In general, I’m for training for the task, not training to pass an exam. In the same manner that medical training should focus on producing good physicians not just passing a medical board exam, so too should helicopter training focus on producing good pilots – not just passing an exam flight.
I hold both JAA and FAA PPL(H) licenses and found both programmes to have holes, but I find the JAA/CAA variant to be much farther “behind the curve” in regards to preparing a pilot. I’d note, if both programmes are undertaken they do complement each other (article: Blades Magazine Dec09)
VOR? The last time I used a VOR was for my JAA exam flight 6 years ago, which was also the last time I think I saw one installed in a helicopter that I was flying. I personally found it a waste of time and wish to see it removed from the syllabus as a requirement. We could maybe teach the basics of VOR, but concentrate and include training on GPS (how-to info/limitations) – which is far more prevalent.
5hr Instrument Awareness Training? Include one full hour to give the student general the idea/process. The real lesson you want the student pilot to receive is to understand how dangerous it is to fly into IMC and avoid it in the first instance (not give them an unwarranted confidence in entering IMC)
Some other CAA silliness:
· Prohibited use of simple calculators in the exam? Why – I’ve used hand-held electronic calculators since the 1970s and have never had one fail
· Required use of circular slide rules (CRP-1 etc)? The last time I used one was also 6 six years ago for my JAA exam. I also think using a CRP-1 hanging from a string around your neck, with one hand, while commanding a helicopter is stupid & dangerous
· No training for off-airport landings? After receiving your license, it’s exactly what most PPL helicopter do on every flight – why not train for them?