CHP Pilot Jan Sears: Wildfire Rescues in Hurricane-Force Winds

In this episode of the Rotary Wing Show, Max Trescott replays a powerful conversation from Aviation News Talk Episode 37, featuring California Highway Patrol pilot Jan Sears. Jan recounts the dramatic night of October 8, 2017, when he and fellow CHP aircrews helped rescue dozens of people trapped by the Atlas Peak Fire, one of the catastrophic Northern California wildfires that claimed 41 lives and destroyed more than 5,700 structures.Sears, based at Napa County Airport, was on a routine patrol in CHP’s GippsAero GA8 Airvan when he first noticed a strange flicker of light on a hillside north of the airport. Within minutes, that faint glow exploded into a fast-moving inferno. Realizing that winds of 50 to 70 knots were driving the flames toward populated areas, Jan radioed Napa County Fire, providing the exact coordinates using the aircraft’s high-resolution infrared camera.As CHP helicopters H-32 and H-16 joined the scene, crews began an unprecedented series of nighttime rescues. Flying through hurricane-force winds, violent turbulence, and smoke thick enough to make Napa Airport IFR, they pulled roughly 50 people and several pets from danger. Jan remained high above in fixed-wing orbit, relaying coordinates, road conditions, and fire boundaries while watching the chaos unfold below. At times, his own aircraft endured near-severe turbulence as he tried to refuel and return to the area.After landing, Jan and his partner spent hours on the ground knocking on doors, evacuating families, and even extinguishing small fires by hand. He describes the scene as one of the worst conditions he has ever flown in — comparable only to his previous deployment to Hurricane Katrina.In the days that followed, CHP Air Operations continued aerial patrols and damage assessments, flew Cal Fire behaviorists and government officials over burn zones, and monitored for flare-ups. The experience deepened Jan’s appreciation for the teamwork among law enforcement, firefighters, and rescue pilots, all operating beyond normal limits to protect lives.Jan also shares insight into his path to aviation — from paramedic to CHP officer to fixed-wing pilot — and explains what it takes to join CHP’s aviation unit. Applicants must complete the full CHP Academy and law-enforcement service before qualifying for flight training, blending police work with advanced aviation operations under Part 91 standards but Part 135-level discipline.Beyond emergency response, CHP aircraft conduct search-and-rescue, suspect tracking, disaster logistics, and donor transport flights statewide. Jan emphasizes the satisfaction of serving California’s citizens from the sky and encourages listeners to support first responders who risk everything in service of others.This gripping episode offers helicopter pilots, public-safety aviators, and general-aviation enthusiasts a rare inside look at what it’s like to fly life-and-death missions in extreme conditions. It’s a story of professionalism, bravery, and teamwork — and a reminder of why pilots like Jan Sears are true heroes of the rotor-wing world.You can find more information about CHP here, and on the CHP Golden Gate Division Air Operations’ Facebook page. It includes a link to this story that ran on the CBS Evening News, about Pepe...

