SERVING MANY INDUSTRIES—SAVING MORE THAN TIME www.nehc.org
November 2012
A MESSAGE FROM THE PRESIDENT Dear NEHC Members, As I’m writing this, we have just experienced what is being described by the meteorological community as the ‘storm-of the-century’. Hurricane Sandy was a massive storm that affected most of the eastern seaboard, leaving millions of homes and businesses without power and causing billions of dollars in property damage. The extent of damage will not be known for weeks; perhaps longer. The storm surge caused considerable flood damage along the New Jersey coast and in New York City. Three major airports in the New York area, LaGuardia, Newark Liberty and Kennedy International, are shut down; the Holland Tunnel connecting New York to New Jersey is closed, as is the tunnel between Brooklyn and Manhattan. The Brooklyn Bridge, the George Washington Bridge, the Verrazano-Narrows Bridge and several other spans have been reopened after being closed during the storm due to high winds. Trading at the New York Stock Exchange has been cancelled for a 2nd consecutive day. During the hurricane, the U.S. Coast Guard launched a helicopter into the storm to rescue the crew from HMS Bounty as she sank off the North Carolina coast. National Guard forces were ordered to state active duty to safeguard the citizens of their respective states. Guard helicopters helped local first responders by searching for and rescuing individuals caught in the storm. In the next few weeks we’ll hear stories about helicopters saving individuals during the height of the storm. As the storm ends, helicopters are being pressed into service to meet many needs. Search and rescue is ongoing. Helicopters are also being used to survey roads and inspect the power grid to restore access and electrical service to communities. In the coming days, helicopters will provide medical support, deliver water, food, medicine, fuel and other basic necessities to cut-off residents; conduct aerial surveys to assess the extent of the storm damage; and move people in and out of isolated communities and around the storm damaged areas to coordinate relief activities. Once again, the helicopter will prove that it truly ‘serves many industries and saves more than time’. The helicopter industry has a challenging relationship with some residents of New York City, Long Island and northern New Jersey. Helicopter noise is the most common complaint. Such noise complaints are not limited to the New York Metropolitan area and often occur in those places where helicopters operate frequently and routinely. I’m sure you’ve heard the expression that “many ‘ata boys’ can be wiped out by one ‘aw-shucks’.” I wonder if one really important ‘ata-boy’ might ameliorate helicopter noise complaints? At the ‘end-of–the-day’, the helicopter industry will have a great story to tell about its activities during and after Hurricane Sandy, a story that we should be proud to share with our respective communities. Our fall membership meeting will be held in a couple weeks. We plan to start the evening with a short business meeting, followed immediately by our featured presentation. Dr. Stephen Friedman, a senior aviation medical examiner and commercial helicopter pilot, will talk about the importance of performing routine maintenance on the helicopter’s pilot. We hope you’ll join us at the Tewksbury Country Club on November 14. It promises to be a great night, and you won’t want to miss it!
Help Wanted The NEHC Newsletter is seeking a selfmotivated, well-organized and creative person to become the editor of the organization’s newsletter. Energy, enthusiasm and a passion for helicopters are a must. Please consider making a 2-year commitment to help your organization.
W. Gregory Harville President
Email your interest to:
info@nehc.org
Automatic Dependent Surveillance-Broadcast – A Primer What is ADS-B? According to the FAA, ADS-B is one of the most important underlying technologies in the agency’s plan to transform air traffic control from the current radar-based system to a satellite-based system. ADS-B will bring the precision and reliability of satellite-based surveillance to the nation’s skies. How does it work? ADS-B uses GPS signals along with aircraft avionics to transmit the aircraft’s location to ground receivers. Ground receivers then transmit that information to controller screens and cockpit displays on aircraft equipped with ADS-B avionics. What are the benefits of ADS-B? With ADS-B technology pilots will be able to see what controllers see: other aircraft in the sky around them. Pilots will also able to see – and avoid – bad weather and terrain, and receive flight information such as temporary flight restrictions. The improvement in situational awareness for pilots greatly increases safety.
