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There are many switches, levers and controls in a helicopter cockpit. Each has a purpose and each needs to be carefully designed to fulfil its purpose and be easy to use. However, designer also needs to consider the human factor to ensure the right control is used at the right time but is protected from…
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On many modern light twin helicopters, there is a built in training tool allows the in flight simulation of an engine failure to allow realistic but safe training. This “Training Mode” provides realistic visual and physical cues that allow pilots to experience an engine failure without the danger. Whilst they are a superb training tool,…
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Automated take offs are now a reality on commercially available helicopters including the H145, H160 and H175 with the latest Helionix software. Given pilots have successfully been taking off without such automation for years are these new systems unnecessary complexity or should they be standard fit for future helicopters? In this article we look at…
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The Norwegian Air Ambulance lead the way in Europe for expanding the scope of what helicopters can do in emergency aviation. Through the application of technology, a deep understanding of their aircraft and a full grasp of the regulations, they have developed a system the outshines UK HEMS1. In this article, we look at six…
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When the UK left the EGNOS programme on 25 June 2021, the most obvious and painful result was the withdrawal of LPV approaches in the UK. However, LPV are not the only GNSS approaches available in the PBN specification. Did leaving EGNOS lead to the removal of LNAV and LNAV/VNAV approaches too? Well no, but…
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Helicopter pilots have several options for how to fly a 2D approach operation such as an LNAV, VOR or NDB. The fixed wing world have standardised on using Continuous Descent Final Approach (CDFA) as their method of choice. Is it time for the helicopter world to follow suit? Recent changes in how the approach can…
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You might be thinking that you understand a helicopter flight manual. Some limitations, some normal and emergency procedures, a bit of performance and a perhaps a few systems descriptions? Simple? However, as soon as any optional equipment gets added to an aircraft it gets very complicated. Without a thorough understanding of how civilian flight manuals…
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Post-Maintenance Flight Testing (PMFT), Air Tests or Maintenance Check Flights (MCF) can be seen as a simple box ticking exercise after maintenance but can be fatal if a pilot is not adequately prepared. The aircraft is unserviceable until proved otherwise and should be treated as such. In this article we look at the risks associated…
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First Limit Indicators (FLI) or Power Situation Indicators (PSI) are displays in glass-cockpit helicopters which bring together all the engine power parameters into one simple display. These displays can dramatically lower the workload of a pilot, giving a single visual indication of the power state of the aircraft relative to its limits. FLI and PSI…
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In the modern helicopter era, some helicopters have Flight Data Monitoring (FDM) and Helicopter Usage Monitoring Systems (HUMS). This means engineering teams have vast amounts of data to diagnose issues with helicopters. However, many helicopters do not have these systems. In other cases, a pilot’s experience of a fault can unlock the solution to a…