Man with electric socks during Marysville - Vacaville excursion, March 2000. (Pictures: G. Brewer)
On May 5 an extraordinary meeting of Chapter 5 was held in Marysville. Joe Souza drew attention to several situations that deserve immediate remedy: fuel, gyro condition, pilot proficiency, and use of checklists. He noted that Earl Benedict, the FAA Principal Airworthiness Inspector, warned against ever using automobile gasoline in an aircraft. Mogas simply contains too many hydrophilic (water-attracting) additives, and the expectation of contamination is high. Samples of the fuel taken from Troy's canisters were passed around; plentiful amounts of water were obvious.
Chapter Safety Officer Bob Aspegren pointed out that we must take hard look at our procedures and practices and realize that had they been adequate, the Marysville "event" would never have happened.
He noted specific areas of concern regarding the Chapter 5 gyros, and requested that each owner see to necessary corrections to their machines. His inspections revealed that every single machine had at least one potentially serious deficiency. Four areas require particular attention:
1) We have always assumed the airframe should protect the pilot and passengers. It should protect all critical areas of the aircraft, too-- the fuel tanks, fuel system, electrical system, control system, and anything else that is essential to the operation of the aircraft.
2) Certified aircraft fuel systems always have
3) Certified aircraft electrical systems always have
4) The greatest potential for harm comes from the pilot. Are you legal? Are you rushed? Think I'M SAFE to self evaluate before every flight:
Check the weather and the machine. Count the strikes against you. How many can you cope with? What is the risk? Should you be in the air today? Should you wait until tomorrow?
1) Fuel System
2) Electrical System
3) Does your aircraft have checklists?
4) Aircraft Paperwork
5) Know your aircraft
6) If you have an emergency while airborne, what is your number one priority?
7) Do you use the "buddy" system? How often? Why not always?
After the meeting, a gyro-by-gyro tour revealed scores of
defects that could have potentially serious consequences. In view of
the problems that have come to light under increased scrutiny, much
of the Chapter 5 gyroplane stable must now be considered out-of-service
until remedies are put into effect.
Preparations for the Black Rock Desert encampment are proceeding. Watch for details
in next month's newsletter.
PRA Chapter 5 Newsletters are also available on-line at:
http://www.quiknet.com/~twitham/gyro/pra5/