Do You Know What Drives Me FKN Crazy???
Sep 28, 2024In the world of helicopter aviation, there are countless details that require a pilot's utmost attention. Among these is the crucial habit of always securing helicopter panels and doors during pre-flight checks and operations. This seemingly minor detail can lead to significant safety implications if neglected. In a recent episode from Helicopter Online Ground School (H.O.G.S.), flight instructor Kenny Keller shared his frustrations around this issue and provided valuable tips and insights based on personal experience. This blog post delves into these discussions, highlighting the importance of discipline and habitual practice in ensuring flight safety.
The Annoyance of Open Panels: Kenny's Perspective
To kick off the discussion, Kenny Keller expressed his stark frustrations about a common yet dangerous habit he observes among helicopter trainees: leaving doors and panels open during pre-flight procedures. He explained that when he enters the hangar and sees various open panels with no one attending to them, it drives him nuts. This carelessness, often justified by short absences like answering a phone call or chatting with a colleague, poses numerous risks.
"You want to know what really drives me absolutely, 100% fricking crazy?" Kenny asked rhetorically before diving into his narrative.
Leaving panels and doors ajar can lead to a series of mishaps, especially when external factors like weather conditions or neighboring aircraft come into play. Ignoring this critical practice can result in catastrophic consequences, as highlighted in various anecdotes shared by Kenny.
The Importance of Good Habits: Lessons Learned from Experience
One of the pivotal lessons imparted by Kenny was derived from his experience as a student under an instructor named Brad. Brad emphasized the importance of habitually closing any open panel or door, regardless of the task's intended duration. This lesson stuck with Kenny, shaping his stringent approach towards pre-flight security.
"When you're pre flighting, always shut whatever it is you have open, shut it," Kenny recounted, attributing this discipline to his mentor.
This practice isn't exclusive to student pilots; it extends to all levels of flight training, even for commercial and Certified Flight Instructor (CFI) certifications. The intent is to cultivate a habitual routine that becomes second nature, mitigating risks that stem from negligence.
The Real-World Consequences of Neglect
Kenny illustrated the real-world implications of neglecting such practices through personal anecdotes. He recalled an incident with a Jet Ranger helicopter where he failed to secure an open door due to excitement about his new role flying a turbine aircraft. A nearby Sikorsky helicopter's arrival nearly resulted in the door being ripped off, an event that could have led to severe damage or injury.
"I had to grab it, get it secured," Kenny recalled, emphasizing the narrow escape from potential disaster.
In another scenario, while flying an instrument under pressure, a cowling door flapping in the wind signaled a failure to secure it properly. Such lapses are not only embarrassing but also hazardous, as an unlatched cowling door once led to a fatal accident after detaching mid-flight.
Preventative Measures and the Role of Habit
The crux of Kenny’s advice lies in the establishment of good habits. By ensuring panels and doors are always latched immediately after every inspection, regardless of the task's brevity, pilots can avoid a multitude of hazards. This practice contributes significantly to overall flight safety by preventing objects from catching the wind or interfering with flight mechanics.
Kenny provided a straightforward mechanism to develop this habit: treat every small task with the same level of importance, whether inside a secure hangar or out in the windy airfield. These repeated actions form a disciplined routine, enhancing the pilot's reflexes to always maintain a secure aircraft environment.
In the high-stakes field of helicopter aviation, the smallest details can make the difference between safe operations and catastrophic failure. As underscored by Kenny Keller, the habitual practice of securing panels and doors during pre-flight checks is indispensable. Building these good habits not only ensures the pilot's safety but also promotes a culture of meticulousness and responsibility within the aviation community. Through discipline and consistent practice, pilots can significantly reduce risks and enhance the overall safety of their flight operations. Discover the essential steps to becoming a helicopter pilot! To learn more on helicopter safety and proper helicopter pre-flight, get your FREE PDF of "Private Pilot 101- A Helicopter Training Blueprint". Embrace these practices, adopt the routine, and always remember: a securely latched panel is a flight well-prepared.
