Hovering A stationary hover is a maneuver in which the helicopter is maintained in nearly motionless flight over a reference point at a constant altitude and on a constant heading. Technique To maintain a hover over a point, use sideview and peripheral vision to look for small changes in the helicopter’s attitude and altitude. When […]
Helicopter Hovering Techniques and Common Errors Read Post »
A vertical takeoff to a hover involves flying the helicopter from the ground vertically to a skid height of two to three feet, while maintaining a constant heading. Once the desired skid height is achieved, the helicopter should remain nearly motionless over a reference point at a constant altitude and on a constant heading. The
Vertical Takeoff to a Hover | Helicopter Flight Maneuvers Read Post »
There are four fundamentals of flight upon which all maneuvers are based: straight-and-level flight, turns, climbs, and descents. All controlled flight maneuvers consist of one or more of these four fundamentals of flight. If a student pilot is able to perform these maneuvers well, and the student’s proficiency is based on accurate “feel” and control
The Four Fundamentals | Helicopter Flight Maneuvers Read Post »
Once a pilot takes off, it is up to him or her to make sound, safe decisions throughout the flight. It is equally important for the pilot to use the same diligence when conducting a preflight inspection, making maintenance decisions, refueling, and conducting ground operations. This post discusses the responsibility of the pilot regarding ground
Ground Procedures and Flight Preparations | Helicopter Flying Read Post »
It is vital to comply with weight and balance limits established for helicopters. Operating above the maximum weight limitation compromises the structural integrity of the helicopter and adversely affects performance. Balance is also critical because, on some fully loaded helicopters, center of gravity (CG) deviations as small as three inches can dramatically change a helicopter’s
Title 14 of the Code of Federal Regulations (14 CFR) part 91 requires pilot compliance with the operating limitations specified in approved rotorcraft flight manuals, markings, and placards. Originally, flight manuals were often characterized by a lack of essential information and followed whatever format and content the manufacturer deemed appropriate. This changed with the acceptance
Anti-icing is the process of protecting against the formation of frozen contaminant, snow, ice, or slush on a surface. Engine Anti-Ice The anti-icing system found on most turbine-powered helicopters uses engine bleed air. Bleed air in turbine engines is compressed air taken from within the engine, after the compressor stage(s) and before the fuel is
Some helicopters incorporate a stability augmentation system (SAS) to help stabilize the helicopter in flight and in a hover. The original purpose and design allowed decreased pilot work load and lessened fatigue. It allowed pilots to place an aircraft at a set attitude to accomplish other tasks or simply stabilize the aircraft for long cross-country
Helicopter Stability Augmentations and Environmental Systems Read Post »
Most helicopters, other than smaller piston-powered helicopters, incorporate the use of hydraulic actuators to overcome high control forces. A typical hydraulic system consists of actuators, also called servos, on each flight control, a pump which is usually driven by the main rotor transmission and a reservoir to store the hydraulic fluid. Some helicopters have accumulators
The electrical systems, in most helicopters, reflect the increased use of sophisticated avionics and other electrical accessories. [Figure] More and more operations in today’s flight environment are dependent on the aircraft’s electrical system; however, all helicopters can be safely flown without any electrical power in the event of an electrical malfunction or emergency. An electrical
