Hac’s Seat
Dead Man’s Curve
Helicopters are the only aircraft with a chart in the flight manual unofficially known as Dead Man’s Curve. Fixed-wing airplanes don’t have one. One of the misconceptions about helicopters is…
Read MoreHelicopters Don’t Glide, They Autorotate
There’s a misunderstanding amongst the public and even pilots who have never flown a helicopter that if the engine(s) quit, the helicopter pilot can glide down and pick a small…
Read MoreThe Ultimate Confined Area
If you read much about helicopters, whether in the military or the civilian world, you’ll find references to landing in confined areas. These could be a small helipad with buildings,…
Read MoreFirst CQ
Now, here’s the fun part that they tell students about in ground school, but you don’t see or understand until you see it through the front of the canopy. The ship is moving away from you AND the landing area is at 100 angle to the direction of travel of the ship. Theoretically, the captain of the ship has adjusted his course so the wind is down the angle. The reality is that as one rolls out behind the ship, one flies in a slip to keep the airplane aligned with the center of the landing area and to compensate for the forward motion of the ship.
Read MoreThe Threat No One Wants to Discuss
The MANPADS threat is real. MANPADS are available on the black market and are cheap. Depending on the age of the weapon and its condition, some public sources say they can be bought for less than $10,000. The reality is that no government or airline wants to state publicly that MANPADs are a serious threat to civil aviation. They are afraid the danger will scare away potential passengers.
Read MoreMost Dangerous Evolution in Naval Aviation – the Fly Off
At the end of a cruise, Naval Aviators take chances they would never take in normal operations, or even in combat. The desire to get home overcomes common aviation sense.
Read MoreThe Myths of Autorotations
To pilots of the fixed wing community and to many civilians, they think if a helicopter has a serious mechanical problem, the pilot can autorotate to a safe landing. The…
Read MoreThe Unseen Enemy Hunting Helicopters Hovering Over Water
When one watches a helicopter hovering over the water, the spray churned up by the rotor wash looks spectacular. However, if you are the pilot of the helicopter, dangers are…
Read MoreJoys of Drooping
In a helicopter, drooping is a term that refers to a slowing of rotor rpm below what is considered normal. In the Navy, we used percents, but in some helicopters,…
Read MoreHumidity, High Temperatures, Altitude and Helicopters Are a Bad Mix
Let’s start with the basics. Helicopters are designed to be operated close to the ground that is at or near sea level. If you don’t believe me, go spend a…
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