The improved accuracy, integrity and reliability of satellite signals over radar means controllers will be able to safely reduce the mandatory separation between aircraft, thus increasing capacity in the nation’s skies. ADS-B also provides greater coverage, since ADS-B ground stations are easier to place than radar. Remote areas without radar coverage, like the Gulf of Mexico and parts of Alaska, are already covered by ADS-B. Relying on satellite signals instead of ground-based navigation aids also means aircraft fly more directly from Point A to Point B, saving time and money while reducing fuel burn. United Parcel Service voluntarily equipped approximately 100 of its aircraft with ADS-B avionics, knowing that it will recoup its investment by saving time and money on flights to and from its Louisville hub. ADS-B will also reduce the risk of runway incursions. Pilots and controllers will be able to see the precise location of aircraft and properly equipped ground vehicles moving on the ground – even at night or during heavy rainfall. Why adopt ADS-B? Radar technology dates back to World War II. Radar occasionally has problems discriminating airplanes from migratory birds and rain “clutter.” ADS-B, which receives data directly from transmitters rather than scanning for targets like radars, does not have a problem with clutter. Radars are also large structures that take up a lot of space, are expensive to deploy and (Continued on page 3)
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maintain, and require the FAA to lease the land upon which they are situated. ADS-B ground stations take up only 20 square feet, including the perimeter fence. Ground stations are the size of mini-refrigerators. Under the terms of its contract with ITT Corp., the company that is installing the ground stations, the FAA will only pay for ADS-B signals. The equipment will be owned and maintained by ITT. Who’s installing the ground stations? ITT Corporation was selected in August 2007 to be the prime contractor for the ADS-B ground stations. ITT will build, install and maintain the nationwide network. The FAA will pay “subscription charges” to the company, just as the agency today buys telecom services from telecommunications companies. This will reduce costs and give the agency greater flexibility. Under the terms of its contract, ITT must have ground stations in place to cover the entire nation by 2013. As the ADS-B infrastructure expands, companies are likely to use ADS-B capabilities to offer even more services to private pilots and airlines. What about aircraft avionics? In 2010, the FAA issued a final rule amending aviation regulations by adding equipage requirements and performance standards for Automatic Dependent Surveillance—Broadcast (ADS–B) Out avionics on aircraft operating in Classes A, B, and C airspace, as well as certain other specified classes of airspace within the U.S. National Airspace System (NAS). FAR 91.225 requires ADS-B out capability in most aircraft on January 1, 2020. Where is ADS-B being rolled out? ADS-B has been deployed at the following key sites: The Gulf of Mexico. Air traffic controllers at the Houston en route center are now able to separate aircraft tracked by radar and ADSB. This brings significant improvements in safety and efficiency since radar coverage does not extend beyond 200 miles over water. Louisville. The system is being used by controllers in the tower at Louisville International Airport and at the Louisville Terminal Radar Approach Control (TRACON) facility. Louisville was chosen as a key site in part because of UPS’ voluntarily participation in the program. Philadelphia. Controllers in the Philadelphia area now have the capability to use ADS-B to track and separate aircraft. ADS-B coverage in Philadelphia extends 60 nautical miles out from Philadelphia International Airport and approximately 10,000 feet up. It also covers the surface area and the approach corridors to the runways. Philadelphia was selected in part because UPS has equipped some of its aircraft with ADS-B and a large amount of their operations are conducted there. South Florida. General aviation aircraft equipped with ADS-B avionics now have weather and traffic information broadcast to the cockpit for free. For more information refer to: http://www.faa.gov/nextgen/implementation/ programs/adsb/ 3
David A . Jarratt (9/23/1926—3/21/2012) In memoriam - Our friend and colleague, David Arthur Jarratt, Lt. Colonel (US Army, Retired), was born in Green Castle, Indiana on 23 Sept 1936, the son of Howard and Ingebord (Larsen) Jarratt. He moved to Newton, MA in 1949 with his mother and sister, graduating from Newton High School in 1954 with honors and graduated from St. Olaf College in Northfield, MN with honors as a second lieutenant in the Air Force. Lieutenant Jarratt spend five years on active duty with the Air Force, earning his pilot's wings at Laredo AFB, Texas and completing advanced helicopter training at Stead AFB, Nevada. After spending nearly 2 years in Iceland as a helicopter pilot, he returned to the panhandle of Florida for 19 months as a rescue crew co-pilot in the Grumman Albatross, a twin-engine amphibian. During this assignment he often flew over the Caribbean in support of the Mercury Space Program and participating in the Cuban Crisis. David’s military service included flying with the National Guard in Texas and California. After spending five years in California, David returned to Massachusetts as the civilian supervisor of the Army Reserve Aviation Support Facility at Fort Devens. He remained there until retiring from military service in the Army of the United States as a Lt. Colonel and Master Army Aviator. He was also a proud member of the Screen Actor's Guild, a competitive marksman, and a published author. His singing took him to Michigan, Illinois and Florida for various concert and operetta performances and he performed with the Handel and Haydn Society at Symphony Hall in Boston, the Boston Lyric Opera, Opera Boston and Longwood Opera, among others. David is survived by his wife, June Lion-Jarratt; his daughters Justine Jarratt Chalman, Alicia Jarratt Wiggam and Faith Jarratt Rouse, their husbands and a number of grandchildren.
