R44 Cyclic friction
Advice for a newbie please.
I now have 300 hours in my Raven 2.
I received the best possible training and customer service from Heli Air at Wellesbourne - no wonder they are the worlds leading Robinson dealer ( Ref: Rotor Torque magazine Summer 07).
A minor matter on the operation of the R44. I have spoken to many pilots about the use of the cyclic friction in flight and have yet to speak to anybody who applies it.
The Raven 2's controls are extremely light and sensitive. I find that in less than smooth air it is impossible to avoid 'pilot induced turbulence' through uncommanded cyclic control inputs, simply due to your own body being moved around.
I therefore routinely apply the collective friction after take-off and leave it set throughout. I also have no problem in leaving it set to some degree throughout the landing, and, again believe that this is of great benefit to me, especially if there is turbulent air around - often the case in confined areas etc.
So, a control lock on the ground only or a useful flight control?
Try it and see.
Hairyplane