kkeenan 14 #1 April 29, 2005 I have a question about a practice that, while I don't think is common, may be happening at some DZs, and I'd like to hear if others have seen this. I saw, recently, several instances of turbine jump aircraft sitting with engine(s) running, with no one in the seat and no chocks under the wheels (presumably the parking brake was set). In one case, the pilot was in the rear of the a/c, and in another, he was out of the a/c on the ramp. Now, I realize that a turboprop, unlike a recip, can idle with the prop at zero pitch, thereby producing no thrust. But I was taught early in my piloting career that this practice was a very bad idea for many reasons - brakes can slip, wind or ground slope can start the a/c moving, etc. What I'm saying is that I think this is a practice that can not be defended by any reason or excuse, and that if an accident occurred, the FAA and the insurance company would find clear fault with the operator. I'm interested to know if: 1) This happens at other DZs. 2) Anyone in their right mind thinks this is OK. Kevin K._____________________________________ Dude, you are so awesome... Can I be on your ash jump ? Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
PhreeZone 20 #2 April 29, 2005 Once while traveling I saw this happen as the pilot was the one to hot fuel the plane. Freaked me a bit when I thought of 2 props spinning away with out anyone there to operate them.Yesterday is history And tomorrow is a mystery Parachutemanuals.com Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
DrewGPM 0 #3 April 29, 2005 I hear it happens all the time at http://www.skydive-illinois.com/ and many of the drop zones listed on http://www.makeithappen.com/jumps/review/cedartown.html#smiss That's just what i hear, never been there myself Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
riggerrob 643 #4 April 29, 2005 Yes, I have seen it many times at many different DZs. It is quite common for the pilot to set propellers to zero thrust and leave the cockpit to hot-fuel a turbine-engined airplane. I know that the preferred method is to have extra ground crew to hot-fuel the airplane while the pilot sits in the cockpit, pees, etc. but not all DZs have enough staff, bright enough to hot-fuel and airplane without walking in to propellers, etc.. Hot-fuelling is not a big deal. I have hot-fuelled hundreds of helicopters on the rolling deck of a DDH, at night, etc. Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
MakeItHappen 15 #5 April 29, 2005 QuoteI saw, recently, several instances of turbine jump aircraft sitting with engine(s) running, with no one in the seat and no chocks under the wheels (presumably the parking brake was set). In one case, the pilot was in the rear of the a/c, and in another, he was out of the a/c on the ramp. From PIA TS-122 - Rapid Refueling An FAA-licensed pilot or airman familiar with the ground operation of the aircraft must be at the controls during the entire fuel servicing process. Keep a wheel chock under at least one of the airplane’s tires during the entire refueling operation. If you see an operation not following these procedures bring it to the attention of the DZO. If that does not correct the situation, bring it to the attention of your RD. If that does not correct the situation, bring it to the attention of someone you think can get the DZO to follow industry standards. If that does not work, contact the FAA. That will get their attention. .. Make It Happen Parachute History DiveMaker Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
kallend 2,150 #6 April 29, 2005 QuoteI hear it happens all the time at http://www.skydive-illinois.com/ and many of the drop zones listed on http://www.makeithappen.com/jumps/review/cedartown.html#smiss That's just what i hear, never been there myself Who has?... The only sure way to survive a canopy collision is not to have one. Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
JohnRich 4 #7 April 29, 2005 QuoteI have hot-fuelled hundreds of helicopters on the rolling deck of a DDH, at night, etc. For us landlubbers, what type of Navy ship is a "DDH"? Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
DrewGPM 0 #8 April 29, 2005 glad to see somebody picked up on that. Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
piisfish 140 #9 April 29, 2005 QuoteQuoteI have hot-fuelled hundreds of helicopters on the rolling deck of a DDH, at night, etc. For us landlubbers, what type of Navy ship is a "DDH"? thanks Google... QuoteUS Designations US Army Air Corps, US Army Air Corps, US Army Air Force, Tri-Service... DDH Helicopter Destroyer fromwww.csd.uwo.ca/~pettypi/elevon/gustin_military/usdes.htmlscissors beat paper, paper beat rock, rock beat wingsuit - KarlM Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
AndyMan 7 #10 April 29, 2005 Quoteglad to see somebody picked up on that. I'm confused. Pick up on what? _Am__ You put the fun in "funnel" - craichead. Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
kallend 2,150 #11 April 29, 2005 QuoteQuoteglad to see somebody picked up on that. I'm confused. Pick up on what? _Am Who has? .... been to a virtual DZ?... The only sure way to survive a canopy collision is not to have one. Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
AndyMan 7 #12 April 29, 2005 I got that part.... What does hot-fueling without wheel chucks or someone on the brakes got to do with SkyRide? _Am__ You put the fun in "funnel" - craichead. Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
riggerrob 643 #13 May 1, 2005 DDH = Her Majesty's Canadian Ship Athabaskan and HMCS Iroquois, otherwise know as DDH 280 class, helicopter carrying destroyer escort, submarine-hunters. We sailed with a pair of Sikorsky CH-124A Sea King helicopters. Their cabins were crammed with sonobouys, dipping sonar and a variety of electronic gadgets to hunt submarines. There was barely enough room remaining for the admiral's barge ... er ... long range search and rescue role. Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
