this happen. We also have active participation from many of the sport organisations as well, so it has become a great success before we start!" More information on AUSFLY including accommodation, displays and a convention dinner can be found on the AUSFLY website www.ausfly.com.au. Sikorsky S-92 gets sea legs The FAA has approved the Sikorsky S-92 for sea state 6 (SS6) conditions, meaning up to 20-foot waves. Thanks to additional sponson floats, the S-92s emergency flotation system becomes the first one to be FAA certified for SS6, according to Sikorsky. This system was designed by the S-92 landing-gear design group, with close coordination with electrical and airframe design and structural analysis, said Ben Del Monte, chief of propulsion/landing gear/mission systems. The company tested the system, using a one-tenth scale model, at a U.S. Army facility in Maryland. Also tested was a largesponson configuration, which met SS6 conditions with only the baseline three floats. When this option is developed, the extra buoyancy of the larger sponson will save the cost and weight of the additional sponson floats, Sikorsky said. Late last year, AgustaWestland revealed it had also successfully tested, in Europe, an AW139 model to simulated SS6. The medium twins flight manual now refers to SS6. Some operators have pointed out that the regulation does not call for irregular waves to be tried. The 45,300-tonne vessel was laid down under the name of Baku in 1978, at the Nikolaev Shipbuilding Plant on the Black Sea coast. After the breakup of the Soviet Union it was rechristened the Admiral Gorshkov and served until decommissioning in 1998. Then the Gorshkov was offered to India as an alternative to an Invincible-class Harrier carrier from the UK. Given proper maintenance, it will stay in service for up to 40 years. The ships hangar is 420 feet long, 82 feet wide and 23 feet high and can store up to 34 MiGs and Kamovs

avionics technicians. The numberone request in the maintenance field is for sheet metal repair & fabricator technicians. Theyre looking for 10 years experience but in this market theyre taking people with two years experience. Pilots were in high demand it was noted.

O OF FF FS SH HO OR RE E
Probe into EC225 North Sea ditching centres on gearbox

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Indias new Russian carrier finally launched. The INS

Vikramaditya, formerly a Russian cruiser, left Severodvinsk harbor recently for sea trials. By one measure, more than 32 years in the making, Indias new aircraft carrier, sailed into the White Sea for trials, including takeoffs and landings of

The EASA issued an emergency Airworthiness Directive for Eurocopter EC225 medium-twin helicopters, requiring operators to closely monitor vibrations. The emergency action stems from a May 10 incident involving an EC225 operated by Bond Offshore Helicopters, which safely ditched, with 14 on board, into the North Sea. Under the AD, those EC225s not equipped with vibration health monitoring are restricted to day VFR for flights over water. The Bond EC225 investigation is focusing on the failures of two main gearbox lubrication systemsstandard and L LA AM ME EN NE EW WS S back-up. According to the UKs Air Accidents Investigation Branch the US 2012 hiring recovering. The event began when the main gearbox number of job opportunities for oil pressure gauge indicated zero. maintenance personnel increased in The crew initiated a descent and then the first part of this year, according to activated the emergency lubrication an annual survey. The report stated system. However, the warning light modest hiring was anticipated; but for this system, designed to allow 30 the results surprised us, according to min of flight, quickly illuminated, Jeff Richards, business development prompting the pilots decision to manager for JSfirm.com. ditch. After the incident, Bond These 671 aviation industrysuspended EC225 and later AS332L2 related companies responded, Super Puma flights. The AAIB reflecting the entire industry and identified a 360-deg circumferential including RW and fixed-wing crack in the bevel gear vertical shaft operators, air carriers, OEMs and in the main gearbox. repair stations. It was noted that in This caused disengagement of both the first quarter, there were 47 mechanical (standard) oil pumps. On percent more jobs posted than during May 15, Bond announced the the same period last year. resumption of all flights. This was On May 15, the industry had the result of a rigorous engineering already surpassed the 2011 number analysis and safety risk assessment. by 30 percent across the board. Twenty-five percent of the companies said theyd be hiring maintenance personnel and another 10 percent said theyd be hiring
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Helicopters Australasia