Max talks with Jay Bunning about the crash of a Robinson R66, VH-KFT, in Australia that claimed the life of its pilot on October 26, 2023. In addition to the final report, ATSB created a video about the crash. The accident offers vital lessons for all pilots flying teetering-rotor systems such as the R22, R44, R66, Bell 206, 505, and others.Mentioned on the ShowPlease take our listener survey to help guide the showHelicopterTrainingVideos.comJay explains that the R66 in this case was nearly new with fewer than 120 hours. The private pilot departed Cessnock Airport for a short VFR flight but diverted east toward the coast to remain clear of clouds at about 1,000 feet. With 25–30-knot southerly winds striking a steep 700-foot headland, the aircraft encountered severe mechanical turbulence. A strong updraft produced a low-G condition—a situation in which the helicopter momentarily loses positive G-force on the rotor system. In that instant, the fuselage and rotor disc move independently, and if the pilot attempts to correct roll with lateral cyclic rather than gentle aft cyclic, mast bumping can occur. Within just 3.4 seconds, the R66 rolled beyond inverted, separated in flight, and crashed into the sea.Thanks to a factory-installed cockpit camera, investigators could analyze the pilot’s exact cyclic movements. The disturbing footage revealed the pilot eating from a bowl with the right hand while the autopilot flew the aircraft. When turbulence hit, the pilot grabbed the cyclic awkwardly with the left hand—unbraced and using the non-dominant arm—while also manipulating a cell phone moments earlier. Jay notes that this combination of distraction, turbulence, and incorrect recovery inputs created a “perfect storm.”The conversation explores the aerodynamics of low-G events, including why teetering systems are vulnerable when unloaded and how horizontal stabilizer design can exacerbate right-roll tendencies. Robinson’s earlier models used an asymmetric stabilizer mounted on the right side of the tail boom, which generated downward lift and contributed to right rolls during low-G conditions. The company has since introduced a symmetrical stabilizer retrofit, now standard on all new helicopters and available at cost to existing owners—a change Jay strongly urges all operators to adopt.Training is another key theme. Jay describes how his flight school safely simulates low-G recognition and recovery without violating limitations, helping pilots build instinctive reactions. “If you feel light in the seat,” he says, “the first response is gentle aft cyclic—never lateral cyclic.” Pilots should also maintain turbulent-air penetration speeds of 60–70 knots instead of cruising at 110 knots, which magnifies control sensitivity and reduces reaction time.Max and Jay broaden the discussion to turbulence awareness and terrain effects. They describe how updrafts form on windward slopes and downdrafts on the lee side, why whitecaps or “cat’s paws” on the water reveal strong surface winds, and how visualizing air like flowing water helps anticipate areas of vertical movement. Both emphasize the importance of scenario-based training—teaching pilots to anticipate risk factors, recognize the first signs of turbulence, and react before a low-G event develops.Human factors were also central to this tragedy. The pilot’s preoccupation with eating and phone...

Max talks with Jay Bunning, CFI and creator of helicoptertrainingvideos.com, for Part 2 of their series on Helicopter Training Safety: Preventing Student Errors. Following up from Part 1, Jay brings real-world accident examples and practical strategies for instructors to manage common mistakes during training flights.We need your help to improve the show! To do that, we need you to take our Rotary Wing Show Listener Survey. We have a new host and the show may change in some ways, and to guide those changes we need your feedback. So please take a few minutes and fill in the survey now. Also, have you ever have you ever thought that you might like to have Internet service available when you’re flying in either a helicopter or a GA aircraft? To learn everything you need to know about how to set up and use Starlink in a small aircraft listen to episode 400 of the Aviation News Talk podcast. And click here to find the bits and pieces you need to make Starlink work.Quick Stops / Rapid DecelerationsJay begins with rapid deceleration or quick stop maneuvers, which require simultaneous control of cyclic, collective, and pedals. He explains why instructors must guard both pedals closely, since students often apply the wrong pedal or fail to add left pedal when raising collective. Improper collective inputs can also create conditions for vortex ring state (VRS), overspeed, or altitude loss. Jay notes the importance of sequencing training—avoiding quick stops immediately after autorotations to prevent negative transfer, since students sometimes confuse the two and roll off throttle. He also highlights an R44 accident where a CFI invented a non-standard rapid decel procedure that ended in rollover—reinforcing why instructors must stick to manufacturer guidanceVortex Ring State (VRS)The conversation moves to vortex ring state, also known as “settling with power.” Jay explains both the traditional recovery—lowering collective and pushing forward cyclic to gain airspeed—and the Vard (lateral) recovery, which uses collective, left pedal, and right cyclic to slide out of the recirculation. While the Vard technique can recover faster, Jay cautions against prolonged drifting, over-banking, or excessive collective input, which can cause yaw or RPM decay. He stresses training students to recognize the first indications of VRS—unusual vibrations, buffeting, or an increasing descent rate—and recover immediately. Riding a helicopter deep into VRS for demonstration purposes has caused accidents, including the in-flight breakup of an AS350 during training. Both Airbus and Robinson have issued safety advisories warning against prolonged or aggressive inputs during VRS demonstrationsHover AutosFinally, Jay addresses hover autorotations, calling them the most complex maneuver for instructors to teach. The challenge lies in managing throttle, pedals, cyclic, and collective inputs—all in under two seconds, especially in the R22. Instructors must guard against incorrect pedal use, premature collective pulls that balloon the aircraft, or students rolling throttle the wrong way. Jay explains how training should progress gradually, starting with throttle roll-offs on the ground, then introducing forward taxi hover autos before moving to stationary hovers. He also cites an R22 dynamic rollover accident caused by gusty winds and improper cyclic control, reinforcing the...

