Originally Posted by
joshperry
...Because of this we run into policies at flight schools that don't allow full-down autos, or off-airport landings, because of the inherent possibility of damage to the aircraft. How on earth are you supposed to do the right thing in an emergency situation if you never get the chance to actually practice the full maneuver?...
Joshperry, you might be interested to read of this old case of practice autorotation at night of a police JetRanger helicopter in Australia. While the report is brief and doesn't actually say it, I seem to recall reading that after this incident, the NSW Police decided it was more risky to practice such a full-down auto (at night) than to just deal with the situation as best as possible if it happens in reality. Others may recall more:
https://www.atsb.gov.au/publications.../aair198702416
I wasn't sure what you meant by "anachronistic state of technology" and "subpar equipment"? Did you intend for that to apply to the R44 of the incident you mentioned, or the fixed wing aircraft you referred to? If a rudder on an aircraft is suspected of not functioning as intended, it should be examined and serviced if necessary whether it is on a 2024 built aircraft or a vintage aircraft.