S SM MS SU UP PD DA AT TE ES S
Why does SMS seem so complicated? Because safety is a never-ending quest, a safety management system (SMS) often calls for a cultural change. And changes take time. But just hearing the SMS acronym is enough to make many industry folks roll their eyes and sigh, thinking surely safety management systems must be working by now. Renee DupontAdam isnt so sure. Shes president of System Safety Services, a Canadian provider of complete SMS programs. We try to simplify a SMS by looking at the little things, like documenting what a flight department is already doing, she said. Dupont-Adam recently penned a list of a dozen simple reasons why even the best-organized safety management system can fail: The organizations executives dont take SMS seriously. The regulatory body is not completely sure what to do. Senior executives fail to motivate middle management. The organization simply copies someone elses manuals. Human factors and SMS training are never factored into the process. A SMS is put into place, but no one participates. There is no administrative policy in place anywhere. The system becomes swamped with hazard reports. The organization provides little or no feedback to employees. The organization has a high risk tolerance. The organization has no idea how to set realistic goals. The organization has no idea how it will actually know if the program is successful.

International Helicopter Safety Team (IHST), said the group, wants to reduce helicopter accidents 80 percent by 2016. The IHST is calling on the entire helicopter industry for help in achieving this goal. After analysing 523 accidents that occurred in 2000, 2001 and 2006, IHST found that single-engine turbine helicopters accounted for half the accidents analysed, while multiengine turbines represented another 10 percent. The remainder were piston-powered rotorcraft. The results, when measured by industry type, showed nearly 20 percent of all helicopter accidents fell into the personal or private category, while 18 percent occurred during instructional or training operations. Despite high-profile media attention, only eight percent of helicopter accidents were attributable to emergency medical services operations. 41 percent involved loss of control. Smith, who is also an FAA employee, said we are not finding new ways to kill people in helicopters.
IHST: We are making the same mistakes over and over again

Ordinary membership - $110.00 Company non AOC holder $330.00 Company AOC holder - $550.00 Sponsors any offers are gladly welcome and may be graded as per the arrangements used by other associations. Bronze, Silver, Gold or anonymous as needed. More later. Your contributions will support the development of the AHIA as listed in previous threads. In addition, a monthly newsletter will be sent electronically each month for ten months. Jan/Feb and Nov/Dec are combined. Hard copy can be requested; an extra $55 will be added to membership fee for printing and postage, etc. Companies will be included in the Heli-List section of the newsletter. Eventually a Directory will be available with all Australian and most NZ helicopter information, updated from government each month. Fees can be paid after we establish our bank accounts and the AHIA registration process with ASIC and the ATO, etc.

L La at te eA AH HA AI IN Ne ew ws s
AHIA annual membership.

After considering Bladeslapper posts on this topic. Many good ideas were _____________________________ sent to us, thanks. We will start small and work within our small budget and hope we can obtain some sponsorship from kind hearted people who can see the benefit the new association will bring to our industry in the coming years.
The committees will be all-volunteer.

I IH HS ST Ta an nd d8 80 0% %

Global helicopter industry wants to reduce accidents by Concession, student or retiree, etc80%. Kim Smith, representing the $55.00 (Non-voting).
Helicopters Australasia Page 9 July 2012

For joining within the 2012/2013 FISCAL year suggest annual membership of (AUD$):

