KUALA LUMPUR: In the wake of the recent mid-air collision between aircraft, an aviation expert has proposed enhancing reaction time frame training for flight crews and minimising errors to prevent similar incidents in the future.
Universiti Kuala Lumpur Aviation Technology Institute investigation search-and-rescue department head Associate Professor Major Dr Mohd Harridon Mohamed Suffian highlighted the importance of optimising reaction time frames for flight crews in light of the crash involving Royal Malaysian Navy helicopters.
He said the incident report indicated that the Fennec had deviated from its designated flight path, underscoring the need for improved training to prevent such occurrences.
"Numerous military and civilian organisations across various countries have conducted rigorous training for flight crews and pilots to ensure continuous optimisation of their reaction time frames," he said.
He also suggested employing advanced mathematical models to analyse the data collected from aircrew training sessions to assess pilot performance accurately.
"Some organisations have employed the Ex-Gaussian Mathematical Model to evaluate pilots' proficiency and dexterity in terms of reaction time. The outcomes have been positive, with the majority achieving optimal or nominal reaction time values."
Harridon said that aircrews should have proactive engagement during ground practice segments, where pilots mentally simulate tandem flying to mitigate cumulative errors.
He said that even slight deviations in the angle of the bank during tandem flying could lead to a gradual increase in cumulative deviation as the manoeuvre unfolded.
"This phenomenon, known as Cumulative Flight Error, must be addressed early in the flight through disciplined flying practices and thorough mathematical calculations on the ground to determine acceptable tolerance levels during flights."
"Should the aircrew notice the nearest aircraft in tandem is out of position, the crew should botch the formation in place of safety, by giving as much separation as possible."
Earlier today, the final report into the investigation on the collision between the two Royal Malaysian Navy helicopters in Lumut boiled down to two factors, the main one being that the Eurocopter Fennec was not at the designated altitude and heading, and entered the flight path of the AgustaWestland AW139 Maritime Operations Helicopter (HOM).
Navy chief Admiral Tan Sri Abdul Rahman Ayob said the secondary factor was the attention of the AW139 crew, which was primarily focused on changing course, thereby limiting their ability to avoid the collision.
The report concluded that no human errors were identified in the incident.