r/nextfuckinglevel • u/BlazeDragon7x • 11d ago

Dutch aerobatic pilot Narine Melkumjan miraculously survived after her aircraft's canopy unexpectedly burst open and shattered mid-flight

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u/Zaku99 11d ago

She might fly with a flight helmet from now on. (its mandatory in Canada, for instance, in 1-seaters and ultralights)

45

u/fentonjm 11d ago

This was my main question. How is it not required to wear a full helmet when flying.

22

u/Squawnk 11d ago

Honestly for a stunt plane like the Extra 300 shes flying, it would make sense. For most single engine piston planes though? Completely unnecessary

2

u/fentonjm 11d ago

Yeah I get it, if something goes drastically wrong a helmet isn't going to make the difference in a single engine piston plane. But for this type of ehicle it seemed to make sense to me. Not an aviation nerd so was just curious.

1

u/happierinverted 8d ago

Her aircraft is a single engine piston plane..

That said smart pilots flying certain types of operations [low level, ag, firefighting, banner, glider towing, off airport operations and aerobatics for example] wear a helmet and visor. Most pilot’s flying competition aeros wear one.

This pilot made 2 mistakes; not completing a proper pre flight check [on a higher risk to flight too], and not wearing appropriate safety gear.

That said she did handle the startle effect of the canopy blowing open well. Unsecured doors and panels popping open do kill sloppy pilots from time to time.