Remote area night operations

With kind permission of our sponsor which had been bad all day during the muster. Being a moonless night, the Aviator Magazine, please see Tom could not see two thin layers of www.aviatormag.com.au cloud, the first at 3,000 feet and a Winter woes helicopter wispy layer several thousand feet inadvertent IMC above now approaching onto his and night accidents planned track. As he lifted off he avoided the The mustering season is now in full concerned expressions on the faces swing as the overseas markets are of his hosts, graziers Mildred and demanding more beef. This is also our winter, the days are much shorter Bill. All the visiting pilots knew Mildred was a good cook and and the temptation to relocate after mothered the younger pilots starting dark has often proved fatal. This out on their mustering career. article looks at the dangers of flying at night when you are not qualified or He took off from the well equipped to do so. Based on an illuminated helipad and climbed accident which occurred several away from the homestead towards decades ago. Purple Downs. Tom found he had to really concentrate on his flying as he moved suddenly into the surrounding darkness, which was hard work as he had not yet gained his night vision. The two-seat R22 Robinson Helicopter was relatively light with only Toms swag on the passengers seat. As a result the R22 climbed easily in the cool night air. Tom settled down to flying by his Tom's last flight .. magnetic compass and controlled his Tom slammed down the telephone attitude by reference to a few lights and cursed his boss. Glancing across on the ground and the stars above. the kitchen, he hoped the graziers However, the dust haze made wife did not hear him swearing. identification of these lights difficult, Mildred looked up from her TV but he had to make his next job "or programme and saw Tom's no job" according to his boss. The expression, "What is the matter horizon was hard to make out as the Tom?" asked Mildred. "My boss few ground lights seem to seamlessly wants me to be at Purple Downs by joint with the stars, also struggling to first light to start their muster. But shine through the dust haze. Tom that is about two hours flying In his haste to get away, Tom's time away and it is already dark!" swag was not strapped into the seat "I can do it, I have flown at night as tight as he wished and he reached before - and it is a clear night" across to tuck in the liner which had muttered Tom. "I will go, pack and fallen out of the cover. Tom grabbed head off - thanks for everything." his flashlight to illuminate what he Mildred looked across the room in was doing. Leaning across the the direction of Tom's footsteps and cockpit and devoting his attention felt a chilly draft flow across the between the swag, compass and room; it seemed to follow after Tom almost invisible horizon made Tom - a premonition? The night sky was feel a little dizzy. This was probably clear and the air was still. A few stars aggravated by the flashlight managed to penetrate the dust haze, reflections on perspex windows
Helicopters Australasia Page 10

which were degrading his night vision and general orientation. Suddenly Tom heard a change in airflow noise and saw the engine manifold pressure falling. Glancing across at the air speed indicator (IAS), he saw his speed was decreasing and altitude was increasing. Sensing something was wrong he looked outside and noted he could not see the ground lights or the stars. In fact, it was eerie, everything was black, not a light in sight no horizon at all! Realising he was in trouble; Tom looked at the compass again and saw it was turning rapidly, the IAS was now zero. Pushing the nose forward to regain his speed, he felt his head hitting the door as the IAS suddenly sprang to life, indicating over 90 kns. The last thing Tom saw in this life was his map case floating up to the cabin roof, spilling out his pens and wallet. A loud bang came from the rear, followed by a violent yaw as the nose pitched down. But for Tom it did not matter - he was already dead a rotor blade had severed his head, the wreckage fell from 3,000 feet and was scattered over a large area. Tom had become disorientated and the rest is history. The official report said he had flown between two layers of cloud, thus losing lost all external visual reference. But the report did mention those obvious things such as no forecast, no night rating, helicopter devoid of any flight instruments suitable for night visual flight rules (NVFR), poor visibility, flying from visual metrological conditions (VMC) into instrument metrological conditions (IMC), stress, fatigue, etc. Sadly, just another case of inadvertent IMC!

