12th Annual Central Alabama Helicopter Fly-In

[WillJames]

What is tether work?

[wolfdad]

Will,
It's when we do with full size helicopters what we tell everyone else not to do......tie them down.

Some performance characteristics, specifically engine/transmission, airframe and associated equipment can only be gotten, most of the time on the max end, by "tethering" the helo to a very reinforced ground point, then doing things like pulling max collective to find out what the max points in the aircraft's performance envelope are.

When I made mention of "elevator rides," any tethered work is done with absolutely maximum safety in mind, both from an equipment and personnel standpoint, however I have seen tethers break and when you are pulling all the collective one of these beasts can pull, it is definitely an "E ticket" ride...that is, until the pilot can get a handle on the situation (pun intended). Also, have to be concerned about a "belly-slap" from the broken tether.

Since a helicopter will probably never be strained to this degree in "normal" useage, it is imperative for the "testers (what both Nolan and I do for a living)" to determine the max "envelope points" for the aircraft.

BTW, we also do what we call "envelope expansion" flights all the time (not necessarily tethered flights....kind of rare for those to happen). Either as a newly acquired aircraft, newly equipped aircraft (new system installed) or because of a "fleet operator" request for broader/untried aircraft capabilities, we will do "envelope expansion" flights so the operators know the limits of operational capability. In fact, due to some new situations in the middle east, we just completed new landing wind "envelope expansion" flights on an older aircraft, so they could operate under a wider spectrum of conditions.

A bit of a verbose answer, however, as "testers," I think I can speak for Nolan and say that we are very proud of what we do.
Doc

[tnreefguy]

Now thats a cool job.

[Greg Alderman]

Hey Doc and Nolan....is this what you do?

the link below is info and video of a CH-47 that had "uncommanded" flight control inputs during a ferry flight which ended up with the 47 doing a Barrel Roll...it was then transferred to Aberdeen Proving Grounds in Maryland for repair and testing...the end result of the testing is in the two videos! OUCH!

http://www.chinook-helicopter.com/history/aircraft/D_Models/84-24156/84-24156.html

BTW...this rest of the site is pretty cool also...lots of neat stuff on the Chinook...

Greg

[NolanManley]

Well said Doc.
We test our tethers to 50,000lbs by using two heavy TANK retreavers and a load cell. That's a fun job too! :shock: Those tsnks can pull way more than 50K.

http://www.gruntonline.com/images/pictures/M88_Big1_v1.jpg

Greg, What we do is try to not have an aircraft NOT do what happened to that Chinook. ;)

[WillJames]

WOW very interesting information Doc and Nolan! Thanks for explaining. As John said, that is a cool and interesting job!!! Most exciting thing that happens in my work is breaking a nail or having to deal with a mis-informed customer. :badair:

[NolanManley]

Yeah but if the customer is a MAD woman you have much more to deal with than us. :shock: :lol:

Sorry to hijak the thread.

Anyone that has a REMOTE possibility to go to this event should go. I rate it right up there with the IRCHA Jamboree. :D

[DebianDog]

I hear I NEED to go to this one. Has everyone camping made reservations at Tannehill State Park Campgrounds (205-477-5711) or is there another place the Freaks are planing to hang out?

[DavidH]

Most everyone camped at the field last year. No hookups. Tannehill is about 10 miles from the field. There is a campground closer, it is called Cherokee Beach Campgrounds 205-428-8339. It is approx 6 miles to that one. I have not been to it to see what it looks like. Couple people stayed there last year and they didn't complain.

David

[DebianDog]

Well I "should be" ready to camp "anywhere" by next month. I just wanted to be where the Freaks are. Hate to drink alone ;)

We should take delivery on the little beast (http://trailmanor.com/) in the next 10 days. Woot! :smokin:

[DebianDog]

Tannehill Ironworks Historical State Park MCCALLA, Alabama (Tuscaloosa)
Phone: (205) 477-5711
Directions: From I-59 (exit 100): Go 2-1/2 mi E following signs.
Number of Sites: 300
Number of Full Hookups: 43
Number of Water/Electric Hookups: 168
Number of Sites with No Hookups: 89
Number of Pull Thrus: 60
Services: Dump Station
LP Gas by Weight
LP Gas by Meter
Policies: Open All Year
Partial Handicap Access
Pets: Pet Restrictions
Hookup Information: 50 amps
Additional Facilities: Tenting
Laundry
Ice
Wood
Grills
Picnic Tables
Recreation: Pavilion
Hiking Trails
Fishing
Stream Fishing
Recreation Open to the Public

[Hotshot Charlie]

Dan, the real freaks will be camping at the field..... PARTY TIME !!! :smokin:

[DanW]

Dan,

The family and I have camped at Tannehill and it's a very nice campground!

Just make sure it's not the third weekend of the month as they have a huge trade day that weekend and the campground is usually booked.


Dan

[tnreefguy]

stay at the field. What a party. :noteworthy

[Rodney]

Gonna miss ya this year. Have fun.

[tnreefguy]

I thought I would add some pics from last years event to intice the newbie crowd on attending. BHAM ROCKS

[Clintstone]

If you are bringing a camper give David a heads up. Looking forward to seeing evryone there. I will be bringing the family.

[WillJames]

I will be bringing Chez James David. Hope to be there Wednesday night late.

[tnreefguy]

I am coming with my roach coach. I will be there like sometime Wendsday afternoon.

[BigVanVader]

I think im going to be doing some tent camping there this year.....Hey Will,think I could use your shower?

[DebianDog]

2 more weeks!!!! :glasses2:

PLAN YOUR TRIP WITH GOOGLE MAP LINK (http://maps.google.com/maps?f=q&hl=en&ll=33.320488,-86.939278&spn=0.064979,0.117073)

[WillJames]

We will hopefully be there Wednesday as well. See everybody soon!!

[Greg Alderman]

Ok...I have cleared it with every one coming with me...(Beast, Charles, Bobby and Tim) we will be arriving early Thursday Morning (leaving VA about 9pm Wednesday night and driving through the night) so we can get another full day of flying in...Can't wait! See in you all in a couple of weeks!

[WillJames]

The usual allnighter for you guys huh? ;)

See you guys there, can't wait!!

[DavidH]

They wouldn't know how to go to an event unless they drove all night <G>

David