Thread: Robinson helicopters - new possible rules CAA

New warning from Robinson - beware carrying passengers, they might distract you

Robinson Helicopter Co's passenger warning is 'bizarre', says expert - NZ Herald

Robinson Helicopter Company's warning about the risks of carrying a passenger is 'bizarre", an aviation safety expert told the Government.

The warning made by the helicopter company in a safety notice was possibly unique, John Fogden, director of the company Total Aviation Quality, told the Department of Conservation (DoC) in documents released to the Herald under the Official Information Act.

"I certainly haven't seen anything similar issued by any other helicopter (or fixed wing) manufacturer. To me it seems quite bizarre."

The safety notice warns that "carrying a passenger in and of itself increases risk because passengers add workload and distractions".

Fogden's take on it was that if the pilot was distracted by having a passenger, he may inadvertently fly the aircraft outside of its design limits, thereby inducing mast bump.

"Robinson seem to assert this 'risk' is because a passenger is on board and not in any way associated with a design fault of the helicopter."

Robinson helicopters make up 35 per cent of the New Zealand fleet but 49 per cent of accidents, 64 per cent of fatal crashes and all seven fatal mast-bump accidents.

The company has blamed many accidents on poor pilot training, while critics have contended the helicopter has a design flaw.