July 2012

So what is IMC? Instrument

Meteorological Conditions are present when things are not good enough for the Visual Flight Rules to apply. There are many situations where the rules vary, usually related to different altitudes and the type of airspace you are flying within by day and night. The main danger to the pilot is that he may lose control and fly into the ground - we call this controlled flight into terrain. More likely, he will lose sight of the horizon, suffer what we call "the dreaded leans" and allow the aircraft to get out of control and exceed the structural limits, resulting in an inflight break up, a very common occurrence in light aeroplanes. Anything that is not VMC is IMC. In most cases, a hapless pilot is trying to get home, or through some bad weather, or flying very low under poor weather conditions. The latter we call scud running, a very dangerous practice that may lead to an argument with a power line. (You know who wins that contest!) If the conditions suddenly become very bad and we cannot see the ground or horizon; then the accident report will say it was a VFR flight into IMC incident. The pilot got there by making an error of judgement and lost control, just before the accident get the drift?
How do we measure VMC? You

visibility of 5,000 metres. What they want is for you to see enough of the horizon for you to know which way is up, thus avoiding disorientation.
Special helicopter VFR rules.

When outside controlled airspace a helicopter can operate low level, in far worse conditions than an aeroplane. Putting aside the obvious fact we could possibly land, the rules are less restrictive because we can go slower. The down side of this generous offering from the regulator is that we are can be mixing it with obstacles and powerlines, which can be hidden by a rain splattered windscreen. When operating below 700 feet, helicopters are allowed to operate clear of cloud and in a visibility of only 800 metres. This rule assumes you can slow down to a safe speed and not hit anything. There are other restrictions which you should check, such as keeping 10 nm and 500 feet vertical separation from an IFR aircraft using an approach aid when both are using the same airport.

the information is on the internet, or as an alternate you can use a facsimile service. Radio broadcasts are available at many airports. It is that easy - look up these facilities in the ERSA. There is no excuse for not obtaining a weather forecast but you must know the system!
What to do if entering IMC conditions? Even the Wright

brothers knew of the 180 degree turn rule! You must turn back before it is too late. Commercial and emotional pressures can keep you going into the jaws of death. You must be firm with yourself and remove the aircraft from the weather conditions about to block your path. At this point you are endangering yourself and the passengers. When VMC is lost, you are entering an IMC situation - a true no go zone - abort the flight! The best option you have is to land and live another day?
Flying at night with no instruments? However, if you are

have to know what you have - before you lose it - sounds like those romantic novels. The VFR helicopter pilot must maintain the helicopter clear of cloud at all times. Below 10,000 feet we must keep 1,500 metres and 1,000 feet vertically away from cloud when outside controlled airspace. In addition, we must be able to see 5,000 metres except in Class D, ATC may allow a visibility 1,600 metres for aeroplanes and 800 metres for helicopters. This allows us to establish a horizon by reference to the sea or land for attitude control. Should we be lower than 3,000 feet or 1,000 feet AGL (whichever is the higher), then we must keep clear of cloud and be in sight of land or water. We must have an in-flight

in a helicopter with no flight attitude instruments, then you are in real trouble, big trouble!! There are many Planning for a night flight. In gurus who have a range of ideas. Australia we have a different set of rules to most countries. For example, Some say that turning slowly onto unless the destination is serviced by east or west means your magnetic an NDB or a VOR and the helicopter compass is more stable than on north or south. Hopefully, you can get is fitted with the appropriate radio some heading control. Your airspeed navigation system capable of using tells you what your nose is doing - do the aid, a flight under NVFR must things slowly. Try and descend out of plan for an alternate within one hours flight time of the destination. the conditions - don't dive down. Also, there a requirements for night Disorientation - not all is lost! lighting at both the departure and destination airports. These need to be It is only a matter of time before you will become disorientated. Your reviewed during the planning stage problem here is you may suffer of the flight. Tom's fate and break up in flight! Lowest safe altitude. Australia has Test pilots have noted a helicopter in a unique requirement for pilots to autorotation is a little more stable maintain at least 1,000 feet above than with power applied. Also, the any obstacle within ten nautical miles typical rate of an authoritative of the aircraft in flight. When passing descent is 1,600 feet per minute or 29 a positive fix, the pilot can then kilometres per hour which is not descend to a lower safe altitude if very fast. The gurus often suggest one exists. flying in autorotation at the slowest possible speed, between translational Get a forecast, ask the met man! lift and the minimum power speed We have a marvellous weather for level flight, you may survive forecasting and NOTAM advisory when you hit something. service in our lucky country. Most of
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Helicopters Australasia

These are desperate measures; however, an in-flight break up or a high speed impact with the ground is really not an option.

