Rotary Wing Geek

Tag: AFCS

  • What is your left hand doing? How to fly a 3-axis autopilot on helicopters

    What is your left hand doing? How to fly a 3-axis autopilot on helicopters

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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…

  • EC135, Checklists and the “Red Button of Doom”

    EC135, Checklists and the “Red Button of Doom”

    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…