Helicopter Operating Budget—Useful Tips & Advice We are in the final months of 2012. For many of you, that means it’s time to make the budget for 2012. Budgeting is a very important tool for planning an organization’s use of its most limited resource cash. Managing the cash is critical for any business, or individual. Here are a couple tips. A budget is just an estimate of the future showing the peaks and valleys of cash flow. A budget can also serve as a benchmark for evaluating actual versus planned for expenses. Every organization must budget whether it goes through a formal or an informal process. Like any tool, used correctly it can be an asset in managing your aviation cash rather than a once-and-done exercise. The budget should be more than just filling a square for your upper management reporting. It is a very useful tool that can enable you to track the effectiveness of your aviation operation. It can also alert you to the future peaks in expenses, such as scheduled major maintenance or an aircraft upgrade. Planning for your maintenance may take the most time in your budget preparation. As part of your budgeting process, I’d like to offer three tips to help you get started. Tip 1. Ask for Information. This information flows two ways. Ask upper management about their intended aircraft usage for the next year, or ideally, several years. Will there be more or less flying, any new destinations, etc. If you (Continued on page 5)
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are budgeting any optional maintenance items or upgrades, ask if next year or the year after works better for the financial goals of the company. If you have a plan in place for the eventual replacement of the aircraft, that part of the budgeting process may well run out several years. Due to your company’s finances, they may wish to accelerate, or delay the aircraft replacement. Tip 2. Document Your Assumptions. Your budget is a best-estimate of the future costs for your aviation operation. There will be changes as you go through the year. By documenting your assumptions, it will refresh your memory when the actual costs do not equal what was predicted. If and when conditions change, these recorded assumptions will better guide you on revising the budget better than relying on your memory. Tip 3. Explain the Cyclical Nature of Maintenance Costs. These costs can occur in significant amounts (engine overhaul) and be unpredictable (unscheduled maintenance). These two behaviors of maintenance costs are often difficult for a non-aviation person understand. Financial professionals favor stable, predictable cash flows. You may not be able to change the behavior of your maintenance costs, but you can explain how the transmission overhaul expense took 2,500 hours over five years to accrue. Remember, most non-aviation people have automobile maintenance as their reference point. Let them in on the issues well before they occur. Budgeting a 75% increase in maintenance for next year may never go over well, but communication is key. As a bonus tip, try to visit with the person that you submit your budget to. Try to understand how your aviation budget fits in with the overall corporate budget. Help them to also understand the process that you went through to come up with the budget. Ask questions and ask for advice. By letting senior management know that you take the budget seriously, you will let them know that you have the organization’s best interests at heart. Budgeting is important to the health of your organization. However, to be truly useful, all parties involved need to understand the process. Best of luck to you! Contributed by:
David J. Wyndham Conklin & de Decker
david@conklindd.com
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SAFETY ALERT
FAA MEDXPRESS—Now Mandatory for pilots:
"Zip Lines" are popping up all around us and are pretty popular, so expect to see more. Most of the Zip Lines in northern New England are associated with a ski areas, Wildcat, Gunstock etc.
The Federal Aviation Administration’s MedXPress system now mandates that anyone requiring an FAA Medical Certificate or Student Pilot Medical Certificate to electronically complete their medical application (FAA Form 8500-8).
