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
When introducing a student to the flight controls of a helicopter, the instructor must ensure the student understands how each control affects the flight of the aircraft. [Figure 1] The student may not be comfortable with the helicopter controls for some time, but must understand the function of each control and the reactions of the … 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
The objective of the first flight lesson is to determine the student’s motivation and goals and introduce the student to: Training Procedures The introduction to training procedures offers the certificated flight instructor (CFI) an opportunity to better ascertain the student’s experience and background, which influence training. At this time, the CFI explains the general safety … Read more
Single-Pilot Resource Management (SRM) According to data presented at the 2005 International Helicopter Safety Symposium, the helicopter accident rate is 30 percent higher than the general aviation (GA) accident rate. Reducing this rate is an industry wide goal and the CFI plays an important role in reaching it by stressing single-pilot resource management (SRM) and risk … Read more
While pilots often believe that having a CFI on board minimizes the possibility of a midair collision (MAC), FAA research reveals that flight instructors were on board the aircraft in 37 percent of the accidents studied. From a collision perspective, flight training is one of the most dangerous missions—an especially frightening fact, considering that flight instructors comprise less … Read more
Helicopter Hazards During the entire training program, CFIs should emphasize safe operation of the aircraft. The student must be introduced to and completely understand the flight characteristics of the type helicopter being flown. Loss of tail rotor effectiveness (LTE), dynamic rollover (DRO), and the meaning of and how to interpret the height velocity diagram are … Read more
A major component of the FAA’s mission is to improve the nation’s aviation safety record by conveying safety principles and practices through training, outreach, and education. The goal to reduce the number of accidents in the ever increasingly populated airways means safe flight practices are an important element of flight instruction. It is the CFI’s responsibility to … Read more
Role of the Examiner The subject of the PTS also offers the CFI an opportunity to discuss the role of the examiner who plays an important role in the FAA’s mission of promoting aviation safety by administering FAA practical tests for pilot and flight instructor certificates and associated ratings. To satisfy the need for pilot testing … Read more
As discussed in Aviation Instructor Responsibilities and Professionalism post of the Aviation Instructor section, certificated flight instructors (CFIs) should remember they are a role model for the student. The flight instructor should demonstrate good aviation air sense and practices at all times. For the helicopter certificated flight instructor, this means: Flight instructors have the responsibility of … Read more