Tag: AFCS
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Loss of control of helicopters when in Instrument Meteorological Conditions (IMC) has sadly taken the lives of far too many helicopter crews. Whilst many of these incidents have been when non-instrument pilots inadvertently entered cloud, there are several accidents where instrument rated pilots have lost control. Training of instrument rated pilots in Unusual Attitude (UA)…
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Introduction Some helicopters fly beautifully without any flight control automation or stabilisation systems. The Gazelle was one such aircraft and a reasonably competent pilot could achieve amazing accuracy in IMC with just basic instruments. However, in this modern age, automation has become the norm and in many operations, being coupled up to an autopilot is…
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Introduction The EC135 SAS DCPL or SAS/AP CUT button is a red semi-guarded button on the head of the cyclic used to disengage all elements of the AFCS and stabilisation system simultaneously (both names for the button are used by Airbus in the Flight Manual and Pilot Check Lists (PCL)). The button is present on…