Max welcomes Jay Bunning, flight instructor, FAA Safety Team representative, and founder of HelicopterTrainingVideos.com, for Part 1 of a two-part discussion on helicopter training safety and preventing dangerous student errors.Mentioned on the ShowPlease Take our Listener Survey to help guide the future of the showEnter a giveaway to win a copy of Keep Your RPM in the GreenBuilding a Safer Training ProgramJay describes how accident reports, maintenance events, and safety management systems (SMS) have shaped the “Dangerous Student Errors” training program at his flight school. By cataloging and simulating common hazards, new instructors can practice recognizing and intervening before student mistakes lead to costly accidents.Guarding the ControlsA central theme is how CFIs should properly “guard” helicopter controls:Pedals: using a right-leg brace to block incorrect yaw inputs.Collective: keeping a loose monitoring hand to sense movement.Throttle: using different grip levels, from light monitoring to strong “death grip,” depending on the maneuver.Cyclic: applying a color-coded green, yellow, and red system for levels of guarding.Jay explains that instructors must strike a balance—being ready to intervene instantly, but still allowing students to feel and learn from the aircraft.Ghosting Maneuvers & Freezing on ControlsJay introduces ghosting maneuvers, a technique where instructors mentally fly the maneuver simultaneously so they can immediately recognize deviations. He also discusses how to handle students who freeze on the controls, including using leverage, physical prompts, and clear communication.Common Errors in TrainingThe discussion covers some of the riskiest points in instruction:Overspeeds during liftoff caused by tight throttle grips.Pedal mis-inputs during pickups and set-downs, especially on grass.Student frustration and fatigue during hover training.The importance of pre-briefing slope operations and approaches.Jay emphasizes that mistakes are part of learning, but instructors must ensure they stay safe mistakes—not accidents.Resources for Students & CFIsFinally, Jay introduces HelicopterTrainingVideos.com, a free resource with videos, articles, quizzes, and a podcast for helicopter students and instructors. His mission is to make helicopter training safer and more efficient worldwide.This first part of the conversation lays the groundwork for understanding student error patterns and developing CFI techniques to manage them. Part 2 will continue with advanced maneuvers and safety scenarios.

Helicopter Human Factors &amp; Safety Lessons for All Pilots takes a deep dive into the psychology, stress responses, and decision-making processes that shape helicopter safety. Host Max Trescott interviews Richard Mornington-Sanford, a world-renowned instructor, consultant for Robinson Helicopter Company, and author of Keep Your RPM in the Green. Listeners can also enter a giveaway to win a copy of Richard's book, by listening to the show for the link to enter to win. Richard brings decades of experience training pilots on the Robinson R22, R44, and R66, the most widely flown light helicopters in the world. While the discussion focuses on Robinson models, the human factors and safety principles apply to every helicopter pilot.The episode begins with a technical discussion of autorotations: why rolling off the throttle too quickly in a fuel-injected engine can cause a “rich cut” that leads to engine stoppage, and why applying carburetor heat well before reducing power is critical in carbureted Robinson helicopters. Richard contrasts the behavior of the R22 and R44 under carburetor icing, noting how subtle design differences affect pilot workload.From there, Max and Richard explore the psychological traps that pilots fall into. Richard argues that pilots should actively look for a reason not to fly, since optimism, investment bias, and passenger pressure often push them toward risky decisions. Canceling a flight, he stresses, is a skill pilots must practice during training to build confidence in making conservative choices.The conversation highlights the startle effect, in which stress floods the body with adrenaline and cortisol, shutting down rational thought, fine motor skills, and even hearing. Richard recounts a harrowing training flight in Russia where a pilot froze on the controls during a zero-airspeed autorotation. Despite commands, the pilot couldn’t respond—his brain had shut down. Only when the interpreter touched the pilot’s shoulder did he release the controls, saving both lives.Other key safety lessons include:Low RPM emergencies in Robinson helicopters and why training should emphasize manual throttle skills, not just reliance on the governor.The importance of a deteriorating weather trigger—a preplanned visibility minimum that prompts immediate diversion, landing, or return to base.Recognizing how expectation bias can cause pilots to misinterpret what they see on the ground, leading to navigation errors.Why precautionary landings are always safer than pressing into poor conditions, and why regulators support these decisions.Richard also stresses that human limitations are universal: even experienced pilots can freeze under stress or rationalize unsafe flights. By training realistically, practicing emergency procedures, and being honest with passengers about risks, pilots can greatly improve their margin of safety.This episode is essential listening for Robinson R22, R44, and R66 pilots, as well as flight instructors, students, and any rotorcraft pilot who wants to better understand human factors, stress, and risk management in helicopter flying.Please check out these other podcasts in the Aviation News Talk Network:Aviation News TalkNTSB News Talk Podcast <a...

