Thanks Nick, that was exactly the kind of info that I'm interested in. I guess it comes down to risk management, how many other things are more likely to happen that require closer attention. And I can't emphasize enough how quick the hand returns to the collective with the slightest hint of trouble. I can also say that in the 10000 + hrs of flying helicopters, other than an engine failure due to snow ingestion, any failures I've experienced (and I've had a few) have always been preceded by some notice of "bad things to come"
polehog