New Memo

[WTF]

Straight from the CP.

Does this indicate that the CHL 212 accident may have been CFIT?

RIP.

 

"With winter rapidly approaching, this is a good time for all Multi Engine Pilots to review the Company’s published Low Visibility Take-off procedures. These procedures are detailed in SOP GEN 1.21.0 for Low Visibility and Black Holes and in SOP SK76 2.4.6 for SK76 Black Hole Departures.

 

Both of these procedures are considered risk management procedures. They are employed to reduce the risk of a Controlled Flight Into Terrain (CFIT) accident by maximizing altitude over distance traveled. When departing with little or no forward visibility during flat or low light conditions or from Black holes, statistics indicate that there is a greater risk of colliding with an object or the ground than there is of having an engine failure.

These Low Visibility / Black Hole take-offs require the Pilot Flying (PF) to fly away based solely on the flight instruments.

As with all low visibility and/or night take-offs it is important that the take-off profile used ensures a positive rate of climb at all times. In order to accomplish this it is important that both Pilots ensure that the climb is continuous during the takeoff. As per the SOP, the Pilot Not Flying (PNF) shall call “Positive rate of climb” by referencing the Altimeter, Radar Altimeter and Vertical Speed Indicator as soon as possible after the take-off is initiated. If there are no indications of a positive rate of climb, the PNF shall call “Negative climb, pull power”. The PF must immediately increase power to establish a positive rate of climb. The PNF may assist the Pilot Flying by helping to increase the collective.

Any deviation from normal Take-off parameters i.e. heading, airspeed, rate of climb or unusual attitudes should be called and corrective action suggested. An example would be “You’re in a right turn, maintain heading 150” or “You’re rolling to the left. Level your wings”

Take the time now to review the Low Visibility / Black Hole take-off procedures. Review the various take-off briefings and use them. Plan for the unexpected. Before lift-off, have you discussed what you as a crew are going to do in the event of an emergency? By discussing “the plan” in advance you can significantly increase the successful conclusion of an emergency such as an engine failure at the worst time, the loss of the Pilots’ ADI or the inadvertent entry into IMC. The intent above is not to dwell on the negative side of this business but rather to recognize that emergency’s seldom give warnings and by being mentally prepared can reduce your reaction time and increase the positive outcome of an un-expected occurrence.

 

Treat the Black Hole / Low Visibility departure profile as one of the most demanding and challenging events of your flight. Strict compliance with Company procedures is mandatory. This is what CFIT prevention training is all about!"