We look at what weather-reporting tools are available to predict and identify instrument meteorological conditions. By Ed Brotak | May 25, 2021
Estimated reading time 11 minutes, 17 seconds.
Inadvertent or unintentional flight into instrument meteorological conditions (IMC) continues to be a significant cause of fatal helicopter accidents. The crash that killed Kobe Bryant and eight others in January 2020 took place after their helicopter entered clouds during a visual flight rules (VFR) flight. According to the National Transportation Safety Board’s final report on the crash, the pilot succumbed to spatial disorientation and lost control of the helicopter.
Another high-profile accident resulting from inadvertent entry into IMC took place on Feb. 2, 2021. On this occasion, an Idaho National Guard helicopter inadvertently entered clouds in mountainous terrain at night. It flew into the side of a mountain just 14 seconds later, killing all three on board.
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Sharing the Experience: @iflyheli’s new Airbus H130
York Galland has become one of the most recognizable faces of the helicopter industry
through his @iflyheli Instagram account. In February, a new presence appeared in his photos and videos a heavily-customized Airbus H130. By Oliver Johnson and Mike Reyno | April 28, 2021
Estimated reading time
Photos by Mike Reyno
As York Galland lifted off from EuroTec’s Millgrove, Ontario, facility on a freezing February morning, he was doing so in one of the most heavily-customized and high-tech Airbus H130s ever flown.
York Galland has built up a loyal audience on Instagram, with over 100,000 people following his adventures on his @iflyheli account.