Woodstock, NH
I-93 North
Information entered into MedXPress will be available to your aviation medical examiner (AME) to review prior to and at the time of your medical examination, if you provide a confirmation number. REVIEW 1. Connect to MedXPress at https://medxpress.faa.gov. This one is not and if you did not know it was there and made a turn "off" the highway, you would be into it. These stretch across lower terrain so the Zip Lines are above the canopy. Make sure you know where this one is in North Woodstock, NH. If you fly up or down valleys in inclement weather, take these Zip Lines into consideration. The cable is very small diameter and just about invisible. Be careful out there!
2. Create an account or login using your existing account. 3. Enter medical application data. 4. Submit application. 5. Print summary sheet. 6. Give summary sheet with confirmation number to your AME. For more information: http://www.faa.gov/pilots/safety/pilotsafetybrochures/ media/medxpress.pdf
www.neam.org The New England Air Museum is owned and operated by the Connecticut Aeronautical Historical Association, a private, non-profit educational institution organized in 1959. Located at Bradley International Airport in Windsor Locks, the Museum is the largest aviation museum in New England. This educational organization is dedicated to preserving and presenting historically significant aircraft and related artifacts, engaging visitors through high-quality exhibits helping them to understand aviation technology and history, and inspiring students through innovative and hands-on educational programs. ## 6
Changes in the Aviation Insurance Market in 2012 As we entered 2012 many months ago, property insurance rates were starting to rise, commercial casualty and automobile insurance carriers were looking to do the same, and even aviation insurers were attempting to stabilize rates and premiums for everyone from aviation products manufacturers, corporate and commercial fleet operators and even pleasure and business aircraft owners. This attempt at stabilization was somewhat of a shock after the steady decline in premiums for almost 10 years!
Specialists in aerial application of dry and liquid materials, power line patrol, rooftop HVAC installation, concrete pouring and construction support, mountaintop radio antenna construction & maintenance, and forest fire fighting. JBI Helicopter Services is a Bell Helicopter Customer Service Facility for Bell 206B, 206L, 407 and the 427 model helicopters. FAA Repair Station # FTYR033E 720 Clough Mill Road, Pembroke, NH 03275 TEL: (603) 225-3134 FAX: (603) 224-9050
sales@jbihelicopters.com
Need A Lift? Call JBI Helicopter Services
This stabilization was a byproduct of sorts by some activity in 2010. Travelers Aviation closed US operations and Inter-Aero was purchased by Starr Aviation. Those reductions in market capacity were offset in 2011 by QBE and Swiss Re opening aviation underwriting operations in the US. Both of these carriers have extensive aviation experience, strong US leadership and underwriting capabilities, but the effects of this additional capacity was tempered somewhat by high value property and marine losses which impacted the re-insurance markets and, indirectly, the aviation insurance and all other insurance markets. Aviation insurance carriers have been trying for a long time to find a catalyst to at least stop the downward slide in rates. These continued premium reductions have been great for insurance buyers but, from a business model perspective, one has to wonder how an entity who knows that there will be a reasonably predictable level of annual losses (costs) vs a perpetually reduced revenue volume stay in business. Think of it this way: If you ran an aircraft charter operation and every year your maintenance, fuel and other operating costs rose by 5% and your revenue declined by 15%, how long would you be able to be a viable enterprise? However, regardless of whether or not the insurance industry defies traditional business logic, it does respond to traditional supply and demand influences, which leads me to developments in mid 2012. Recently, XL Aerospace opened an underwriting office in Boston (the first aviation insurance underwriting operation in the greater Boston area since USAIG closed their Wellesley office in the mid 1990s). The Boston office of XL Aerospace is headed by Doug Tibbs formerly with NationAir in Manchester, NH. Doug is a well known and highly respected presence in aviation insurance and is looking to enhance XL’s underwriting book. We wish him great success. More recently, Berkley Aviation, a Santa Barbara CA aviation insurer who has been around for more than a decade, has opened an underwriting office in NY City. (Continued on page 8)
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This east coast operation is headed by Lester Wenzel, another well known and highly respected figure in aviation insurance. We wish Les and Berkley success as well. The impact of these two new offices, even though they are just additional outlets of existing carriers, is almost as if two new carriers had entered the market: competition drives price reductions. It is important to remember that not all aviation insurance carriers are interested in writing all types of aviation operations. Some carFor More Information Contact riers specialize in OEMs, Airlines, satellites and spacecraft (i.e. high risk, high liability limit, high premium volume), some are Penny Bowman more interested in P&B operators (controllable exposure and highEAA106.Penny@.gmail.com. er customer volume) and almost all carriers want corporate operators. While many carriers will write coverage for rotor operators, the premium levels continue to be somewhat higher than for the fixed wing counterparts. Interested in experimental and homebuilt aircraft?
