PPRuNe Forums - View Single Post - Helicopters with wheels are forbidden to hovertaxy or not?
Old 5th Sep 2010, 20:13
  #18 (permalink)  
ShyTorque

Avoid imitations
 
Join Date: Nov 2000
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Well, that must be some very expensive tyres and brakes if you compare it to the extra unnecesary airborne time that you put on all the other components of your helicopter, getting them exchanged just a few hours earlier...
If I flew a larger type like the S-92, as per your profile, I might agree about relative cost.

However, on the (smaller) type I fly, where I fly, if I ground taxy at our base airport we're looking up to 10 minutes of rolling time, as opposed to far less airborne time. As the rotor mast is tilted forwards, to avoid going beyond the max allowed ground speed, especially with the nosewheel unlocked for turning, the brakes do need a lot of use and it's easy to cook the pads and discs.

The extra couple of minutes airborne time is insignificant to a brake fire or a burst tyre.

Also, as I said, the pax prefer it.
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