Random Griz Aviation Musings

[Griz882]

It appears that in a few weeks Maryland will be the only state in the U.S. without an Air National Guard flying unit.

https://www.washingtonpost.com/dc-md-va/2025/03/28/maryland-fighter-jets-rfk/

But maybe the area doesn’t need anymore jet traffic!

Delta plane, Air Force jet nearly crash at DC airport— just 2 months after midair collision killed 67

The Delta aircraft received an “onboard alert” that another aircraft was nearby, and air traffic controllers issued corrective instructions to both aircraft, according to the FAA.

nypost.com

 

[Gatordev]

Of interest (to me) is the HGU-56/p helmet configuration:
OPS-CORE side rails

Just for you, Chuck... The other night it was BUSY at one of the major hospitals with 5 aircraft all there at the same time at one point. Here's a pic one of the crew took while they were goofing off waiting for all the helos to come back from getting fuel. You can see one of the sister programs recently bought some new -56s, complete with the ARC rails.

 

[ChuckMK23]

I'm in Grand Rapids, MI this week at the Western Michigan Aviation Academy, and one of the staff is a former Marine Hornet dude with an impressive patch collection

Clearly evidence that at one time Marine Hornet dudes went to the boat!

 

[ChuckMK23]

Who knew @HuggyU2 ate so well!!!!

 

[ChuckMK23]

Just for you, Chuck... The other night it was BUSY at one of the major hospitals with 5 aircraft all there at the same time at one point. Here's a pic one of the crew took while they were goofing off waiting for all the helos to come back from getting fuel. You can see one of the sister programs recently bought some new -56s, complete with the ARC rails.

View attachment 42283

@Gatordev a lot of Alpha helmets there - does it dominate in EMS right now?

 

[Gatordev]

They're all from the same program, that's why there are so many. All of the med crews from that program have them because they're purchased by the hospital. From what I see, non-hybrid programs still stick with the SPH-5. Since the big-3 companies all have their own ALSE shops, that makes sense.

Those helmets are actually MSA Gallets. They're lightweight and the visor design seems decent, to include the ability to wear a clear visor with NVGs, if that's your thing. But the crews have mixed reactions and they don't seem to fit great with NVGs on. I notice a lot (like at least 3 of 7 at my base) of people are wearing foamies with them, as well. I'm not sure how much of that is preventative or reactionary.

 

[ChuckMK23]

Bell 206L4 in-flight break up /crash in NYC Hudson River.

Tragic.

Mast bumping?

https://twitter.com/i/web/status/1910434445363912819

 

[Griz882]

Bell 206L4 in-flight break up /crash in NYC Hudson River.

Tragic.

Mast bumping?

https://twitter.com/i/web/status/1910434445363912819

It looks like it might be. Not all that common in a Jet Ranger. Is the L4 more prone?

 

[hscs]

It looks more like the tail boom is gone, but I could be mistaken.

 

[Griz882]

It looks more like the tail boom is gone, but I could be mistaken.

You are correct. I saw it on the news, the tail boom actually floated to the water.

 

[ChuckMK23]

Tail Boom strikes in the Long Ranger are a thing - and associated with (inappropriate) large abrupt control inputs. There is a history.

 

[ChuckMK23]

 

[ChuckMK23]

It appears the XMSN was still attached to the rotor system when the fuselage separated from the whole rotor system. This is frightening.

On par with the Super Puma airframe , rotor, XMSN in-flight separation mishap that grounded the fleet for years.

 

[Randy Daytona]

It appears the XMSN was still attached to the rotor system when the fuselage separated from the whole rotor system. This is frightening.

On par with the Super Puma airframe , rotor, XMSN in-flight separation mishap that grounded the fleet for years.

The SuperPuma crashes, as well as the CH-53E crashes of the 90’s, were all caused by bad bearings. If the transmission is still attached, makes me wonder if this was a structural failure of the A-frame attachment or corrosion?

 

[IKE]

It appears the XMSN was still attached to the rotor system when the fuselage separated from the whole rotor system. This is frightening.

On par with the Super Puma airframe , rotor, XMSN in-flight separation mishap that grounded the fleet for years.

Damnit, Chuck. If Ward Carroll makes even a penny from me having clicked that link before realizing it was him, I refuse to follow your links any more.