Underwriters continue to look for safety programs, robust initial and recurrent training (factory or factory certified when possible) and high quality operating standards and experience. This is completely understandable as all these factors help eliminate the possibility of an unforeseen incident or accident. In summary, 2012 continues to be a “soft market� year for aviation insurance, and the implication is that this will continue into 2013 as well. Irrespective of insurance rates or premiums, it is still in the best interest of NEHC members and all aviation operators to 1) keep your skills sharp through training, 2) ensure your aircraft is well maintained and Contributed by: in good working order before each flight and 3) know your capaDarryl Abbey bilities and limitations. These simple guidelines will help you, your broker and your underwriter be able to provide the best, Senior Vice President Integro Insurance Brokers most cost effective insurance coverage for you as part of your overall risk management plan. Darryl.Abbey@integrogroup.com
Football and TFRs! FAA Notice Number: NOTC3215 The FAA would like to remind pilots to check for Temporary Flight Restrictions (TFRs) now that the Division I and Professional Football Seasons have gotten into full swing. Blanket NOTAM 9/5151 is in place; however, due to the ever changing times and locations of games, it is impossible to publish anything more specific. Blanket NOTAM 9/5151 addresses the requirements for a TFR to be activated for sporting events, but it is incumbent upon the pilot to know if his/her flight route will be affected.
Granite State Aviation LLC Agusta A109E Power Elite Luxury Helicopter Charter Service
Flight Service can only refer pilots to the NOTAM since they have no way of knowing if games were delayed, in overtime, or cancelled. Air Traffic will ensure IFR flights are clear of TFR airspace, but VFR pilots are only advised on a time permitting basis, unless they ask.
Airspace.nifc.gov
Managed by Air Carrier FTYA033E
Provides TFR locations on a map and other important information for pilots.
For Charter Information 603-225-3134
JBI Helicopter Services
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NEHC Fall Membership Meeting Heavy hors d’oeuvres will be served. Complimentary beverages provided by American Eurocopter. Free admission for members and $10 fee for nonmembers, which is waived if you join NEHC on the night of the meeting.
Wednesday November 14, 2012 7:00 PM at the Tewksbury Country Club 1880 Main Street Tewksbury, MA 01876 (978) 640-0033
Anyone interested in flying into this meeting should contact Marc Ginsburg 978.640.0033 to make arrangements. Happy Flying!
Stephen Van Kirk Friedman, MD
Senior Aviation Medical Examiner and Commercial Pilot Take the ‘mystery’ out of the medical certification process. Whether you’re new to aviation or have been flying for most of your lifetime, your ability to keep flying depends on possessing an FAA Medical Certificate. Are you familiar with MedXPress? Did you know that you cannot apply for a medical certificate without using MedXPress after October 1, 2012? What are the vision requirements to fly? What do you need to know about EKG’s, Special Issuances, and Statements of Demonstrated Ability (SODA)? Can you fly while taking prescription or over-the-counter medication? Are you familiar with the requirement to report alcohol and substance abuse convictions to your aviation medical examiner? Please join us to learn about these and other subjects related to your ability to retain the ‘all-important’ aviation medical certificate.
About our Guest Speaker Dr. Friedman is a board certified emergency physician who also maintains an aviation medicine practice at Beverly Airport. He is a commercial helicopter and fixed wing pilot and is usually willing to trade helicopter time for medical exams.
Bell Helicopter BH-429—Static Display at Tewksbury The newest member of the Bell Helicopter family is a superior aircraft that’s adaptable to all missions around the globe. Pratt & Whitney turbine engines with digital fuel controls assure maximum fuel efficiency and Category “A” performance in all conditions. The 429 features include luxurious corporate seating, glass cockpit with Bell’s BasiX-Pro, single pilot IFR, Integrated Avionics System, and is supported by the industry’s #1 ranked customer support and services. Please join us and tour this incredible helicopter. On static display 3:00 PM until 5:00 PM For more information please contact:
Jeanette Eaton (jeaton@bh.com) Subject to weather conditions—please check www.nehc.org for current information about the static display schedule.
