Helicopter Flight Information

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What Must be Taught?

At the private level, all maneuvers that are listed in the PTS must be taught. In addition, confined area technique should be taught. The confined technique must include the proper abort procedure which is outlined below.

At the commercial level, all of the maneuvers listed in the PTS, and any maneuvers that training time will permit, and that the students skill level will permit, may be taught. All students must understand that the teaching of these maneuvers does not automatically permit the student to go out and practice them.

My students often ask me to teach them all of the maneuvers that they will use in the commercial world. This is not really practical in most cases, but if I feel that a particular student will exercise discretion, then I may teach them (some of) these maneuvers. Understand that if I have any doubt that the student will lack discretion, and go out and practice these maneuvers on their own inappropriately, then I will not teach them.

Confined Technique

I have noticed a lot of problem in this area with students who have trained elsewhere. Although many different techniques may be taught, there is very limited safe and proper techniques to execute a confined area departure, and only one way to abort it. This proper way is stabilized, nothing else is acceptable.

I was flying with another instructor one time, and he asked me to demonstrate the way that I taught confined operations. I flew to a confined area, and completed the process, then I asked him to show me the way he taught it. He then made his approach into the area which was ok, and then taxied to the rear most available position in the area (into the wind), and made an accelerating low level departure toward the tree line suddenly pulling the cyclic aft entering a cyclic climb over the trees. This was completely unstable, and unacceptable. I could not believe it, and I did not bother to ask him to demonstrate his abort technique.

In another instance, I was checking out a 1200-hour rental pilot who was visiting from out of the area. in his checkout, he was a little rough. I asked him to demonstrate a confined departure to an abort. He did well in his departure, but when it came time to abort, he attempted to make a pedal turn. I quickly stepped on the opposite pedal stopping him from making such a stupid mistake, then I took control and demonstrated the proper abort procedure.

Low Level Flight vs Altitude Flying

it is very common for helicopter pilots to develop a fear of high flying over time as they just don't do it often. Even some fixed wing pilots who were once quite comfortable at high altitudes gain a fear of altitude after a long period of time flying helicopters at low altitudes. It is imperative that instructors teach their students to fly at higher safe altitudes; altitude is a pilots friend. In helicopters (really in all aircraft), students should be taught to fly cross-country and over terrain at an altitude which gives them their best option in the event of a failure. Why fly low over trees or water out of safe gliding distance of a safe landing area when other options exists? Once solo, the student should continue altitude flying indefinately.

Even some instructors do not teach safe altitude flying. I have witnessed instructors teaching pattern flight paths which are very dangerous given the options. In most cases, the traffic pattern should always be flown within glide distance of the airport.

Low level flight is dangerous, period. Oh yes, it is fun, but when something goes wrong you have little or no altitude to fix it. I always forbid my students to play at low altitudes. They don't understand this as often as I explain why, and they sometimes break my rules as happened in the crash detailed which occurred later with a different instructor who completely lacked discretion, click here.

Remember that although some techniques involving low level flight must be taught, flight lower than 500 feet AGL is dangerous. Keep in mind that we accept those elevated risks during commercial operations, and we attempt to offset the risks with excellent maintenance, and preflight.

Do not practice commercial maneuvers unless your instructor has given you permission to do so with a written sign-off.

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Last modified: 01/19/08