Heating and cooling the helicopter cabin can be accomplished in different ways. The simplest form of cooling is by ram air. Air ducts in the front or sides of the helicopter are opened or closed by the pilot to let ram air into the cabin. This system is limited as it requires forward airspeed to […]
An energy-centered approach clarifies the roles of the engine and flight controls beyond the simple “pitch for airspeed and power for altitude” by modeling how throttle and elevator inputs affect the airplane’s total mechanical energy. From an energy perspective, the problem of controlling vertical flight path and airspeed becomes one of handling the airplane’s energy
This section is all about managing the airplane’s altitude and airspeed using an energy-centered approach. Energy management can be defined as the process of planning, monitoring, and controlling altitude and airspeed targets in relation to the airplane’s energy state in order to: Attain and maintain desired vertical flightpath-airspeed profiles. Detect, correct, and prevent unintentional altitude-airspeed
Energy Management: Mastering Altitude and Airspeed Control Read Post »
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. Figure 1. Airframe materials The importance of learning the structures and construction materials of the
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] Figure 1. Helicopter controls and effects The student may not be comfortable with the helicopter controls for some time, but must understand the function of each
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. Thrust—the forward force produced by a powerplant/propeller or rotor. It opposes or overcomes the force of drag. Drag—a rearward, retarding force caused by disruption of airflow by
Forces Acting on the Aircraft | Helicopter Instructor Read Post »
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
Introduction to the Helicopter | Helicopter Instructor Read Post »
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
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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
This section discusses general planning and conduct of instrument approaches by pilots operating under Title 14 of the Code of Federal Regulations (14 CFR) Parts 91,121, 125, and 135. The operations specifications (OpSpecs), standard operating procedures (SOPs), and any other FAA- approved documents for each commercial operator are the final authorities for individual authorizations and
