Flying a helicopter is a complex task that requires coordination, practice, and understanding of helicopter aerodynamics and controls. Unlike fixed-wing aircraft, helicopters can hover, move vertically, and maneuver in tight spaces, which makes them versatile but also challenging to operate. Here’s a step-by-step guide to help you understand the basics of how to fly a helicopter.
1. Understand the Helicopter Controls
A helicopter’s controls are different from those of an airplane. There are three primary controls you need to understand:
a. Cyclic Control
- What It Does: The cyclic stick is the control column located in front of the pilot. It tilts the main rotor disc, which changes the direction the helicopter moves (forward, backward, left, or right).
- How It Works: Moving the cyclic forward causes the helicopter to move forward; pulling it back causes the helicopter to move backward. Moving it left or right causes the helicopter to drift left or right.
b. Collective Control
- What It Does: The collective control lever is located to the left of the pilot’s seat. It changes the pitch of the rotor blades collectively, which controls the helicopter’s vertical lift (up and down).
- How It Works: Raising the collective increases the pitch of the rotor blades, generating more lift and causing the helicopter to ascend. Lowering the collective decreases lift, causing the helicopter to descend.
c. Anti-Torque Pedals
- What They Do: The anti-torque pedals, located on the floor in front of the pilot, control the pitch of the tail rotor blades. This controls the yaw (rotation around the vertical axis) of the helicopter.
- How They Work: Pushing the left pedal causes the helicopter to rotate left, while pushing the right pedal causes it to rotate right. This counteracts the torque produced by the main rotor and maintains directional control.
d. Throttle
- What It Does: The throttle, usually integrated into the collective lever in many helicopters, controls engine power.
- How It Works: Increases or decreases the rotor speed. In some helicopters, the throttle is automatically adjusted by a governor, but in others, it may need to be manually controlled by the pilot.
2. Pre-Flight Checks
Before starting the helicopter, perform a comprehensive pre-flight inspection to ensure everything is in good working order:
a. Check the Helicopter Exterior
- Inspect the Main and Tail Rotors: Look for cracks, dents, or other visible damage. Ensure that all rotor blades are free from ice, dirt, or debris.
- Check the Fuselage and Landing Gear: Look for structural damage, leaks, or loose components.
- Examine the Fuel and Oil Levels: Ensure that there is enough fuel for your planned flight and that oil levels are sufficient.
b. Conduct Interior Checks
- Test the Controls: Make sure the cyclic, collective, anti-torque pedals, and throttle move freely and smoothly.
- Check the Instruments: Verify that all flight instruments (altimeter, airspeed indicator, vertical speed indicator, etc.) are functioning properly.
- Communications Equipment: Ensure that radios and intercom systems are operational.
3. Start the Engine and Engage the Rotor System
- Turn on the Battery and Avionics:
- Switch on the helicopter’s battery and avionics. Check all electrical systems.
- Start the Engine:
- Follow the specific helicopter’s startup procedure, usually involving turning on the fuel pump, opening the throttle slightly, and engaging the starter.
- Monitor engine instruments (e.g., RPM, oil pressure) during startup.
- Engage the Rotor System:
- Gradually increase throttle to engage the rotor blades. If your helicopter has a rotor clutch, engage it slowly to avoid stress on the engine and transmission.
- Increase the rotor RPM to the specified level, usually governed by the helicopter’s flight manual.
4. Hovering: Mastering the Basics
Hovering is one of the most challenging aspects of helicopter flight because it requires constant, small adjustments of all controls.
a. How to Hover
- Lift Off Slowly:
- Gradually raise the collective to increase lift. As you start to lift off, the helicopter may naturally drift or rotate.
- Use the Cyclic for Position Control:
- Use small, gentle movements of the cyclic to keep the helicopter stationary over a fixed point on the ground. Forward cyclic will cause forward motion, backward cyclic will cause backward motion, etc.
