Originally Posted by Crab
Do you want to produce a generation of helicopter pilots who are similarly challenged?
Good point well made, Crab. Absolutely the intention is not to compromise the high standards attained by commercial helicopter pilots. I am simply looking at the problem from the perspective of a mechanical engineer, who identifies a problem inherent in helicopter control systems. Believe me, i am extremely used to the levels of abuse machines can be put through by lack of training - in my case i professionally design off-highway mining trucks.
My arguement is actually the reverse. By making the machine as easy to fly as a fixed wing, you broaden both it's applications and it's appeal - i am considering R22 size machines specifically here. This means that helicopter manufacturers can begin to benefit from the reduced costs of higher volume. This means machine and operating cost goes down - if insurers are competing fairly they have to consider a machine with larger error margin favourably. Experienced pilots such as yourself are always going to be in demand, since even a machine with benign failsafe handling is still doing something which can essentially be considered dangerous - with regulations to suit.
The point is that this technology is not new, but there is just no commercial incentive for manufacturers to implement it. I imagine that will be until one manufacturer takes that step...
Mart