Pedals in Neutral are at the point where the Tail Fin is working at its best to streamline the aircraft due to weather vane effect....thus requiring the least thrust from the Tail Rotor. The Tail Rotor is also helping in that regard despite being in a neutral position.
For training purposes I use two positions for the pedals.
To make it Ambidextrous....Left and Right Turning Rotor Systems.....Power Pedal is the one you push forward to counter-act increased Torque.
Power On.....Perform a Max Performance Takeoff pulling more than Hover Power.....and lock the pedals at the max travel required to trim the aircraft as you begin the takeoff and have the maximum power applied. Continue around the pattern and land.
Power Off (Loss of Thrust-Loss of Components)....apply up to 80-90% Power Off Pedal. Depending upon amount of yaw.....either a running landing or EOL as required.
For Bell Helicopters....using manual control of the throttle and flying down the runway following a Tar Joint or painted line....and controlling the Yaw by throttle alone is a very good exercise. Some parts of the USA....you can follow a fence line for miles and miles.
Last edited by SASless; 26th Feb 2013 at 15:07.