Mmn - some debate on when to use PAT and APT! I suppose it will depend on whether you are cruise climbing or not - but in a helicopter if have always thought it went this way:
To start a climb - APT - Attitude to use your IAS to start the climb, then Power then Trim.
To level off from a climb - APT - Attitude to convert your ROC to forward IAS, then Power - set for the cruise, then Trim.
To descend - PAT - reduce Power, adjust Attitude to descent speed then Trim.
To level off from a descent - PAT - increase Power to arrest ROD, adjust Attitude to desired speed and Trim.
As far as the acronym for FERRET, Monsieur Le Fake Sealion, it does not stand for anything yet but I am sure that you can think of something suitable?
The Ferret
