RUAG Aviation flight test pilots
applied their significant knowledge and experience in helicopter Maintenance
Check Flights (MCF) to train fellow Swiss pilots and other interested parties in
the first-ever training of its kind in Switzerland.
The theory-based courses are offered
by RUAG to prepare flight crews and technical personnel for the introduction of
MCF regulations by the European Aviation Safety Agency (EASA), expected in 2019.
Instruction took place at the RUAG Aviation Helicopter Competency Center in
Alpnach, Switzerland, on 24 April 2018. Several courses are scheduled throughout
2018.
“Maintenance Check Flights
are a critical aspect of the safety process for all aircraft. As a Center of
Excellence in this specific area, we have considerable expertise and resources
to contribute,” said Heinz Scholl,
Senior Vice President Military Aviation, RUAG Aviation. “We are proud to support
our Swiss colleagues to ensure further safety and accuracy going forward.”
The RUAG instructors and their
helicopter training courses are supported by the Swiss aviation authorities.
“Together, we are dedicated to reducing risk factors by promoting meaningful
crew education," said Scholl.
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Maintenance Check Flight
for all types of helicopter missions. |
Meant to test functions which can
only be checked during actual flight, Maintenance Check Flights are regularly
required by aircraft original equipment manufacturers (OEM), Continuing
Airworthiness Management Organizations (CAMO) and maintenance support providers
throughout the aircraft’s service life. As of 2019 EASA will introduce
regulations for MCF set to confirm safety guidelines, clearly define pilot
requirements and apply stringent procedures to the testing process for
helicopters and other complex platforms.
“The Maintenance Check
Flights course offered by RUAG provides an excellent structure for performing
maintenance flights,” explains MCF course participant,
Jonathan Volorio,
Pilot, Geneva University Hospital (HUG). “RUAG Aviation flight test pilots gave
us excellent advice and instruction covering the topics of preparation, risk
analysis, briefings and collaboration between the different teams working in and
around the helicopter, as well as debriefings. They also used excellent teaching
aids. It was a very pleasant day with a good exchange with pilots and mechanics
from all over Switzerland.”
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Centre of Excellence -
Helicopters. |
Maintenance Check Flights are
routine for maintenance organizations like RUAG, although for most pilots, MCF
only take place periodically. The RUAG flight test pilot instructors took this
into account when preparing the course.
“Until now, preparation for
helicopter MCF activities has been largely reliant on advice and the exchange of
information, from colleague to colleague. The formalization by EASA and our
recognized competency to offer these courses all combine to improve the
situation greatly, reduce risk, increase quality and enhance pilot confidence,”
said Beat Furrer,
Factory Flight Test Pilot, RUAG Aviation, course instructor and author of
'The Handbook of Helicopter Maintenance Check Flights', provided as course
documentation.
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Helicopter MRO services
require Maintenance Check Flights. |
RUAG provides further support as
course participants have the option to extend their knowledge with a practical
helicopter training, upon completion of the theory-based instruction.
RUAG Aviation proves a unique
heritage and thorough experience in helicopter and aircraft maintenance, repair
and overhaul (MRO) services for the Swiss Armed Forces, as well as numerous
other international air forces. This affords RUAG optimal conditions for
developing and sustaining the Center of Excellence for MCF. |