September 2024 News

Heliflite will host the Robinson Pilot Safety Course this November in Sydney, led by Bob Muse, the Chief Instructor and Director of Flight Safety at Robinson Helicopter Company. With over 35 years of experience and 20,000+ flight hours, Muse brings invaluable knowledge to the course, which is designed to teach safe operation of Robinson helicopters. Running from November 13th to 15th, 2024, the course includes two days of ground training and an optional flight session, which can be completed in your own aircraft or a Heliflite helicopter.

The course will take place at Hills Lodge & Spa Hotel, Castle Hill, Sydney. The cost for the ground training is AUD $900 + GST, and includes all meals. Attendees interested in the flight component should indicate this during registration. For accommodation, call 02 9680 3800 and mention the safety course for special rates.

To secure your spot, contact Heliflite at 02 9766 0200 or email dan.bodle@heliflite.com.au.

Harry has been hard at work recently updating our website to improve the presentation of our offered winery and scenic tours. The revamped pages now provide clearer information on the range of flights available, with a more straightforward layout for users to navigate and an interactive map. Be sure to check it out and tell your friends and family to make a booking. Well done Harry and thank you for your hard work on this.

Avoiding Bird Strikes

When flying in and out of YMEN, planning ahead is crucial for avoiding bird strikes. The area around Essendon is home to several bird species, including waterfowl, magpies, and larger birds of prey, all of which present varying risks depending on the season. Waterfowl, such as ducks and ibis, are particularly active near the wetlands surrounding the airfield, especially during migration seasons which usually peaks during autumn (March to May) and spring (September to November). Magpies are common year-round, often flying low across runways. Birds of prey, like hawks, can also be spotted hunting in pairs, especially around open fields nearby.

Reducing airspeed in high-risk areas is another effective strategy. FAA data reveals that 77% of bird strikes happen at airspeeds above 80 knots. When flying in regions known for high bird activity, particularly at lower altitudes, reducing airspeed to 80 knots or less significantly lowers the chances of a strike.

Climbing to a higher altitude quickly is also a smart move. The probability of a bird strike decreases by 32% for every 1,000 feet gained above 500 feet AGL. When practical, ascend as soon as possible, bearing in mind air traffic and other operational factors. Since birds tend to fly at higher altitudes during the night, it’s crucial to climb even more at night to avoid potential strikes.

Being aware of larger birds and waterfowl is critical as well. Birds of prey, such as eagles and hawks, often hunt in pairs, so if you see one, it’s wise to assume another could be nearby. Additionally, different bird species react differently to aircraft—magpies typically fly low and away, while waterfowl might fly upwards into your path. It’s important to give these birds a wide berth whenever possible.

Lastly, avoid unintentionally herding flocks of birds onto runways, particularly during training flights at busy airfields like Moorabbin. When maneuvering near bird flocks, be mindful of your flight path to prevent directing them towards areas with active aircraft traffic.

What to Do in the Event of a Bird Strike

If a bird strike occurs, especially during critical phases like takeoff or landing, the priority is to maintain control of the aircraft. Carefully assess any potential damage, both visually and through your instruments, and if necessary, declare an emergency to air traffic control to request support.

Evaluating the airworthiness of your aircraft is the next step. Depending on the severity of the strike, you may need to land immediately to inspect for damage. Even small birds can cause significant harm to rotor blades, engines, or leading edges. A prompt landing for assessment reduces the likelihood of further issues.

Reporting Requirements (ATSB Guidelines)

All bird strikes are reportable incidents. The ATSB requires wildlife strike reports to be submitted within 72 hours. If a strike results in an accident or serious incident, it must be reported immediately. This applies to incidents in flight, during takeoff or landing, or when bird carcasses are found on a runway.

Reporting can be done through the ATSB aviation incident reporting form. Near misses do not need to be reported, but any suspected or confirmed strikes, even those not causing significant damage, must be documented. This helps improve the understanding and prevention of future incidents.

Additional Safety Considerations

• Birds, especially larger species, often make unpredictable last-minute movements. If you spot birds at a distance, alter your course early to avoid any sudden, dangerous interactions.
• Birds of prey may work together while hunting. Always assume that if you see one, there could be another nearby.

Stay informed, stay cautious, and always report incidents to support a safer aviation environment for everyone.

With the returning warmer weather comes an increase of flying insects that will invariably hit aircraft, fouling windscreens and impeding visibility. Anyone who has scanned for traffic through a dirty windscreen appreciates the increased risk this posses, and so if you complete a flight and notice that the windscreen requires cleaning, the expectation is that you will do the cleaning to assist the next pilot to have a safe flight.

Students who haven’t been shown how to correctly wash aircraft windscreens should engage a staff member to take them through it. It’s important to get right as damaging the windscreen through improper techniques is possible (we’ve previously shared how to do this in our August 2023 newsletter).