Max Trescott talks with Ken Solosky, the NYPD's Chief Pilot on 9/11, about his experiences managing helicopter operations on one of the most catastrophic days in American history. Though Ken wasn’t flying at the moment of the attacks, he was on the ground coordinating the NYPD’s aviation response. He recounts how what began as a seemingly routine aircraft accident quickly escalated into a full-blown national emergency. The aviation unit scrambled a standard rescue package—Bell 412s with divers and crew chiefs, and patrol helicopters—only to face total communication breakdowns. Cell service and landlines failed, radio channels were overloaded, and misinformation, including reports of enemy fighter jets, created unprecedented confusion.Ken recalls the surreal moment of watching the second plane hit the South Tower live on TV and initially being unable to process the reality. He explains why rooftop rescues weren’t feasible—smoke obscured visibility, doors were locked or inaccessible, and the risk of engine flameout in the intense heat made the mission too dangerous. Still, he and his team documented the scene extensively and continued daily aerial photography for nearly a year afterward.Ken describes how foreign and domestic aviation units offered immediate support, with helicopters arriving from other cities—even LAPD offering to send their fleet. Yet due to lack of coordination, many of these aircraft were unknown to NYPD at the time and went unused in the response. He speaks candidly about the emotional toll, having lost 10 close friends among the 23 NYPD officers killed, and how that pain continues with the rise in 9/11-related cancer deaths among first responders.Post-9/11, Ken was instrumental in implementing a “96-hour standalone” plan for the NYPD, designed to maintain operations without headquarters support. Staffing schedules were restructured to ensure long-term response capacity. He shares how the aviation unit has evolved over the years—growing from six helicopters to a modern fleet including Bell 429s, a Bell 407 trainer, and a fixed-wing Caravan used for radiation scanning of incoming ships to New York Harbor.Ken also offers a detailed look at what a typical day is like for an NYPD pilot—flying patrol missions, conducting surveillance, responding to foot and vehicle pursuits, and supporting SWAT teams. He explains how the aircraft are equipped with cutting-edge tools like high-def thermal imagers, tactical radios, moving maps, and address-targeting cameras that can zoom in on a license plate from miles away. These tools enable precise coordination with ground teams and real-time intelligence, greatly improving safety and effectiveness.The conversation also delves into pilot recruitment and training, safety management system (SMS) implementation, and Ken’s personal advice for those interested in joining a law enforcement aviation unit. He emphasizes that character and work ethic matter just as much as flight hours.In lighter moments, Ken shares stories of flying Barbara Bush to West Point when Marine One had mechanical issues, and being told by Yankees legend Derek Jeter that flying for the NYPD was cooler than being the Yankees’ shortstop. He also describes dramatic rescues, like locating a man stranded on a sandbar after his friend swam off—and later finding that friend safe on another island.Ken currently flies both a Bell 407 and an Augusta 109 for corporate clients and continues to teach and speak for the FAA and EAA. His legacy and continued contribution to aviation safety and training are evident throughout the episode. The interview is both a sobering reflection on 9/11 and a celebration of how aviation supports public safety in today’s complex world.Mentioned on the Show:Ken Solosky's "Solo Sky" YouTube Channel<a...

