Ken Doyen Posted August 31, 2022 at 05:31 PM Posted August 31, 2022 at 05:31 PM On Monday night, a buddy & I flew choppers at 2000 feet AGL in the Fair Weather Flying event in ZMP with winds 18G30. That's extremely difficult in choppers, especially smaller ones. I crash landed twice, but, we toughed it out with real weather. I understand the issue controllers have with using custom weather with high altitude flying for spacing but would it be noticeable if doing low altitude VFR chopper flying? Wind can dictate whether or not we fly choppers online, 10 kts or higher make chopper flying miserable, if not impossible. We don't hover around airports like the trolls do, we follow the published procedures. Can we make an exception? 1 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Malcolm Fernandez Posted August 31, 2022 at 05:54 PM Posted August 31, 2022 at 05:54 PM You must at least have the same wind,temp,and pressure........Per the Code of the conduct Quote B13: Pilots are encouraged to utilize current real- world weather at all times. Pilots must utilize at least the following current, real-world weather parameters throughout all phases of flight: (a) Winds, (b) Pressure, (c) Temperature 1 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Ross Carlson Posted August 31, 2022 at 05:58 PM Posted August 31, 2022 at 05:58 PM 3 minutes ago, Malcolm Fernandez said: You must at least have the same wind,temp,and pressure........Per the Code of the conduct I think Ken is aware of that, hence the request for an exception. Developer: vPilot, VRC, vSTARS, vERAM, VAT-Spy Senior Controller, Boston Virtual ARTCC Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Malcolm Fernandez Posted August 31, 2022 at 06:00 PM Posted August 31, 2022 at 06:00 PM 1 minute ago, Ross Carlson said: I think Ken is aware of that, hence the request for an exception. Oops, Sorry ross,i'll edit my post to add some more.. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Trevor Hannant Posted August 31, 2022 at 06:32 PM Posted August 31, 2022 at 06:32 PM From my perspective, I don't see an issue with this at low level. What I'd perhaps suggest is putting custom weather on with the winds from the same general direction but within your limits so at least you'll have a similar drift effect plus handling for takeoffs/landings. I can't imagine other controllers having an issue with it where it's not having the same effect on traffic management as, as you say, en route. 2 Trevor Hannant Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Ken Doyen Posted September 1, 2022 at 02:13 AM Author Posted September 1, 2022 at 02:13 AM 7 hours ago, Trevor Hannant said: From my perspective, I don't see an issue with this at low level. What I'd perhaps suggest is putting custom weather on with the winds from the same general direction but within your limits so at least you'll have a similar drift effect plus handling for takeoffs/landings. I can't imagine other controllers having an issue with it where it's not having the same effect on traffic management as, as you say, en route. Choppers we usually land on the ramp, not runway. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Thimo Koolen Posted September 1, 2022 at 05:44 AM Posted September 1, 2022 at 05:44 AM Low level is very annoying within the TMA if traffic is on different winds. Especially if it's a busy event and spacing on final is close to minimum. Then you don't want wind differences, especially if there's hefty winds outside. ACCNL4 (Training Director) - Dutch VACC Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Trevor Hannant Posted September 1, 2022 at 11:10 AM Posted September 1, 2022 at 11:10 AM 8 hours ago, Ken Doyen said: Choppers we usually land on the ramp, not runway. Will depend on the airport I guess, in the UK a large number, particularly aerodromes rather than airfields. require arrival/departure from the active. Trevor Hannant Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Ken Doyen Posted September 1, 2022 at 04:42 PM Author Posted September 1, 2022 at 04:42 PM 10 hours ago, Thimo Koolen said: Low level is very annoying within the TMA if traffic is on different winds. Especially if it's a busy event and spacing on final is close to minimum. Then you don't want wind differences, especially if there's hefty winds outside. Even if we're looking to land on the ramp & not enter the pattern? I should specify we would be in US airspace. I'm not familiar with European procedures. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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