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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…
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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…
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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…
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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…
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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…
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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…
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In the not too distant future, provided the manufacturers can cross the certification finish line, we may see eVTOL flying around our cities and towns. To ensure the safety of 3rd parties is protected, the certification of these VTOL will need to consider what happens if something fails on the aircraft. Helicopter certification considers the…
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Anyone who has flown a few glass cockpit aircraft will have noticed that gauges that use strips for airspeed and altitude seem to be in fashion at the moment. However some aircraft manufacturers seem to have stuck with dials even in the digital age – particularly Sikorsky and Bell. Are strip gauges the right way…
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Aviation is a complicated business, requiring complicated rules. In the field of Helicopter Emergency Medical Services (HEMS) the rules for weather limits are complex but have they become too confusing, leading to mis-understanding and a normalisation of deviance? In this article we look at the current state of play for UK weather operating limits for…
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The GTN 750 and the newer GTN 750 Xi are standard equipment in many light twin helicopters. As the main interface for navigation and communications, pilots need to use it effectively. This article covers some tip and tricks to make your life easier and allow you to focus on operating the aircraft. The topics included…