After the curator left, a Scotsman man approached the couple and said, Would you like to know what the painting is really about?Now why would you claim to be more of an expert than the curator of the World trends VMC into IMC. When the R44 entered service, it was Gallery? asked the couple. Because Im the guy who painted quickly used by many at night for pleasure and business. In one sample it, he replied. In fact, there is no African-American representation at year there were fourteen Robinson R44 accidents in the USA. The world all. Theyre just three Scottish coalreceived a wakeup call when it was miners. The guy in the middle went realised 11 of the 14 accidents were home for lunch. VMC into IMC, usually at night! Comments This was about same time we saw Here are the some comments made our first R44 VMC into IMC by NBC sports commentators during accident in Australia. In this accident, the R44 was scud running the Summer Olympics that they home at low level, around last light. would like to take back: 1. Weightlifting commentator: This The pilot and his wealthy property is Gregoriava from Bulgaria. I saw owner employer were killed. If in her snatch this morning during her doubt turn back or land, a better warm up and it was amazing. option than missing your next 2. Dressage commentator: This is birthday! really a lovely horse and I speak from personal experience since I Around the campfire . once mounted her mother. 3. Paul Hamm, Gymnast: I owe a lot to my parents, especially my mother and father. 4. Boxing Analyst: Sure there have been injuries, and even some deaths in boxing, but none of them really that serious. 5. Softball announcer: If history At the National gallery of Victoria repeats itself, I should think we can a couple attending an art exhibition at expect the same thing again. the gallery were staring at a portrait 6. Basketball analyst: He dribbles a that had them totally confused. The lot and the opposition doesnt like it. painting depicted three black men In fact you can see it all over their totally naked, sitting on a park bench. faces. Two of the men had black penises, 7. At the rowing medal ceremony: but the one seated in the middle, had Ah, isnt that nice, the wife of the a pink penis. The curator of the IOC president is hugging the cox of gallery realized the confused couple the British crew. were having trouble with interpreting 8. Soccer commentator: Julian the painting and offered his Dicks is everywhere. Its like theyve assessment. He went on and on for got eleven Dicks on the field. nearly half an hour explaining how it 9. Tennis commentator: One of the depicted the sexual emasculation of reasons Andy is playing so well is African-Americans in a prethat, before the final round, his wife dominantly white, patriarchal takes out his balls and kisses them... society. Oh my God, what have I just said? In fact, he pointed out, some serious critics believe that the pink Signs of the times penis reflects the cultural and sociological oppression expressed by Sign over a Gynecologists Office: gay men in a contemporary society. Dr. Jones, at your cervix.
Helicopters Australasia Page 12

At a Proctologists door To expedite your visit please back in! On a Plumbers truck: We repair what your husband fixed. On a Septic Tank Truck in Oregon Yesterdays Meals on Wheels Another a Septic Tank Truck sign: Were #1 in the #2 business. On a Plumbers truck: Dont sleep with a drip Call your plumber. Pizza Shop Slogan: 7 days without pizza makes one weak. At a Tire Shop in Milwaukee: Invite us to your next blowout. On a Plastic Surgeons Office door: Hello. Can we pick your nose? At a Towing company: We dont charge an arm and a leg. We want tows. On an Electricians truck: Let us remove your shorts. In a Non-smoking Area: If we see smoke, we will assume you are on fire and take appropriate action. On a Maternity Room door: Push. Push. Push. At an Optometrists Office If you dont see what youre looking for, youve come to the right place. On a Taxidermists window: We really know our stuff. In a Podiatrists office: Time wounds all heels. On a Fence: Salesmen welcome! Dog food is expensive. At a Car Dealership: The best way to get back on your feet -- miss a car payment. Outside a Muffler Shop: No appointment necessary. We hear you coming.

July 2012