- Control Yaw with the Anti-Torque Pedals:
- Use the anti-torque pedals to maintain the heading. If the helicopter begins to rotate, apply the appropriate pedal to counteract the torque.
- Balance the Controls:
- Balancing all three controls (cyclic, collective, and pedals) is key. Hovering requires continuous adjustment to maintain a stable position and altitude.
b. Common Hovering Tips
- Make Small Corrections: Avoid over-correcting, which can lead to oscillations.
- Maintain Focus: Choose a fixed point on the ground to help stabilize your hover.
- Practice in Calm Winds: Hovering is easier to learn in calm weather conditions.
5. Forward Flight: Transition from Hover to Flight
a. Transitioning to Forward Flight
- Apply Forward Cyclic:
- Gently push the cyclic forward to tilt the rotor disc and start moving the helicopter forward.
- Manage the Collective:
- As you gain forward speed, you may need to lower the collective slightly to prevent gaining too much altitude.
- Use Pedals for Directional Control:
- Use the anti-torque pedals to maintain the desired heading and counter any rotational forces.
- Adjust Throttle (if needed):
- Depending on the helicopter model, adjust the throttle to maintain appropriate rotor RPM.
b. Achieving Level Flight
- Find a Balanced State: Continue to use the cyclic to maintain a level attitude (neither climbing nor descending).
- Monitor Instruments: Keep an eye on airspeed, altitude, and heading indicators to ensure you’re maintaining steady flight.
6. Turning the Helicopter in Forward Flight
a. Use the Cyclic for Banking
- Banking Turns: Apply left or right cyclic pressure to bank the helicopter in the desired direction.
- Coordinate with Pedals: Use the pedals to maintain coordinated flight and prevent yawing.
b. Manage Collective and Throttle
- Adjust the Collective: During a turn, you may need to add or reduce collective input to maintain altitude.
- Monitor Speed: Ensure you don’t lose too much airspeed during the turn.
7. Descending and Landing
a. Begin Your Descent
- Reduce Collective:
- Lower the collective to decrease lift and start descending.
- Monitor Descent Rate:
- Use the vertical speed indicator and your visual reference to control the rate of descent.
b. Approaching the Landing Zone
- Control Your Speed: Slow down your forward speed using the cyclic, and maintain a level attitude.
- Prepare to Hover: As you approach the ground, reduce your forward speed and transition to a hover before touchdown.
c. Execute a Smooth Landing
- Hover Above the Ground:
- Hover a few feet above the ground to stabilize.
- Lower the Collective Gently:
- Gradually lower the collective to gently touch down. Maintain control with the cyclic and pedals to prevent any drift or yaw.
8. Practice Emergency Procedures
Understanding emergency procedures is crucial for safe helicopter flight. Regularly practice the following:
a. Autorotation
- What It Is: Autorotation is a maneuver that allows a helicopter to safely land in the event of engine failure.
- How to Perform It: Lower the collective immediately to reduce rotor pitch, maintain rotor RPM, and use the cyclic to control the descent and landing.
b. Settling with Power
- What It Is: A situation where the helicopter descends into its own downwash, losing lift.
- How to Avoid It: Avoid descending too quickly in a hover. If it occurs, use forward cyclic to gain speed and exit the downwash.
9. Continue Learning and Practice
- Take Lessons with a Certified Instructor: Professional training is crucial for safe helicopter operation. Instructors will provide practical experience, supervised instruction, and feedback.
- Log Flight Hours: Gain experience by logging flight hours in a variety of conditions and situations.
- Stay Current with Regulations: Ensure that you are up-to-date with aviation regulations, airspace rules, and safety practices.
Conclusion
Flying a helicopter requires a solid understanding of the controls, careful preparation, and continuous practice. While this guide outlines the basics, formal training with a certified instructor is essential to master the skills and techniques needed for safe helicopter flight. Always prioritize safety, stay aware of your surroundings, and be ready to handle emergencies effectively.