Tag: Bell 429
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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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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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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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Contents 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…