Conduct of IRR and Base Check on Modern Twin Engine Helicopters (like EC 225)
I had just had my base check done and was amazed that the authorities still require the aircraft to be hand flown in both the VMC base check and the Instrument Rating Renewal. Only in one precision approach the candidate is allowed to fly fully coupled. Management of engine failures were the old fashioned " hands on " type of flying. The super auto pilot in the EC 225 would do a good job if it is properly managed (and you have to be sharp to know how to properly manage the upper modes). The candidate is stilled lumbered with radio calls, call for checks, briefs etc and the examiner is just acting "competent without any initiative". It looks like being asked to fly a super twin engined 206! I wonder how the other parts of the world both FAA and JAR Ops authorities conduct the base checks.