Certainly an issue. More training and operation/operator specific advice would help. The other aspect that is peculiar to onshore helicopters is the problem of maintaining IR/IFR currency in most operations.
In lots of ways we are the other extreme end of the spectrum from the archetypal airline pilot system monitor. We can be all hands on, they are never hands on. Everyone needs enough training and currency to be able to make full use of the AFCS and also be able to fly the thing manually.
Although it is not a replacement for training/practice we can inform/remind ourselves of our AFCSs with systems operation & training manuals. [Some of us do spend a lot of time on shift but waiting around]. In my experience, I have worked in several situations where it was quite difficult to get hold of these, which seems rather counterproductive. Sometimes manufacturers are too keen to "maximise the revenue stream", and only make available manuals for astronomical prices. In other situations, you even get trainers using the "information is power" method of (not) disseminating information, sadly.
Last edited by Helinut; 1st Nov 2011 at 12:03.
Reason: to add explanation