Kramer

I was an apprentice of Blake's, and I will say he was one of the most influential engineers that I ever worked for and learned from. I will always remember the knowledge and the stories that he shared with me, along with the laughs and the beers. I hoisted a Kokanee in his memory on learning of his tragic death; and I know that many of the VIH boys did the same. You are missed Blake. My condolences extend to your family and friends, and the many pilots and engineers that remember you fondly. Your passing is a great loss to this industry. Scott Clark

Heresy. You obviously just didn't know where to look; or have an issue with getting stabbed.

Feliks, you the same guy that posts on Pirate4x4?

I won't say much, but how about this... Check your alternator air door actuator BEFORE you leave the hangar. They're a bit of a PITA to replace, and you are AOG if it winds up in the book (uh-oh, I just said that).

The AS350 has DI requirements, they're in the PRE as "ALF" items (after last flight). Regardless, if it is required by your employer; you have to do it.

What are their actual requirements for 212 engineers? I'd heard 5 years on type. That rules a lot of guys out. And do they accept a TC recognized 212 course, or is a Bell one the only thing that will do? Not looking to go, I'm in a moral commitment with my current employer, but I'm curious.

They weren't doing it the last time I saw her, not sure if it was in the plans. Looks like the Eurocopter course is the only one on the list, either way. It doesn't really matter, it's all curiosity, my employer doesn't have any Twinstars.

Besides the electrical, were they any more of a nightmare than any other twin? I think that an operator would be a fool not to do one of the available STCs to rewire them... Is the differences course offered by anyone other than Eurocopter? Thanks.

Is there an actual AS355 type course, or would I be good to go with my AS350 course and the appropriate engine course? Are they really as much of a nightmare as people make them out to be?

Maybe the spindle nut failed and they issued an AD on the subject the next day. It might be the design engineers, rather than the maintenance engineers.

I'd assume cost. Why put $400K into something that you can sell for $250K? I don't think many people are rebuilding their smashed up jetboxes anymore... The place I work has no interest in it, at the very least. They will go the way of the 47... Museum pieces and high priced toys...

Here's hoping for the fate of the crew

Sure, if the MPM of the AMO you work for indicates that it is acceptable. Otherwise, no, it is not.

I bet they have a 100HR pilot for that.

That thing has IMPRESSIVE amounts of downwash. Probably even worse than a Kamov.