This episode originally ran on the Aviation News Talk podcast. In it, Max Trescott interviews Dr. John Trowbridge, a physician and former senior Aviation Medical Examiner, to tackle a hidden yet critical safety topic: how over-the-counter (OTC) and prescription medications contribute to general aviation accidents. Studies have found that up to 40% of fatal accidents involve pilots with impairing substances in their system—ranging from allergy medications to sleep aids to alcohol. The problem? Many of these substances are legal and even commonplace, yet can significantly degrade judgment, memory, attention, and coordination.Dr. Trowbridge emphasizes that many pilots—and even their doctors—are unaware of FAA wait-time guidelines. He explains the FAA’s “5x rule,” which states that a pilot must wait five times the recommended dosage interval before flying. So if a medication is taken every six hours, the pilot should wait 30 hours after the last dose. For 24-hour medications like Zyrtec, the wait time stretches to five full days.The discussion highlights the particular dangers of first-generation antihistamines like Benadryl (diphenhydramine), which are highly sedating and frequently found in sleep aids like Tylenol PM, NyQuil, and Unisom. These medications, even when taken the night before, can impair cognitive function well into the next day. Alarmingly, Benadryl is the most commonly detected OTC drug in fatal GA accidents.Dr. Trowbridge also warns about second-generation antihistamines like Zyrtec and Xyzal. While marketed as “non-drowsy,” these can still cause subtle sedation, especially in combination with alcohol or other medications. Alternatives like Allegra and Claritin are usually safer and FAA-approved—but only after personal ground-testing and AME consultation.Beyond antihistamines, they explore other drug categories. For pain relief, medications like aspirin, Tylenol, ibuprofen, and Aleve are generally safe, but anything with “PM” on the label likely contains sedating ingredients. Prescription painkillers like codeine are outright disqualifying. Dr. Trowbridge shares unconventional options too, like topical lidocaine, coconut oil, and even horse liniment—though with cautions about application and legality.Sleep aids are another minefield. Melatonin is the only one on the FAA’s “go list,” and even it should be ground-tested first. Nasal decongestants such as Afrin and Sudafed can raise blood pressure and cause jitteriness, making natural remedies like saline rinses or cool vapor inhalation preferable.Cough medications also pose risks. Products with dextromethorphan (like DayQuil or Delsym) can sedate, as can multi-symptom formulas marked “PM” or “nighttime.” Gastrointestinal issues are more straightforward: most antacids like Tums and Maalox are safe, but anti-diarrheals like Imodium are not, due to sedation risks. UTIs are covered with non-sedating options like AZO and D-Mannose, but Dr. Trowbridge cautions pilots never to fly if symptomatic or on unfamiliar antibiotics.The conversation then turns to alcohol. The FAA’s limit is 0.04%, but even lower levels can impair judgment, night vision, and reaction time—especially when combined with other medications or altitude-related hypoxia. Max cites an older FAA study showing that alcohol above 0.04% was found in 7% of fatal pilot crashes, with 3% involving both alcohol and drugs.Finally, Dr. Trowbridge emphasizes the importance of pilot self-awareness and due diligence. Most doctors are not trained in FAA regulations and may prescribe disqualifying medications unless reminded. He urges pilots to always research their medications, consult their AME, and even speak with pharmacists about interactions and cognitive side effects.Dr. Trowbridge’s website, ClearedForTakeoff.info, offers in-depth presentations on pilot health concerns like sleep, sinus issues, inflammation, and safe alternatives to...

