I am wondering why more fixed wing pilots don't wear helmets during activities like pipeline patrol. I read here (http://www.int-birdstrike.org/London_Pa ... %20WP3.pdf) that 71% of birdstrikes occur at less than 500ft agl, which is often the heights in which pipeline patrols fly at. I know that many helicopter pilots wear helmets with visors for the added protection - why is it different for fixed wing?
This report (http://www.int-birdstrike.org/Warsaw_Pa ... 0WPSA1.pdf) about birdstrikes that have destroyed aircraft and/or were fatal to pilots has some interesting stats:
Here are some incidents where I think helmets may have helped:Aeroplanes 5,700 kg and below – 27 fatal accidents killing 58 and destroying 42 aircraft.
Helicopters – 5 fatal accidents killing 9 people and destroying 8 helicopters.
Aircraft of 5,700 kg and below as well as helicopters are most at risk from windshield penetration, mainly the result of
collision with birds of prey (Accipitriformes).
‘General aviation’ aeroplanes are most vulnerable to the windshield being holed, the
cause of 52 % of the accidents. Birds of prey (Accipitriformes) were responsible for half of
the accidents. This group of aircraft mostly fly at heights where birds are most prevalent.
Please don't misunderstand me, I don't think helmets should be worn for all types of flying (flight training, charter, etc). I'm just thinking about the higher risk (pipeline) activities.While filming aerial sequences low over a lake with the windshields removed from the open
cockpit biplane, a Jackdaw (Corvus monedula, 230 gm) passed through the propeller disc.
The pilot was struck in the face and almost knocked unconscious. He pulled up sharply to
avoid the water and hit power lines. There was a flash and the aircraft dived into the lake,
both occupants escaping. The pilot suffered severe facial cuts needing 50 stitches.
While in the climb on a flight from Atlantic City to Philadelphia, PA the aircraft struck a flock
of geese (Anser sp.) destroying the windshield. One or both pilots were incapacitated
resulting in an uncontrolled descent into the sea.
A Ruppell’s griffon vulture (Gyps rueppellii, 7.5 kg) holed the windshield killing the pilot.
As the floatplane was on final approach to a water-landing a bird, believed to be a
Cormorant (Phalacrocorax sp, up to 2.4 kg) holed the windshield. The pilot was stunned and
his face cut by his glasses, he came-to in the water. He released himself from the
submerged, inverted aircraft and was rescued by a nearby boat.
At 70 kts just after take-off, the windshield was shattered by a bird, wind blast impairing the
pilot’s vision. After landing and shutting down, the back of the aircraft was found to be on fire.
The pilot escaped but the aircraft was burnt out. It is believed the bird damaged a fuel line
allowing fuel to spray onto the hot exhaust.
Just after take off the pilot spotted geese (Anser sp.) but one penetrated the windshield and
hit the pilot. He cut the power and attempted to re-land but went off the end of the runway
into a building. The aircraft was destroyed.
About 20 miles from Addis Ababa, the aircraft collided with a White-backed vulture (Gyps
africanus, 5.4 kg). It struck the windshield causing the support structure and both windshields
to fail and collapse into the cockpit. The crew, although injured, maintained some control and
continued to Bole airport.
The South African registered aircraft was on final approach to the airport in the eastern
coastal port town near the Tanzanian border. It collided with a vulture (Gyps sp), which
came through the windshield breaking the pilot’s neck. The aircraft crashed and burned
killing the front seat passenger and resulting in severe burns to the passengers in the rear
seats.
Thoughts? Agree? Disagree?
(or I decide to get into rotary, which I have, its just a matter of time and $$$)
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