Pilot Texting A Factor In Deadly Copter Crash

[Kip Powick]

Washington (CNN) -- James Freudenberg had a reputation as a safety-conscious helicopter pilot.

But when he prepared for a medical flight in August of 2011 -- while simultaneously engaging in a private text conversation -- he set into motion events................................................

http://edition.cnn.com/2013/04/09/us/pilot-texting-ntsb/index.html

[AME]

His actions could re-write the rules on when pilots can send private messages or make personal phone calls

You can't regulate stupid

[boestar]

Distraction can come in many forms. When I was doing a Cross Country Trip from my flying club many years ago I learned this lesson. I had a specific plane booked for the flight specifically because it had the longer range tanks in it. My plans were made accordingly. During my preflight preparation I was engaged in conversation and a third party (instructor) asked if he could swap planes with me. I said it wasnt a problem and carried on my conversation and went on my way to the plane. The fact that the aircraft I was departing in had regular tanks never dawned on me until I was 3/4 of the way through the flight and looked at my fuel guages. Sphincter pucker factor 10 set in as the nearest airport at this point was my destination. Careful fuel management from that point got me on the ground with one tank empty and a mere fart in the other one. That one distraction at a critical time caused a decision to be made that could have resulted in a forced landing with an unknown outcome. I have never made that mistake again. Fortunately, at the time, I had under 100 hours and had not developed ingrained bad habits and was able to alter my ways.

Distraction in any form be it text, phone, or simply talking can be a dangerous thing.

[Kip Powick]

boestar...PM sent your way.

[boestar]

Thanks Kip