Max Trescott is joined by DPE Matt Johnson for a comprehensive and engaging mock oral checkride focused on the private helicopter pilot certification. This episode, one of the most popular styles in the Rotary Wing Show and Aviation News Talk history, simulates the real-world experience of sitting for an FAA practical test, complete with detailed discussions of eligibility, regulations, systems knowledge, and scenario-based questions.Matt begins by describing his pre-checkride procedures, including document verification, aircraft records review, and setting a comfortable environment for the applicant. He emphasizes the three-legged stool concept: the examiner must be qualified, the aircraft must be airworthy, and the applicant must meet all regulatory requirements. To build rapport, Matt asks Max who his first passenger would be, which Matt then cleverly weaves into multiple checkride scenarios.The mock oral kicks off with pilot certification and recency requirements under FAR 61.57, followed by an in-depth discussion of Robinson-specific endorsements under SFAR 73. Max correctly explains the need for an additional PIC endorsement after passing the checkride and describes the required flight reviews based on time-in-type.The two then explore aircraft documents using the AROW mnemonic and systems such as weight and balance. Max demonstrates knowledge of performance planning, Vne adjustments, retreating blade stall, and preflight procedures. He uses both the PAVE and I'M SAFE checklists to explain how he assesses his personal readiness before a flight.Matt tests Max's cross-country planning, asking about checkpoint selection, altitude choice, and airspace compliance. Max describes navigating around Hayward, California, and into the Central Valley, carefully avoiding Class B and C airspace. The discussion extends into weather analysis, interpretation of AIRMETs and SIGMETs, and use of EFB tools for inflight awareness.In the systems and emergencies portion, Max explains operation of the electrical system, what to do in case of alternator or battery failure, and how the engine continues to operate using magnetos. They also dive into clutch actuator warnings, rotor system dynamics (free-teetering under-slung system), and the hazards of low-G mast bumping, vortex ring state, and forward CG conditions.For add-on ratings, Matt details how the helicopter ACS matrix minimizes the oral scope for already-rated pilots. They compare traffic pattern procedures for helicopters versus airplanes, discuss airport lighting for heliports, and reinforce unique requirements like helipad rotating beacon colors (green-yellow-white).Throughout the oral, Matt guides the conversation in a scenario-based manner to simulate a real checkride. He weaves in questions on regulations, performance charts, and even cross-references student answers to determine when to revisit topics like weight and balance, systems, or weather.The episode wraps just before the preflight inspection begins, with Matt outlining the structure of the flight portion, which would include autorotations, hover maneuvers, and a post-flight debrief.This detailed, realistic mock checkride offers exceptional value for both helicopter students and fixed-wing pilots considering a rotorcraft add-on. It brings listeners inside the mind of a DPE and prepares them for what to expect on test day—covering not just the “what” but the “why” behind FAA testing standards.If you're getting value from this show, please support the show via PayPal, Venmo, <a...

In this special episode of The Rotary Wing Show, titled Top 10 Helicopter Stories + Helicopter News, aviation podcaster Max Trescott officially takes the reins from longtime host Mick Cullen. The episode celebrates the legacy of the podcast while looking forward to its new direction—with Max blending classic storytelling and timely helicopter news.Mick kicks things off by sharing how he created the show in Australia to connect helicopter pilots working in isolated environments. With a passion for online marketing and storytelling, he built a platform where rotorcraft professionals could share their experiences with a global audience.Together, Mick and Max count down 10 of the most impactful helicopter stories from past episodes:Mike Durant (Ep. 34) – The Black Hawk Down pilot shares powerful war stories and lessons from special operations aviation.Rob Mason (Ep. 46) – Vietnam veteran and Chickenhawk author delivers raw insight into helicopter combat.Harry Benson (Ep. 67) – British pilot recounts helicopter operations in the Falklands War.Peter Gillies (Ep. 41) – “Cyclic back” technique for emergency response—a must-hear safety episode.Matt Barker (Ep. 56) – The infamous “chicken bone story” that listeners can’t forget.Richard Morningstar Sanford (Eps. 93, 103) – Offers deep technical dives into governor systems and carburetor icing in Robinson helicopters.Dan Parsons (Ep. 109) – Analyzes a Pasadena Police Department accident and the systemic causes behind it.Kevin Humphreys (<a...

The flying you will get to hear about in this episode is a reminder about the difference your helicopter skillset can make to people that are in harms way, and that there is nothing quite like these machines. It also earnt those involved distinguished flying crosses. In September 2020, the California National Guard rescued nearly … Continue reading "RWS 113 – 2020 Creek Fire California Rescues w/ US National Guard"The post RWS 113 – 2020 Creek Fire California Rescues w/ US National Guard appeared first on The Rotary Wing Show Podcast.