Stuck pedal - low power scenario
Geoffers stated: "just remember that unless your simulator has been programmed with actual flight data then it would have been programmed using a mathematical model and given the evidence I have seen thus far I would be a touch sceptical"
I'm with you 100% on that! They're good for teaching the initial recognition and reaction but I'm not convinced thereafter.
Hughes500 stated "I think it is better to be straight into the wind so you keep precious airflow over your stabiliser to help keep it straight"
I think you may well have a point in the H500 as the front of the skid tends to touchdown first (as does the R44). However, on the Squirrel (which is the type I've taught this on most often), with a slight nose-up on the skids as it runs on, it's posssible to touch the back of the skid down first which acts as an 'anchor' and straightens the aircraft up as it slides on. Therefore, a slight cross wind (from the right on the Squirrel but from the left with Yankee helis) helps this to happen. It takes practice but if the surface is smooth, it's possible to slow down significantly with only the aft of the skid in contact before gently completing the landing. Remebering not dump the lever during the slide-on as you breathe a sigh of relief.
Nigel H stated: "I shall do it with someone like JJ next LPC for sure"
Although I've got my FE(H) suspension revoked, I've not completed the renewal flight and seminar so I'm not in a position to do your next PC. I've had the wind knocked out of my sails wrt examining over the last few years and am not sure I'm ready to take on the responsibility again. I'll gladly spend an hour or two doing some revision of techniques though if you come over to Sleap (FOC of course).
My only addition to the discussion is that if it starts to get away from you at the bottom ofthe approach, it's almost always possible to go-around if done soon enough using gentle cyclic to build translational lift. Then re-organise your thoughts, learn from the mistakes of the last approach then have another go.
If you don't make that decision to go-around soon enough and the aircraft starts to spin, try to wash off all the speed, chop the throttle and cushion the touchdown. If done over a hard surface, the probable yaw at touchdown will be inconsequential if the aircraft is kept level.
JJ
Edited for typo
Last edited by jellycopter; 16th February 2013 at 19:53.