Heli Display flying
A big thanks to the many guys who are contributing to the post.
I'd have to say that I have been far from aware of the goodly number of pilots who have knowledge of the display manoeuvres being employed ... and it is especially good to see input from guys like Nick Lappos.
In the case of the Enstrom Shark, the display sequence I worked up for the 1970s Farnborough shows was passed to me by the one time factory test pilots, being Mike Meger and Mott Stanchfield, both displayed the 280C at the 1973 & 1974 events. In fact it was in 1973, that I crewed for Mike Meger when he took first place in the second ever world heli championships 'freestyle' event at Middle Wallop, England.
My display routine was more than thoroughly investigated by the engineering division at the Enstrom plant in Menominee. The Chief designers, Herb Mosely and Paul Schultz went through each manoeuvre before giving me clearance. In those days there was no CAA involvement and the DA didn't exist. I flew a dozen displays with tell-tale equipment fitted to the M/R hub and max rotor disc defelection measurement ... all proved acceptable and the display I'm performing in 2008 are identical to the 1970s sequence.
I have 17 set manoeuvres where each have a 'gate' speed and height. The two are interchangeable for operating conditions. And yes, I have flown the sequence with a 'G' meter AND a rearward reading ASI. The manoeuvres to be flown for any given display are set out based on the display location, atmospheric conditions and the time slot requested.
I'm approaching my 1214th public display at the London City Airport event next month so I regard the display as well established. I take note of the variant views on such flying, but in the same way a violinists, a showjumper, a singer or all the other areas where the participant is pleasing the spectator, I feel rotary displays are a worthwhile part of our industry. Motivation? Just as written, but I have to add, the immense personal satisfaction of performing well for the air show crowd. (then there is the money!)
To answer 'Top End Torque' (something I never achieve in display work) the set manoeuvres you refer to were laid down by the FIA for the 1986 world champs event. Rather like ice dancing, competitors were offered a selection of manoeuvres are varying difficulty, but each carrying correspondingly more marks. In theory a display pilot could win the event using a constant hover! But it would have to be a good one!
I have taken part in the subsequent 1992, 2002 and 2005 world champ events and haven't seen the 1986 system used since. Now a 500 metre box with a 500 ft max height is provided in which the display pilot flies his preferred 'freestyle' manoeuvres in a strictly set time of 180 seconds, so every manoeuvre needs to score!
Display flying is obviously something very dear to my heart, especially as AD is catching up all too quickly and I'm fascinated to read ppruners posts. I'm also hoping to display either the Enstrom 480T or the Schweizer in Utah in a couple of weeks time.
This year, the champs are to be held in Germany, near Leipzig. I'll be there and would love to get a place as the oldest pilot to win something in a world championship event. Seventy-Six and counting!
Safe and good flying to you all.
Dennis Kenyon.