-
EASA has recently published its new rules for the certification of Flight Simulation Training Devices (FSTD). We covered the introduction of the new FCS rules and regulations in our previous article. You should really read it first so you understand the new language – Flight Simulation Evolution. In that article we alluded to some issues…
-
A sudden unexpected total engine power loss is a helicopter pilots worst nightmare but there is only one possible action. Get into autorotation NOW! But what if the power loss or autorotation are imminent rather than right now? How should the pilot fly the aircraft to maximise their chances of survival? In this article, we…
-
Recent accident reports have highlighted that understanding what has gone wrong is fundamental to safely managing emergencies in multi-engine helicopters. Whilst type specific training is essential, there are some general principles which can be applied to all multi-engine helicopter engine emergencies. In this article, we look at what can go wrong with helicopter engines and…
-
On most light twin helicopters an autopilot is either part of the basic equipment or is available as a manufacturer option. But are they created equal or has Airbus’ Helionix-based Automatic Flight Control System (AFCS) won the race? In this article, we look at the current state of play for light twin helicopter AFCS and…
-
In an ideal world, a fully qualified engineer would handle every helicopter maintenance task, including daily inspections per the maintenance program. However, this isn’t realistic in many operations, especially those that are widely dispersed. Therefore, some pilots receive training and approval to perform simple tasks, optimising the use of manpower and expertise in maintenance and…
-
EASA has recently published a new Certification Specification for Flight Simulation Training Devices (CS-FSTD). This completely changes how FSTDs will be certified and, along with new aircrew and operations rules, will influence how training organisations and operators choose the right FSTD for their training needs. In this article we take a look at the new…
-
Bell Helicopters recently announced the sale of the first single engine IFR-configured Bell 407 GXi in the UK. This represents a significant step forward for UK helicopter IFR operations as there is currently only one other, much older, single-engine IFR certified helicopter in the entire UK civilian fleet. The availability of capable, single-engine IFR machines…
-
On some instrument approach charts there is a choice of approach minimum altitudes dependent on the climb gradient in the go around phase. In this article we look at why different gradients make a difference and how pilots can use the performance manual to select the right minimums for their approach. We focus on helicopters…
-
Tucked away in the instructor regulations are a handful of rules that are, frankly, inexplicably inconsistent — leaving helicopter instructors dealing with restrictions their aeroplane counterparts never have to think about. In this article, we highlight some of the most unnecessarily restrictive rotary wing requirements and outline practical, common‑sense fixes that would bring them back…
-
In both the fixed wing and rotary wing worlds, a particular qualification is required to deliver training towards issue of an initial Instrument Rating (IR) – The Instrument Rating Instructor (IRI). However, due to a quirk with the aircraft used in training for an instrument rating, creating and sustaining IRI is much more difficult in…