AStar Techniques
I thought that everyone might have a little tip for flying the AS 350 Squirrel. I have a few to start things off.
1. Place your left pinky (smallest finger) on the throttle quadrant when adding fuel during the start. You will get much finer control (and fewer T4 "excursions")
2. If you are having trouble with the "squirrely" action of the aircraft in the final metre of landing, shake the cyclic ever so slightly but quickly (like you have Parkinson's disease) and you will grease it on every time. (Be aware that doing this incorrectly could lead to spilling all the lift and even worse dynamic roll over).
3. Can't remember to turn off the landing light? Turn on the switch lights when you turn on the landing/taxi light and this will remind you on shut down.
4. Push on the back of the front door 20 cm up from the bottom and it will close beautifully every time. Higher up near the handle causes the door to distort and be difficult.
5. Make your approach with the nose pointed left and you won't have to peer and strain to see over the dash.
6. Our company wants the tail rotor horizontal when the helicopter is tied down (to prevent water from accumulating and throwing the t/r out of balance) If the t/r is vertical, rotate the main blades 1/3 of a turn and the t/r will be close to horizontal. This only matters if you have the blade to the front tie down system