Author: Randy Sharkey
Safety Check: Hello Dolly
Moving a helicopter after it shuts down can be a cumbersome task, which a helicopter dolly can help simplify, turning it into a one-person job. I frequently utilize an old dolly the Indiana State Police left behind at Goshen Municipal more than 20 years ago. But just because a dolly or moveable platform is available… Read more »
Safety Check: It’s Time for Some Campaigning
This month saw Hoosier voters head to the polls for Indiana’s primary election season. With both parties’ candidates virtually locked in, we can expect the 2024 general election campaigns to shift into high gear, and with that, an increase in temporary flight restrictions (TFRs) across the campaign trail. You’ll remember, that in last month’s newsletter, we… Read more »
Safety Check: Play Ball and Fly Safe
The 2024 Major League Baseball is here! Even if you’re not an avid fan of America’s pastime, if you plan to fly through a major U.S. city, you need to be aware of what are called Sporting Event Temporary Flight Restrictions (TFRs). There are actually eight types of TFRs within the National Airspace System, but… Read more »
Safety Check: The Magic Number for Senior Insurance
It’s always hard for me to see a long-time Enstrom dealer close their business. I recently discovered the reason behind one such closure, and I couldn’t help but wonder, could this have ended differently? The owner had run a successful helicopter operation for many years, maintained a solid relationship with the FAA, and appeared to… Read more »
Safety Check – Surviving an IIMC Event
I recently observed one of my friends, a fellow CFII, helping a pilot perform multiple instrument approaches. For the purposes of this article, I’ll call the pilot “George” and the instructor “Sam.” Sam informed me George had faced a very scary experience the previous week after encountering inadvertent entry into instrument meteorological conditions (IIMC). George… Read more »
Safety Check: Ignoring Safety Puts You on Santa’s Naughty List
Santa fly-ins have become increasingly popular these days. Enstrom just flew Santa to a children’s breakfast in Menominee and our friends at Sweet Helicopters down in Fort Wayne chartered Santa from Indy Metro Airport to the Indiana State Museum. If you’re ever assigned to flying Santa Claus, be sure to double check your helicopter’s weight… Read more »
Safety Check: The lines you don’t cross
Here’s a question for you: what does the red and white crosshatched line (solid blue on older models) mean on your Enstrom’s airspeed indicator? I swear it’s not a trick question, but it often seems to trip up aspiring pilots during a check ride’s oral questioning. “Oh, that’s an easy one,” one student said. “It’s… Read more »
Safety Check: Stayin’ Alive with Precautionary Landings
84 years ago, in September of 1939, Igor Sikorsky lifted off in a VS-300, the world’s first practical helicopter, for an entire ten seconds in Stratford, Connecticut. Since then, helicopter manufacturers, like Enstrom Helicopter Corporation, have invested in new technology to make rotorcraft safer. However, no helicopter is 100% crash-proof. Former HAI president, the late… Read more »
Safety Check: Summer Flying Tips
As I type this month’s Safety Check, I can hear a group of local pilots discussing their plans to fly to AirVenture in Oshkosh, WI. Organizers expect more than 10,000 aircraft to be there. We’re expecting good flying weather, but the hot summer air can still pose a few challenges. Here are a few tips… Read more »
Upcoming Events
EAA AirVenture Oshkosh
07/22/2024 — Sun., 07/28/2024Location: Oshkosh/Nekimi, Wisconsin
Only in Oshkosh will you live seven straight days of world-class aerobatics, history coming alive through airplanes from all eras of flight filling the skies, fun into the night, camaraderie with fellow aviation enthusiasts, and much, much more.
Event Details
Enstrom Maintenance Course, Piston
09/23/2024 — Fri., 09/27/2024Cost: $1,400 Per Person
Location: Menominee, Michigan, USA
Enstrom offers maintenance courses to educate pilots and ground crew. They are I.A. Renewal Accredited.
Event Details
Enstrom Maintenance Course, Turbine
09/30/2024 — Fri., 10/04/2024Cost: $1,400 Per Person
Location: Menominee, Michigan, USA
Enstrom offers maintenance courses to educate pilots and ground crew. They are I.A. Renewal Accredited.
Event Details