A helicopter is an aircraft that is lifted and propelled by one or more horizontal rotors, each rotor consisting of two or more rotor blades. Helicopters are classified as rotorcraft or rotary-wing aircraft to distinguish them from fixed-wing aircraft, because the helicopter derives its source of lift from the rotor blades rotating around a mast. … Read more
Airframe Airframe discussions should explain that the airframe, or structure, of a helicopter can be made of different types of material. Figure 1 is an example of the many different materials that are used in the construction of a helicopter. The importance of learning the structures and construction materials of the helicopter is to help … Read more
Define and discuss the four forces acting on an aircraft in straight-and-level and unaccelerated flight. Give examples of how the combinations of these forces act on the airframe. Lift A very easy way to confuse new flight students is to throw a lot of obscure information at them with no concrete references or examples. Aerodynamics … Read more
Helicopter flying is a unique and rewarding aviation discipline that requires precision, understanding, and hands-on experience. Our Helicopter Flight Training section serves as a comprehensive technical guide for students preparing to earn their Private Pilot, Commercial Pilot, or Certified Flight Instructor (CFI) certificates with a helicopter class rating. Whether you’re just beginning your aviation journey … Read more
The accident rate for helicopters has traditionally been higher than the accident rate of fixed-wing aircraft, probably due to the helicopter’s unique capabilities to fly and land in more diverse situations than fixed-wing aircraft and pilot attempts to fly the helicopter beyond the limits of his or her abilities or beyond the capabilities of the … Read more
Pilots rely more on vision than on any other sense to orient themselves in flight. Good depth perception, visual acuity, and color vision are essential for identifying terrain, obstacles, and other aircraft. During night operations, however, these visual abilities are reduced, making flight more demanding and increasing the risk of disorientation. Visual cues that are … Read more
Modern helicopters are highly reliable, but emergencies and hazardous flight conditions can still occur. Mechanical failures, pilot error, adverse weather, and improper control inputs can quickly place the helicopter in a dangerous situation. When an emergency develops, the pilot must react immediately and apply the correct recovery procedure. A thorough understanding of the helicopter, its … Read more
Gravity acting on the mass (the amount of matter) of an object creates a force called weight. The rotor blade below weighs 100 lbs. It is 20 feet long (span) and is 1 foot wide (chord). Accordingly, its surface area is 20 square feet. [Figure 1] The blade is perfectly balanced on a pinpoint stand, … Read more
Automation management is the control and navigation of an aircraft by means of the automated systems installed in the aircraft. One of the most important concepts of automation management is simply knowing when to use it and when not to use it. Ideally, a pilot first learns to perform practical test standard (PTS) maneuvers and … Read more
The PIC of an aircraft is directly responsible for and is the final authority for the operation of that aircraft. The list of PIC responsibilities is long, and nothing should be overlooked. To exercise those responsibilities effectively and make effective decisions regarding the outcome of a flight, a pilot must have an understanding of personal … Read more