Stage 2 Progress Check - Oral

Hillsboro overly prepares you... and do they ever mean it. I've taken so many friggin tests I'm about to go blind. I just finished my Stage 2 Progress Check Oral exam. 4 hours of hard questions. Passed it, although I do need to go back and review some areas. In particular, FAR/AIM Section NTSB830 - Accidents.

Why? Well, here is the question I was asked:

"We are flying out in west practice area. I ask you to do an off-airport-landing, and we get into a tight space. Just before touch down, the main rotor blade clips a pine-tree and disintegrates on impact. The cyclic shakes violently and breaks my pinky finger. What do we need to do?"

So, I start off explaining that this was an accident and we should begin following the rules set forth by NTSB830. Bla, bla, bla.

BZZZZZT!

Nope, wrong. Here is what it all means

An "Aircraft Accident" is an occurrence which causes "death of serious injury" and there is "substantial damage" to the aircraft.

Ok, so now we need to look up the terms there...

Fatal Injury is:

"Fatal injury means any injury which results in death within 30 days of the accident."

Serious injury is an injury which:

"Serious injury means any injury which: (1) requires hospitalization for more than 48 hours, commencing within 7 days from the date the injury was received; (2) results in a fracture of any bone (except simple fractures of fingers, toes, or nose); (3) causes severe hemorrhages, nerve, muscle, or tendon damage; (4) involves any internal organ; or (5) involves second or third degree burns, or any burns affecting more than 5 percent of the body surface."

And substantial damage means:

"Substantial damage means damage or failure which adversely affects the structural strength, performance, or flight characteristics of the aircraft, and which would normally require major repair or replacement of the affected component. Engine failure or damage limited to an engine if only one engine fails or is damaged, bent fairings or cowling, dented skin, small punctured holes in the skin or fabric, ground damage to rotor or propeller blades, and damage to landing gear, wheels, tires, flaps, engine accessories, brakes, or wingtips are not considered substantial damage for the purpose of this part."

So, by this part, this would not be considered as substantial damage, nor would it be considered a serious injury. So, while it would suck, it would not be considered an accident, and it would not require immediate notification.

OK, if that is what you say.