In addition, Bill Carroll will host, “Back-To-Our-Roots”. This is an interactive discussion to identify and propose solutions to solve local hazards, safety issues, ATC concerns, or other such problems that may affect NEHC members. We look forward to your participation in this discussion. 9
Helicopter Puzzles Mystery Helicopter Can you identify this aircraft? The first person to correctly identify this aircraft will win a coveted NEHC ball cap, as well as important bragging rights. Please tell us who built the aircraft and something about its history. Answers can be submitted online at info@nehc.org or drop us a note addressed to: New England Helicopter Council 70 E. Falmouth Hwy, Suite 3 East Falmouth, MA 02536 Helicopter pilots and mechanics have a strange relationship. It’s symbiotic because one job depends on the other. The relationship is also adversarial since one’s job is to provide the helicopter with loving care and the other’s is to provide the wear and tear. Definitions Alternate airport: The area directly beyond the heliport when the engine quits on takeoff. Bank: The folks who hold the mortgage on your helicopter. Dead reckoning: You recon correctly or you might be. . . Walk around: What you do when waiting for the weather to clear.
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Take the HAI Rotor Safety Challenge at HELI-EXPO 2013 In March, at HELI-EXPO 2013 in Las Vegas, Helicopter Association International (HAI) will premiere a new safety education initiative called the HAI Rotor Safety Challenge. This program, developed in coordination with the HAI Safety Committee, will include safety events, forums, and short courses, conveniently scheduled on show days March 5 through 6. HAI created the Rotor Safety Challenge as part of the association’s continued efforts to enhance safety performance in worldwide helicopter operations. In addition to the main safety events HAI offers each year at HELI-EXPO, including the Safety Symposium, Safety Committee Town Hall, Safety Directors Forum, and International Helicopter Safety Team (IHST) workshops, the Rotor Safety Challenge will include more than 30 short courses on different safety topics that are free and open to all HELI-EXPO attendees. At each HAI Rotor Safety Challenge session, attendees will have the opportunity to learn important safety concepts and skills and discuss safety challenges facing the international helicopter community. Whether a pilot, maintenance technician, safety officer, manager or serving in any role in the helicopter industry, this program will provide you with safety tools, techniques and practical applications specific to your job. 60-minute short courses will be offered in four different safety tracks: Flight Operations Maintenance/Technical Issues Safety Culture/Leadership Safety Management Rotor Safety Challenge highlights for 2013 include Understanding TFR’s and NextGen, Human Factors: Your Role in Accident Prevention, Strategies for Fatigue Management, Why SMS in Maintenance? Workshop, SMS for Small Fleet or Private Operators, The Business Case for Safety, and Scenario Based Training for Pilot Decision Making. HELI-EXPO attendees can choose to attend the HAI Rotor Safety Challenge sessions a la carte or “take the challenge” and attend at least six sessions. Those who successfully “take the challenge” will receive a certificate of completion. Professional development credit toward the FAA’s Wings or AMT programs will also be offered for each session for those who register in advance. Start planning to take the HAI Rotor Safety Challenge at HELI-EXPO 2013 now! For more information visit rotor.com or contact HAI at 703.683.4646 or at education@rotor.com.
