There I Was...

[WN]

Todd P,

The recent post from Rick regarding his gyro accident at an unfamiliar airport made me think back to my days in the service. A program was in place (and still is) for pilots to report incidents or accidents, and the events/errors in judgment which led to a mishap. The neat thing was, it was and is completely voluntary—without repercussion. The article was/is published monthly on Page 1 of the safety magazine, its title: “There I was….”

I propose starting such a Forum here. The title for this forum is completely up to you, Todd. I promise you though, it will be the most read forum you have. The kicker here is, you HAVE to permit anonymous posts. Otherwise, we just won’t get the stories. I know that breaks the rules of the Rotary Wing Forum, but maybe you have some thoughts on this.

I would be happy to host!

[Dean_Dolph]

Steve, in the industrial world, where I faintly remember working, the anonymous reporting of safety incidents is common place. This fact and its merits have been discussed both here and on Norm's forum.

While I certainly feel that in the every day work place it is of value, I feel that anonymous posting here isn't necessary or desired. The members of this forum, at least the 'posters', have shown by what they post that they are a very open. So I doubt if there are many, if any, incidents that go unreported by this group. The people that cover up are in a group that are not registered members and probably don't even visit Todd's forums.

We are very supportive of those who share with us and thankful they have the openness and honesty to do so. So my vote would be to keep things as they are.

[ToddP]

I like the idea, I just have to figure out a way to do it without everyone creating two accounts, one public, one private. I think I have that figured out though. I'll work on it today.

[PW_Plack]

Unfortunately, not all the repercussions of reporting our mistakes or experiences are limited to the forum in which we post them. I know of one pilot who found himself called before the local FSDO as a result of an anonymous letter, sent to the FAA by someone reading Norm's old forum. That person apparently never posted on the matter himself, just went behind the scenes and tried to make trouble.

For that matter, ask Paul Bruty how life's been lately!

I'm generally against letting people get away with anonymous acts on the internet, but in this case it might be a good thing.

[Aussie_Paul]

I had some paperwork problems with the authorities. Some was my fault and some was a problem with procedure by the authorities.

It is strange that most of the gyro pilots, who have "volunteered" more information than the investigator required, fly illegally every flight, and I do mean EVERY flight.

I am still waiting a result, the same old story with the authorities, not enough man power for the work that has to be achieved.

The investigation IMHO would not have taken anywhere near as long if the investigator had not been sent and given information that was not required, and mostly false.

I have no problems with "taking it on the chin" for something that I am guilty of, but I find it difficult to understand why some people go to an enourmous amount of trouble to discredit me whenever they get the chance.

I don't have it in my heart to go "tit for tat", so I lose!!!!!!!!!!!! LOL

It is quite sad really.

Aussie Paul.

[Aussie_Paul]

...is that I am forced to train, in a half ton gyro, at less than 500' agl!!!!!!! The most dangerous airspace for training. Not a lot of time between 500' agl and the ground if things go wrong.

It is illegal for me to fly above 500' agl or within 5 miles of a licenced airport, where the facilities for training are much better.

I can't seem to find where this fits into the charter of the authourities (safety) or the gyro assn.(promote safe gyro flying).

At present I am financially disadvantaged, at least that will make some people happy, just not me.

Anonymous posts, hmm I don't know about that.

Aussie Paul.

[PW_Plack]

Paul B,

Anonymous only works if someone moderates the forum, that is, screens anonymous contributions before they're actually posted. Otherwise, it's just an opportunity for snipers. We want anonymous posts about the poster's experiences, not anonymous attacks on others.

[birdy]

I reckon it's a good idea.
I'v posted plenty of "stupid things I'v done" on the Oz forum,just ask Paul.
And I'm not embarresed about hav'n me name on it.Some are posted for the entertainment value[some people reckon they are funny],but most are as warnings of what not to do.[like hitting roos].

[Aussie_Paul]

Yeah Birdy, like me rolling Hybrid!!!!!!!!!!!

Paulwb, Ok understood re anonymous. Here in Oz an anonymous accusation will/can have the authorities withdraw priveleges and then ask questions. A sort of gui;ty until proven innocent. Meanwhile the operator can be put out of business.

Aussie Paul.

[Hognose]

Originally Posted by ToddP

I just have to figure out a way to do it.

Todd,

Why not have a "drop box" account to which such tales can be addressed. The "Anymouse" section of the Navy's "Approach" magazine is (and always was) one of the most interesting parts of the mag. Something like an ASRS report, but not official.

I thought of having an individual act as "honest broker" but that won't work, because FAA or a foreign authority might pressure the individual. Unless, say, we picked an Icelander or somebody. Or had an Aussie act as clearinghouse for the yanks and vice versa. No, technically you need to be able to look the investigator in the eye and say honestly that the system does not record identifying information about the sender of the information.

Just thinking out loud.

cheers

-=K=-

[ToddP]

I've got an idea of how to do it. I will probably try to set it up tomorrow.