Never having flown the S61/SeaKing, I am always intrigued by the television cockpit pics showing the co-pilot with his hands on the speed selects during take-off & landing/hovering situations. Anybody enlighten me what this is about?
S61 or US manufactured Sikorsky SH3 etc. Seaking - GE Engines with hydromechanical governors.
Prone to Rotor RPM droop so RPM increased from normal cruise figure of 100% for take off/landing/hovering by advancing Speed Select Levers to 104% (? I haven't flown one for yonks so brain may be going). In the event of any malfunction, both SSL's are advanced fully forward which is why NHP keeps hand on levers during these phases of flight.
Westland built Seakings with much more powerful RR Gnome engines controlled by fuel computers (albeit very basic) - much more responsive - no need for SSL advance.
Trog