MEDICAL FACTS FOR PILOTS Need more information about your aviation medical? Refer to:
Publication AAM-300-12/1 FAA Aerospace Institute Medical Certification Div. P.O Box 25082 Oklahoma City, OK 73125 11
New York City—The “Long Island North Shore” Route On August 6, the North Shore Route became mandatory for all helicopters transiting along the north shore of Long Island. The FAA mandate requires pilots to maintain an altitude of at least 2,500 feet while over land and 3,000 feet during the offshore transit. The FAA has created a training video describing the route, altitudes and exceptions to the rule. The video (www.faa.gov/tv/?mediaId=530) is available on the FAASTeam website (www.faasafety.gov). For more information please also visit: http://www.faa.gov/regulations_policies/rulemaking/media/NYNShoreHelicopterFinalRule.pdf
Aircraft Re-Registration Reminder The next deadline is for aircraft registered in November of any year. Unless your aircraft registration has an expiration date, the registration expires on March 31,2013. For more information please refer to Aircraft Registration on the Licenses & Certificates Tab @
www.faa.gov
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Cars n Copters 2012 Sensory overload. That’s about the only way to describe the 4th Annual Cars & Copters event at Plymouth Municipal Airport in Plymouth, MA. While the Eurocopter EC155 demonstrator stole the show on the helicopter side, with more than 1800 special interest cars in attendance, there was more automotive hardware to see than my brain could process. This is an open event so there were race cars, exotic cars, muscle cars, tuner cars, custom cars, luxury cars & sports cars. We had 14 helicopters on static display, including a brand new EC135 from the Massachusetts State Police Air Wing, and when they opened the sliding door it exuded that wonderful new aircraft smell. We would have had 15 helicopters, but our Heliops EC120B is currently working ferrying construction works up and down a 3,500 foot mountain daily for a couple of weeks. The majority of the rest of the helicopters were from Bell & Robinson and two of the Robinson R44’s were doing short rides to Plymouth Harbor (where the Pilgrims landed in 1620) and back for a $50 donation. What would the Pilgrims have thought about our cars & helicopters? Cars & Copters has become an annual mid-September event since its first year in 2009 when we had about 400 cars and 6-7 helicopters show up. It got its start when Chris Benvie decided to take his special girl for a helicopter flight and I was their Heliops EC120B pilot. When we returned I noticed Chris’ car was a Ford Mustang that did not look at all stock ….. so we started talking cars. I told Chris I had been a Porsche Club member and had organized a helicopter event for the Porsche Club Northeast Region for about 50 members. At that event we did rides but also introductory flight lessons and had 3 different helicopters on site along with mechanics & pilots to answer questions. Motor-heads of a different sort, but motor-heads just the same. Chris told me about the Cars & Coffee events that had started in California and that he had been involved with here in Massachusetts. It is obvious it popped into both of our heads simultaneously that we should combine the two and the result was Cars & Copters ……. What could possibly be more fun? Yeah, OK, so we invited some sexy girls, too. I believe they call them “models”. Cars & Copters is a fundraising event with proceeds going to Dana Farber’s Jimmy Fund. Money for the event is raised through parking donations, a golf ball drop, helicopter rides, an auction and on-site vendor donations. Please contact Wes Verkaart if you would like to be involved in next year’s event.
Contributed by:
For More Information about:
Attention—Military Aviators A number of NEHC members are current, or former, military helicopter pilots. We want YOU to be a member, too. Please join us at the membership meeting on November 14. Identify yourself as a military aviator and be our complimentary guest. 13
The Jimmy Fund http://www.jimmyfund.org/
Wes Verkaart (617) 571-6117 wverk@verizon.net
The X3 - U.S. Tour 2012 The U.S. tour of Eurocopter’s X3 was a tremendous success. From the launch event in Texas to the customer visits and demonstrations, all signs point to a bright future for the X3 and the benefits this technology would provide for a variety of missions and industries. Eurocopter’s X3 program team did a fantastic job on this program. They brought it from concept to first flight in just over two years. This is very impressive and not only highlights Eurocopter’s commitment to the X3 program, but also its mastery over rotorcraft design and technology. The launch event in Texas was spectacular. Opening speeches were given by Marc Paganini, Dr. Lutz Bertling, HAI President Matt Zuccaro and Texas Lt. Governor David Dewhurst. There were more than 1,000 people in attendance, and you could feel the anticipation as this was the first demonstration of X3 outside of Europe. The X3 was preceded by several customer aircraft, including current and legacy aircraft. When it arrived, the X3 was escorted by an Alouette. As it passed the crowd, the X3 gave everyone a glimpse of its speed as it accelerated and, within seconds, disappeared into the horizon. The