Little Difference Between Models
Over the years I was provided with the opportunity to teach and evaluate varying levels of pilots from initial qualifiers to test pilot trainees in the U/TH-1E and L series (Bell 204) UH-1D/H Bell 205 and the AH-1G/J/S and T. The profiles were all very similar with little change between models. At Whiting Field in Milton, FL (Boo Weekley’s home town) our Squadron Flew approximately 50,000 flight hours per year. It may sound like a lot but we had more than 100 machines with approximately 60 flying each day. We wrecked 1 machine each year doing tail rotor malfunction training. I don’t believe that the unit ever had an actual tail rotor malfunction emergency.
We utilized a procedure very similar to that trained by our brethren at Ft. Rucker. We flew a flat power on approach to a long smooth landing area. As the aircraft decelerated we would keep close track of the yaw angle with respect to our ground track. Typically, the nose would be cocked out to the left. If it stayed left we would continue to slow the aircraft until the nose began to move to the right or we came to a hover. In the case of stuck pedal high power situation we may elect to land with the nose turning to the left. If the yaw rate was considered too excessive we had the option of beeping the governed RPM down to the lowest achievable speed. This would increase the torque required while simultaneously reducing tail rotor thrust. If the nose began to move right of our track we would reduce the twist grip to check the yaw rate and land. Once the twist grip was moved we were committed to land.