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Re: [RC] Another helicopter crash - Elizabeth ChaseYes, I think they are mostly too small, and/or they try to carry too much weight. The medical helicopters I've seen try to smush an entire emergency room inside. One consideration for a smaller craft, though, is rotor blade length. I honestly don't know the stats on the BlackHawk and Huey helicopters, but properly maintained, they're tougher than nails. I've flown in some Hueys that have been in service since the 60's..... I gotta say that I don't trust any helicopter pilot who does not have medevac experience, so these days I try to stay out of helicopters. Civilian training just does equate. Just my opinion, Liz MN --- Sky Ranch <skyranch@xxxxxxxx> wrote: Last year there was a fatal helicopter crash in the mountains near here. Three people were killed, the pilot and two flight nurses. There was much speculation locally, among the first responders, that the rescue helicopters routinely used are too small and are NOT rated for high altitude especially with extra weight. Now, this could certainly simply be gossip, I am making no claims that this is true. In this case, the helicopter crashed just before landing to pick up an injured logger, at around 9700 ft elevation, in full view of everyone at the site. There is one statement in the article that is quite startling to me: "Approximately 650 helicopter ambulances that respond to emergencies operate in the United States, according to the Association of Air Medical Services, a group that represents the industry. Eighty-three have crashed since 2000, killing 66 people." That sounds really high to me, statistically. Here's the link to the full article: http://durangoherald.com/asp-bin/article_generation.asp?article_type=news&article_path=/news/06/news061202_1.htm Carla Richardson Colorado ____________________________________________________________________________________ Do you Yahoo!? Everyone is raving about the all-new Yahoo! Mail beta. http://new.mail.yahoo.com =-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-= Ridecamp is a service of Endurance Net, http://www.endurance.net. Information, Policy, Disclaimer: http://www.endurance.net/Ridecamp Subscribe/Unsubscribe http://www.endurance.net/ridecamp/logon.asp Ride Long and Ride Safe!! =-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=
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