X3 performed like a champ and showcased its excellent flight qualities, maneuverability and outstanding acceleration and deceleration, as well as exceptional climb and descent rates. After witnessing the flight demonstration and seeing the reaction of customers who flew in the aircraft, you can get a feel for how impressive the performance is and how much potential this aircraft has. After the aircraft left Grand Prairie for its U.S. tour, it visited the Redstone Army Arsenal in Alabama; Fort Bragg in North Carolina; Manassas Regional Airport in Virginia; and military installations in Washington, D.C. Members of the military were as impressed with the performance and potential of the X3 as were our civil and parapublic customers. The X3 program is a great example of Eurocopter’s focus on innovation. In a press release for the launch of the U.S. Tour, Dr. Bertling said, “We have a very ambitious innovation strategy leading to the first flight of a new helicopter, a new version or a new technology demonstrator every year. Innovation is not just a buzzword, it’s a way of life at Eurocopter,” he explained. “With the ingenious design and unparalleled technology of our X3 demonstrator, we are well positioned to bring this type of helicopter to the market in the next 10 years.” The X3 U.S. Tour 2012 allowed Eurocopter to display one of its most innovative programs and demonstrate the potential of this hybrid technology to customers throughout the United States. We will hear more about the X3 and its technology in the coming months and years. Contributed by:
Kristopher Desoto NE Regional Marketing Manager American Eurocopter
Kristopher.Desoto@eurocopterusa.com 14
Airman Medical Certification — A Quiz Test your knowledge about aviation medical certification requirements. You already know that you cannot fly without a medical certificate issued by an approved Aviation Medical Examiner but, how well do you really know the rules? Answers to the questions in this quiz can be found in FAR 61 and FAR 67. Web addresses for these various references are listed at the end of the quiz. Have fun! 1. When taking a practical test in a helicopter for an airline transport pilot certificate, you must hold at least which class medical certificate?
A. B. C. D.
First-class medical. Second-class medical. Third-class medical. No medical certificate is required to take a practical test. You only need a medical certificate to exercise pilot-in-command privileges.
2. Which of the following operations does not require a medical certificate?
A. B. C. D.
Answers and 6 more ‘Medicals’ questions are posted on the NEHC Website. www.nehc.org
Student pilots in training. When exercising the privileges of a flight instructor. When flying gliders. When exercising the privileges of a ground instructor.
3. Which statement correctly describes the eye standards for a second-class medical certificate?
A. B. C. D.
Distant vision 20/40 without corrective lenses. The ability to see colors necessary for the safe performance of airman duties. Near vision 20/20 or better, with or without corrective lenses. Near vision 20/60 or better without corrective lenses, corrected to 20/20.
4. Which statement is correct regarding the electrocardiographic (EKG) examination required for a first-class medical certificate application?
A. An EKG is required for each application for a first-class medical certificate. B. An EKG is required on an annual basis after reaching the 35th birthday. C. An EKG is required on an annual basis after reaching the 40th birthday. D. An EKG is required at the first application for a first-class medical certificate after reaching the 35th birthday and on an annual basis after reaching the 40th birthday. Congratulations to Boston MedFlight for a job well done! Their 50,000th patient was transported in October 2012.
Open Invitation to All Helicopter Flight Schools and Flight Instructors Join the New England Helicopter Council and help grow our helicopter community. Join us at the membership meeting on November 14. Identify yourself as a CFI-H and be our complimentary guest. 15
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70 E Falmouth Hwy Ste. 3 East Falmouth, MA 02536 THE NEHC ORGANIZATION Board of Directors
Officers
Industry Members Director Designees
Affiliate & Operator Member Director Designees
Paul M. Montrone Chairman
Greg Harville President
AgustaWestland Chris Sirkis
Aero Club of New England Deirdre O’Connor
Bill Carroll Vice President
American Eurocopter Scott Dodge
Boston MedFlight Suzanne Wedel
Wes Verkaart Vice President
Bell Helicopter Textron Jeanette Eaton
Friends of Flying Santa Brian Tague
Christian Valle Treasurer
MD Helicopter Corp Robert Heinrich
Fredric Boswell Rob Finlay Greg Harville Bob Jesurum Joe Miara Rob Smith Christian Valle
Deirdre O’Conner Secretary Operator Members
Aerial Productions, LLC AirSure Limited Avtrak, LLC Boston Executive Helicopters, LLC Cannon Aviation Group Inc. Conklin & de Decker Granite State Aviation LLC Integro Insurance Brokers
JBI Helicopter Services Massachusetts State Police Air Wing NationAir Aviation Insurance Now City Tours, Inc. Port City Air, Inc./NH Helicopters Sharkey’s Helicopters, Inc. United Technologies Corporation
Affiliate Members EAA-106 Helicopter Association International New England Air Museum Tewksbury Country Club