June 9, 2003
Helicopter Pilots needed..
I can't figure out why it seems that at least once a week over the last few months we keep hearing about US troops in the middle east crashing a helicoper. Are we that inept in flying these crafts that we can't keep them in the air? Is the equiptment outdated? And why is the media not latching onto this and making a bid to-do of it?
If there were two plane crashes within a month or so of each other and the planes were similar in any way there would be a major investigation.
Anyway, here is a link to a Google search on this subject:
Google Search: "helicopter crash"
Stinking Military.
Comments
Helicopters are essentially not flight worthy machines, that is the problem. Helicopters flying requires skilled pilots and very precision mechanical systems. If either fail, then crash!
Interestingly enough, that is how all mechanical flying devices work.
Shame on you, you obviously have no clue or concept about helicopters or the pilots, I have 20 years of active duty flying attack helicopters. Yes there are different skill levels between pilots but the task of operating a helicopter at night with zero visibility, NOE in combat is a difficult task for anyone. You better stick to your keyboard or step up to the plate like those hero's have defending your freedom.
Apache Pilot, good job not reading the post at all and just getting mad. My question was more focused on the fact that there have been so many crashes with helicopters recently and we are hearing so little about it on the news.
Soldiers are highly trained in all areas of the military as I am sure you will be the first to claim, but we don't hear about military planes crashing once a week, nor do we hear about friendly fire between the hard working men and women protecting our country.
Thanks for the comment.
Maybe I misunderstood your question above, very few "Army" crashes make the press, and yes if you know where to look you can find out about the rest.
Please follow this link and be sure to click on the timeframes and each person even the ones with no photo. Also planes generally don't fly 10 feet from the ground at night...... I'm an instructor in both.
http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-srv/world/iraq/casualties/facesofthefallen.htm
It's extremeley dangerous work and the room for error is minimal (sometimes 2 seconds maximum) at 10 feet and 100 knots with no ejection seat. Interestingly...Apache pilots can only see out of one eye at night because of the PNVS system. Sounds like fun doesn't it? The investigations are viewed as actions during hostile fire therefore they don't require months of inquiries to complete. The big issue is experienced pilots are seperating at alarming numbers.
Uh, there is a war on! Men and machines are stretched to their limit and beyond under these conditions. Conditions which are mighty unforgiving, I might add. Frankly, I am thankful that the media has had the good sense to not make a big to-do about an unfortunate fact of warfare. The media tends to be very inept and sensationalistic at reporting matters such as this and before you know it, all the soccer moms are signing petitions to have our fighting men and women ride off to battle on the back of a camel. Oh wait, that's how the other side gets to battle.
Seriously though, helicopters are complex machines and when you throw in low altitudes, dirty environment, high stress, and people trying to shoot you down, stuff happens.