This article initially appeared in PS 785 (Apr 18), pp. 24-25.
Operators,
Since the UH-72A was fielded, there have been a number of incidents involving ground handling of the Lakota with unauthorized equipment that resulted in aircraft damage and hefty repair costs.
When moving or towing your Lakota, follow and use the approved ground handling equipment and procedures in Chapter 9 of the commercial aircraft maintenance manual (AMM) from Airbus Helicopter, Inc.
The AMM identifies the ground handling wheels and the aircraft tow bar as the only two pieces of equipment authorized for moving or towing.
Do not use unauthorized ground handling equipment such as aircraft dollies and heliporters. if you do, your unit assumes all the risk, including financial liability, for damage to the Lakota. Most damage is due to:
- operator error.
- equipment malfunction.
- inadequate training.
- failure to follow equipment procedures.
This leads to major costs that include:
- labor and materials.
- personnel injuries.
- investigations.
- damage and repair assessment.
- contracting actions.
- aircraft downtime.
And it’s all preventable if you would only use the
approved ground handling equipment listed in the AMM. Each Lakota is fielded with one set of two ground-handling wheels. The tow bars are supplied by the manufacturer with one tow bar for every four aircraft.
So use what’s authorized and keep your Lakota ready for missions!
If you put your Lakota on a heliporter…
…or an aircraft dolly…
…YOU will be responsible for damage to helicopter
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