For Plats Thanks very much for that. I must admit to not remembering the term "underslung" used in this context. So, that's something I've learned today.
For Whirls Thanks to you also. I just might put that book on my Christmas list.
Thanks again, both.
For Jacob On a piston-engined helicopter, you press the starter, and it usually starts. Quite simple, really.
On a modern, sophisticated helicopter with all the bells and whistles, you press the starter, and it usually starts. Quite simple really.
On the rest, you press the starter and spend the next thirty seconds or so adusting the throttle in order to prevent the engine temperature getting too high or too low, making sure the compressor is accelerating normally, ensuring rotor RPM is increasing, monitoring engine oil pressure, hydraulic oil pressure, transmission oil pressure, battery voltage, warning panel lights, making sure no one walks into or out of the rotor disc, deciding whether or not to ignore pax tapping you on the shoulder. Quite complex, really.
Seriously, it is a complicated procedure, and I still marvel at the many very clever people who, over the years, have designed and developed these engines which manage to start correctly virtually every time.