Helicopter Flight Training Day 1 - Hover work, Approaches and Patterns...

Introduction

This tutorial provides a step-by-step guide for your first helicopter flight training session, focusing on hover work, approaches, and patterns. It draws from the experiences of a student pilot in an R22 helicopter in Bend, Oregon. Whether you're a new student pilot or simply curious about helicopter flight training, this guide highlights essential practices and tips to ensure a successful flight.

Step 1: Perform Pre-Flight Checks

• After-Engine Start Checklist: Complete all necessary checks after starting the engine to ensure safety and functionality.
• Automated AWOS Weather: Check the Automated Weather Observing System (AWOS) for current weather conditions.
• Identify Controls: Before touching any controls, identify and understand their functions.

Step 2: Manage Helicopter Controls

• Frictions: Ensure all frictions are off to allow smooth control movement.
• Governor Awareness: Prevent the governor from fully increasing RPM. Maintain control by using fingernails up, rolling down slowly, and monitoring RPMs.
• Activate Lights: Turn on navigation and landing lights just before takeoff to signal readiness to fly.

Step 3: Prepare for Takeoff

• Wind Awareness: Know the wind direction prior to takeoff to anticipate its effects on the helicopter.
• Initial Radio Call: Practice your radio call, including stating your location (Bend) clearly at both the start and end.
• Carb Heat Explanation: Ensure any passenger understands what carb heat is before it is required.

Step 4: Execute Takeoff

• Two-Stage Pickup: Perform a two-stage pickup, ensuring the tail is clear before any pedal turns.
• Radio Volume Management: Prioritize communication on CTAF by adjusting radio volumes appropriately.
• Takeoff Checks: Always check for obstacles above and behind before lifting off.

Step 5: Conduct Hover and Pattern Work

• Downwind Checks: Perform checks as you fly downwind.
• Control Inputs: Allow the student pilot to take controls, emphasizing the importance of trim strings and delay on inputs.
• Altitude and Airspeed: Maintain altitude (500 feet) and airspeed (60 knots) for safer operations.

Step 6: Approach and Landing Techniques

• Approach Management: Call out speeds below 30 knots and carefully manage descent.
• Go Around Procedures: Practice go-arounds when necessary and clarify the difference between on base and turning base.
• Clearing Taxiways: Always check for safety before exiting a runway.

Step 7: Control Practice and Safety Checks

• Pedal Turns: Focus on using left foot only for pedal turns and always clear the tail before executing turns.
• Throttle Grip: Maintain a loose grip on the throttle, using only two fingers and a thumb.
• Collective Control: Allow the student to practice with collective only, then introduce pedals.

Conclusion

In your first helicopter flight training session, focus on mastering pre-flight checks, control management, and safe takeoff and landing procedures. Keep practicing and remember to prioritize safety and communication during all phases of flight. For further learning, consider watching the next videos in the series to build your skills and knowledge progressively.